DUI Lawyer in Salinas
Nearly Three Decades of Criminal Defense Experience
Have you been charged with DUI? The consequences can be serious and may even impact employment. The best thing you can do for your case is to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer. At the Law Office of John Klopfenstein, our Salinas DUI attorney has handled hundreds of DUI cases for clients, both as a former public defender and in solo practice.
Please contact us at (831) 610-5921 to get advice about your case in a consultation with an experienced Salinas DUI attorney.
DUI Charges in California
Blood alcohol content (BAC) is used to determine whether a driver is intoxicated. Each state has set a legal limit for blood alcohol content. If you are above the legal limit, you may be charged with DUI. In California, the legal limit for BAC depends on the age of the driver and whether you are driving your personal vehicle or employed as a commercial driver.
In California, you can be charged with DUI for a BAC of:
- 0.08% or higher for drivers over the age of 21
- 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers
- 0.01% for drivers under the age of 21
In addition, drivers in California can be prosecuted for driving while under the influence of drugs, such as all illegal drugs and certain over-the-counter and prescription medications that are known to impair an individual’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Whether you have been accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you need a skilled DUI lawyer in Salinas to represent you.
Should You Rerun Bloodwork?
Many people believe that bloodwork is irrefutable evidence in DUI cases. However, this is not categorically true. In fact, there may be value in rerunning a blood test. Human error or technical mishaps in the lab happen, leading to bad or inaccurate results.
A compelling example of this is a recent case we handled, where a client was charged with a DUI after a blood test indicated the presence of prescription drugs and alcohol in their system. Upon Attorney Klopfenstein's insistence on retesting the blood sample, an astonishing discovery was made: The blood type reported initially was incorrect. This pivotal find suggested that the wrong sample was tested, casting significant doubt on the accuracy of the DUI charges.
This scenario underscores the critical importance of questioning and verifying every piece of evidence in DUI cases. With so much at stake, rooting out procedural and technical mistakes, like errors in bloodwork, can be the key to proving a client's innocence.
To find out if rerunning bloodwork is a good idea for your situation, contact our law firm online or call (831) 610-5921 and schedule a consultation with our attorney.
Penalties for a DUI Conviction
Being charged with a DUI in California can have serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. It's important to understand the potential penalties and repercussions of a DUI conviction in order to make informed decisions about your defense strategy.
Even a first conviction can carry harsh penalties, including up to six months in jail, up to $2,000 in fines, and a license suspension of up to a year. DUI convictions stay on your record for 10 years, and the penalties increase with subsequent convictions.
Some potential DUI penalties in California include:
- License suspension or revocation
- Fines and court fees
- Ignition interlock device installation
- Probation
- Community service
- Alcohol education programs
- Possible jail time or prison time
If you are charged with felony DUI, you face even harsher consequences, including prison time and thousands of dollars in fines.
Our experienced DUI lawyer in Salinas can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and work towards the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your DUI charges and defense options.
What Is an Ignition Interlock Device?
You may be required to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed on your vehicle when you are able to drive again. This device makes it impossible to start your vehicle until you have passed a breathalyzer test to measure your BAC.
An ignition interlock device may need to be installed for:
- Six months for the first DUI conviction
- One year for the second offense
- Two years for a third conviction
- Three years for fourth and subsequent offenses
The best strategy for your defense depends on a variety of factors and the circumstances of your arrest. During your initial consultation Attorney John Klopfenstein will review your case, listen to your side of the story, and recommend the most effective way to proceed in your situation.
Give us a call today at (831) 610-5921 or contact us online to discuss your situation with our Salinas DUI attorney.
