Mendocino County DUI Attorneys

Defending Clients Facing DUI Charges in California 

DUI is a serious crime that puts you at risk for various penalties in the state of California. The state has implemented strict laws to deter drunk driving and protect public safety. Many people arrested for DUI face their first experience with the criminal justice system and thus are unprepared for what is to come and how to defend themselves. It can also mean that you have misconceptions about the law, the proceedings, and whether or not you should hire a Mendocino County DUI lawyer.

Understanding California's DUI laws is essential to ensure compliance and avoid legal consequences. At Wilber Law Offices, everyone should have the advantage of reputable and competent DUI defense representation when confronted with government-funded prosecution.

You may think you have little chance of defending yourself against DUI, but that is far from the reality of the situation. Much about DUI arrests can be found faulty when you have a seasoned team on your side, which is what our firm offers. Through a thorough investigation into the facts, from the initial stop to police procedure to testing equipment, our team knows all the issues and problems that can weaken or nullify the state’s case against you. That is why we recommend you call us immediately following any DUI arrest in Mendocino County.

Have you been charged with a DUI in California? Call Wilber Law Offices today at (707) 597-7977 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our DUI lawyer in Mendocino County!

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits

It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher for most drivers aged 21 and older in Mendocino County.

Zero Tolerance Policy (Under 21 BAC Limit)

For drivers under the age of 21, the "zero tolerance" policy applies, meaning any measurable amount of alcohol in their system can result in a DUI charge.

BAC Limit for Commercial Drivers

For commercial drivers operating commercial vehicles, the legal BAC limit is 0.04%.

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in CA

California has a separate offense called "Driving Under the Influence of Drugs" (DUID), which applies to individuals impaired by drugs, whether prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal substances.

DUI Cases We Handle 

We handle all types of DUI charges, including: first, second, third, and subsequent charges, DUI with injury, under 21 or college student DUI, DUI for commercially-licensed drivers, aggravated DUI with excessive blood alcohol concentration, DUI with child endangerment, and drug DUI's. 

General DUI Penalties in California

Any of these put you at risk for the following penalties:

• Jail time
• Fines plus court fees
• The loss of your license
• Years of probation
• Community service hours
• Weekly attendance at DUI School
• Potential substance abuse education, testing, or treatment
• Restricted licenses with ignition interlock devices
• SR-22 vehicle insurance

Along with the above, a conviction gives you a permanent criminal record that will be accessible on any routine background check. This can hinder future opportunities for employment, housing, advanced education, and professional career licenses, such as plumbing, electrical, teaching, nursing, real estate, piloting, pharmacy, and more. For those who are noncitizens, a criminal record can negatively affect your immigration status and lead to deportation.

California DUI Penalties

DUI conviction penalties in California vary based prior DUI convictions within a specified period and the specific circumstances of the offense. Penalties become increasingly severe with each subsequent conviction.

First-Offense DUI

The potential penalties for a first-time misdemeanor DUI offense include:

• Jail for up to 6 months
• Fines up to $1,000
• License suspension for up to 4 months
  • Possible restricted license after a 30-day hard suspension period
• 3 or 9 months of DUI School
• Summary probation, generally lasting 3-5 years

Second-Offense DUI

The potential penalties for a second-time misdemeanor DUI offense within 10 years include:

• 96 hours to 1 year in county jail
• Fines up to $1,000
• License suspension for up to 2 years (1 year if you choose an IID)
  • Possible restricted license after a 1 year
• 18 or 30 months of DUI School
• 3-5 years of summary probation

Third-Offense DUI

The potential penalties for a third-time misdemeanor DUI offense within 10 years include:

• 120 days to 1 year in county jail
• Fines up to $1,000
• Mandatory IID installation for 2 years
• License suspension for up to 3 years (2 years if you choose an IID)
  • Possible restricted license after a 18 months
• 30-month DUI School
• 3-5 years of summary probation
• Designated as “habitual traffic offender” by the DMV

Felony DUI

A felony DUI is typically four or more DUI convictions within 10 years. The potential penalties for a felony DUI offense include:

• 16 months to 2 or 3 years in state prison
• Fines up to $1,000 (total costs may reach above $10,000)
• Mandatory IID installation for 1 year
• License suspension for up to 5 years (sometimes permanently)
• 30-month DUI School
• 3-5 years of summary probation
• Designated as “habitual traffic offender” by the DMV
• Designated as a convicted felon

Contact Our Mendocino County DUI Lawyer!

When facing all of the potential consequences of a DUI, your choice of an attorney is crucial. We believe that experience counts, especially if you are pressured to plead guilty. Don’t waive your rights without speaking to our Mendocino County DUI lawyers. We can advise you about your case and how we can deconstruct it in search of evidence that can be critical to a solid defense. 

Contact Wilber Law Offices today to schedule a FREE consultation with our DUI attorney in Mendocino County!