Do You Need an Ocean Beach DUI Lawyer? We Can Help
Ocean Beach DUI Lawyer
Given its size and reputation, the crime rate in sunny, vibrant Ocean Beach is lower than in most other San Diego communities, but driving under the influence (DUI) offenses can happen to anyone at any time, and if you have been arrested for DUI in Ocean Beach, your freedom, your finances, and your entire future may be on the line. The consequences of a DUI can be severe and long-lasting, even for a first-time offense, and many individuals arrested for DUI in Ocean Beach are not aware of their rights under California law, which puts them at serious risk. For the best possible defense against Ocean Beach DUI charges, you need an attorney on your side who specializes in the defense of DUI cases in Ocean Beach and throughout San Diego and Southern California. Contact our knowledgeable DUI lawyers at Sevens Legal, APC as soon as possible to schedule a free DUI consultation and case evaluation.
Skilled Ocean Beach DUI Lawyer
Facing DUI charges can be scary and confusing, but the key to obtaining a satisfactory resolution to your DUI case is having a seasoned, trial-tested defense lawyer in your corner who is familiar with your criminal history, California DUI laws and the specific facts of your case. Whether this is your first offense, your third, or your fifth, hiring a reputable DUI lawyer who can help you minimize the negative consequences of a DUI arrest or conviction is the key to defending yourself against damaging DUI charges. At Sevens Legal, our DUI lawyers have earned a reputation for successfully defending clients against all types of Ocean Beach DUI charges, and we pride ourselves on providing our clients with exceptional legal representation at an affordable price. If you have been charged with DUI in Ocean Beach, we offer a free initial consultation to ensure that you understand your rights and the legal options afforded to you under the law.
Ocean Beach DUI
DUI – California Vehicle Code § 23152 VC
There are two main components to the DUI law in California: Vehicle Code § 23152 (a) VC, which makes it a crime to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, and Vehicle Code § 23152 (b) VC, which makes it a crime to drive a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. This may sound like two ways to describe the same criminal offense, but VC § 23152 (a) and VC § 23152 (b) are actually two independent crimes that can arise from the same illegal act, and they are charged separately under California law.
Punishment for a DUI in Ocean Beach
First-Time DUI Offense (Misdemeanor)
- Up to six months in county jail,
- Misdemeanor probation,
- Up to $1,000 in fines, plus additional fees and costs,
- Driver’s license suspension for six months,
- DUI school for three to nine months, and/or
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID).
Second-Time DUI Offense (Misdemeanor)
- Up to one year in county jail,
- Misdemeanor probation,
- Up to $1,000 in fines, plus additional fees and costs,
- Driver’s license suspension for two years,
- DUI school for 18 to 30 months, and/or
- Installation of an IID.
Third-Time DUI Offense (Misdemeanor)
- Up to one year in county jail,
- Misdemeanor probation,
- Up to $1,000 in fines, plus additional fees and costs,
- Driver’s license suspension for three years,
- DUI school for 30 months, and/or
- Installation of an IID.
Fourth & Subsequent DUI Offense (Felony)
- 16 months, two, three or four years in state prison,
- Felony probation,
- Up to $1,000 in fines, plus additional fees and costs,
- Driver’s license suspension for four years,
- DUI school for 30 months,
- Installation of an IID, and/or
- Habitual Traffic Offender registration.
What to do After a DUI Arrest
Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
If you have been accused of DUI in Ocean Beach, you may be tempted to try to explain your situation to the police or talk yourself out of facing criminal charges, but the best way to protect yourself and avoid making an inadvertent admission of guilt is by exercising your right to remain silent. The police may pretend they are on your side and tell you they are only there to help, but remember that their main goal is to gather evidence against you the prosecution can use in court. Remaining silent until you consult with an attorney is the best way to avoid accidentally incriminating yourself.
Contact a Knowledgeable Ocean Beach DUI Lawyer
Another important right you have when facing DUI charges in Ocean Beach is the right to an attorney. The best way to prevent the negative consequences of a DUI conviction from adversely affecting you for years to come is to hire a knowledgeable DUI defense attorney to represent you, and there is no time to waste. After you have been arrested for DUI, you only have ten days to contact the California DMV and schedule a hearing to challenge the suspension of your license, or else your license will automatically be suspended after 30 days. The sooner you contact our Ocean Beach DUI lawyers, the sooner we can put our team to work helping you retain your driving privileges and beat your drunk driving charges.
Ocean Beach DUI Defense
- You drove a motor vehicle, and
- When you drove, you were under the influence of alcohol or had a BAC of 0.08% or higher.
Defense Strategies in an Ocean Beach DUI Case
The state of California has taken a tough stance on drunk driving, and the penalties that accompany a DUI conviction in California are some of the toughest in the nation. That being said, just because you have been accused of DUI in Ocean Beach does not automatically mean that you will be convicted of the crime and sentenced to jail. There are many drunk driving defenses your attorney can present at trial to contest the prosecution’s evidence against you and secure an acquittal, including the following:
- Miranda violation
- Unlawful arrest
- Illegal DUI checkpoint
- False positive alcohol test results
- Title 17 violation
- Lack of probable cause
- Police misconduct
- Forced blood draw
Our Ocean Beach DUI Attorneys Can Help
Contacting an Ocean Beach DUI Lawyer Near Me
At Sevens Legal, APC we pride ourselves on our commitment to prompt responses to our potential clients and clients. Your case is very important to us and we will respond to you as soon as possible.