DUI

Santa Maria Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys

Working Hard to Get the Best Possible Outcome on Your DUI Case

If you were recently accused of driving under the influence of alcohol, you may be concerned about your driver’s license, your job, your record, and the impact this charge could have on your future. The good news is that at the Stein-Conaway Law Firm, P.C., we understand the stress and uncertainty that follow a drunk driving arrest, and we are here to help you navigate what comes next.

When you contact Stein-Conaway Law Firm, P.C. to represent you, you will see that our attorneys approach DUI cases with both care and determination. We take the time to understand your situation, explain your options, and develop a thoughtful defense strategy designed to protect your rights. With more than 110 years of combined criminal defense experience, our Santa Maria DUI lawyers know how to challenge DUI allegations and pursue the most favorable outcome possible. We will explore defenses available to use for getting your DUI charges dismissed, reduced, or lessening the penalties and reducing the negative impact the case can have on your life. If you’re ready to learn how we can help you get the best possible outcome, call our law office for a free initial consultation.

What Are California’s DUI Laws?

It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated due to alcohol or drugs, or both,  in California. If a police officer pulls you over and you take a chemical test that shows your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, the officer can arrest you for driving with a 0.08% BAC or higher (DUI).

In some cases, you can be arrested for DUI even if your BAC is not above the legal limit. For example, police can rely on their observations of your driving or use field sobriety tests to determine if you appear to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both.

A DUI arrest can feel overwhelming, but it is important to remember that an arrest is not the same as a conviction. Our Santa Maria DUI attorneys carefully review every aspect of the stop, arrest, and testing procedures to identify errors or violations that may weaken the prosecution’s case. Call our law firm to learn more about what our DUI attorneys can do for you.

What Is the Punishment for a First-Offense DUI in California?

The consequences of a DUI conviction can be severe. This is why it’s so important to speak with an experienced DUI lawyer about your legal options after your arrest.

If this is your first offense of this kind, and you did not cause an injury to another person, you’ll likely face a misdemeanor charge that could result in:

  • 48 hours to 6 months in county jail
  • Fines
  • Driver’s license suspension for 6 or 10 months
  • Probation for 3 to 5 years
  • Required completion of a 3-month or 9-month DUI program

You may be able to avoid actually going to jail for a first-time DUI as alternatives to jail may be available. Our attorneys help clients prepare for both court proceedings and DMV hearings, working to reduce penalties and protect driving privileges. A DUI lawyer with knowledge of this state’s laws can answer your questions and prepare you for the DMV hearing and any other upcoming court dates, so call our firm today.

What Are the Potential Penalties If You Have Prior DUI Convictions?

While the courts may be somewhat forgiving of a first-time DUI where you didn’t injure anyone, they’re stricter and harsher when you have prior DUI convictions on your record. As a result, if you get a second DUI within 10 years, the consequences could include:

  • 96 hours to 1 year in county jail
  • Fines
  • License suspension for 2 years
  • Probation for 3 to 5 years
  • Required completion of a DUI program that lasts 18 or 30 months

A third DUI conviction in 10 years can lead to more severe consequences, such as:

  • 120 days to 1 year of jail time
  • Fines
  • License revocation for 3 years
  • Probation for 3 to 5 years
  • Required completion of a 18 or 30-month DUI program

If you get a fourth DUI within 10 years, while it is a wobbler, meaning it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, it is typically charged as a felony that could lead to:

  • 180 days to 3 years in state prison
  • Fines
  • License revocation for 4 years
  • Probation for 3 to 5 years
  • Required completion of a 18 or 30-month DUI program

In many cases, you’ll also be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID)  on your motor vehicle, ensuring that your car won’t start if the device detects alcohol on your breath. If this requirement is imposed upon you, you’ll be given an IID-restricted license that prohibits you from driving any vehicle not equipped with an ignition interlock device.

These penalties could significantly affect your future, especially if you’re convicted of a felony DUI. Beyond jail or prison time, a felony DUI conviction can affect your ability to find work or housing, keep professional licenses, and may create serious immigration issues if you are not a United States Citizen. That’s why you need DUI attorneys with extensive experience fighting DUI charges in Santa Maria, California. Call our firm today to discuss your DUI case with trusted defense attorneys.

How Can Our Santa Maria Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys Help You?

If you’re worried about losing your freedom and driving privileges after an arrest, contact Stein-Conaway Law Firm, P.C. to speak with a Santa Maria DUI lawyer about your case. We are here to defend you from serious criminal DUI charges, whether that means working toward getting your case dismissed, negotiating a plea bargain for reduced charges or penalties, or taking your case to trial.

Our goal is to protect our clients from jail time, loss of driving privileges, loss of their professional licenses, or from life-changing immigration consequences that are frequently seen in Santa Maria DUI cases. If you have questions about what to expect at the DMV hearing, what your charges mean, or other details, call 805-439-6069 to speak to a Santa Maria DUI lawyer.