DUI Attorney in Solvang, California
Arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) don’t just happen to people who have problems with alcohol or reckless drivers. Anyone can get pulled over for drunk driving—and I mean anyone. It’s a mistake that can wreak havoc in your life. Whether you didn’t realize you had too much to drink or you believe the charges against you are wrong, you might want to contact a DUI attorney in Solvang, California.
At Valhallaw, I have proudly served numerous drivers throughout the Central Coast region of California, helping them successfully resolve their DUI charges. Whatever circumstances led to your arrest, I’m ready to discuss your specific situation and advise you on the best criminal defense strategy for your case.
DUI Laws in California
Under Vehicle Code § 23152, California law makes it a crime to drive:
Under the influence of alcohol (any alcoholic beverage);
Under the influence of any drug that impairs their normal faculties;
Under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs; or
With blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels of 0.08% or higher.
The 0.08% BAC limit applies to all adult drivers aged 21 or older operating passenger vehicles in the state of California. For drivers under the age of 21, it’s illegal to drive with BAC levels of 0.01% or higher, while drivers who hold a commercial driver’s license can face DUI charges if their BAC is at least 0.04%.
I Was Arrested for DUI – Now What?
If you have been arrested for and charged with driving under the influence, there will be two cases pending against you:
Civil (administrative): During an Administrative Per Se License (APS) hearing, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will determine whether to suspend or revoke your driver’s license.
Criminal: During a criminal proceeding, the prosecution will have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that, at the time of driving, you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or your BAC level was 0.08% or higher. Criminal cases are prosecuted by the Prosecutor’s Office.
While an administrative proceeding is optional, a criminal proceeding is required. APS hearings take place only if the person arrested for DUI requests such a hearing within 10 days of their arrest. Failure to request the hearing within the 10 days counts as the defendant’s automatic forfeiture of their right to contest driver’s license suspension. As a DUI attorney, I represent clients facing drunk driving charges at both the administrative and criminal level.
You Deserve a Strong Defense
Reach Out TodayPenalties for DUI
If it’s your first time facing DUI charges, the potential punishment will depend on your unique circumstances. Possible penalties include:
Up to six months in jail
About $2,000 in fines
Probation for three to five years
Driver’s license suspension for four months
A three-month DUI program (also known as DUI classes)
The installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
The penalties for DUI can be quite harsh. However, the punishment can be far worse if you have any prior DUIs on your record or if any aggravating factors exist, such as:
Your BAC level was 0.15% or higher
You refused to take a chemical test
There were children in your car at the time of the arrest
You caused an accident with or without injuries
You were speeding while DUI
You were driving with a suspended license
As a California DUI attorney at Valhallaw, I can review the details of your case to assess the presence of any aggravating factors. If there are any, I will fight tirelessly to help you avoid the harsh penalties to minimize the impact of a conviction. That, of course, if your case doesn’t qualify for a complete dismissal, which is always my top priority when representing clients.
Why Choose Valhallaw?
Having represented clients throughout the Central Coast region of California since 1996, I have earned a reputation for being a fierce advocate to clients both in and out of court. I founded Valhallaw with one mission in mind: to assist people when they need it the most. My law firm is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help any current or potential client in need.
Why You Need Valhallaw
Hiring a DUI attorney is one of the best decisions you can make when your life has been turned upside down. My law firm is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for those who come to me for help.
I leverage my 25+ years of experience to provide innovative solutions to clients facing DUI and other criminal charges. With me as your legal counsel, you can feel at ease knowing that your case is in competent hands.
DUI Attorney in Solvang, California
Facing DUI charges can be a frightening and unsettling experience. It may feel like your best bet is to accept a plea bargain and forget about the whole thing as it was a bad dream. But is it really the “best” outcome given the far-reaching consequences of a DUI conviction? I doubt it.
You may still have viable avenues for an effective defense, and my law firm—Valhallaw—is here to assist you. As a DUI lawyer in Solvang, I also serve clients in other areas of the Central Coast region of California: Santa Barbara, Salinas, Los Alamos, Lompoc, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, King City, Greenfield, Carmel Valley, Watsonville, and Santa Cruz. Reach out today to set up a consultation and discuss your defense options.