What is the Difference Between a DUI & a High BAC DUI in California?

There are few charges more damaging to a career and a life than DUIs. Unfortunately, a DUI will not only cause someone to develop a criminal record, face high fines, and face potential jail time, but it will also severely limit their freedom to go where they want, when they want. When someone receives a DUI, they will most likely have their license suspended, though the duration of their license suspension will depend on whether it’s their first offense, as well as the BAC they had when arrested. For a blood alcohol content between .08% and .149%, you will face a standard first-offense DUI charge. However, if your BAC is higher than .15%, you can expect to face even harsher charges. Please continue reading and reach out to our Tehama County high BAC DUI lawyer to learn more about first-offense high BAC DUIs in California and how our legal team can help if you’ve been charged with one. Here are some of the questions you may have:

What are the penalties for a high BAC DUI in California?

To start, if you are accused of driving with a blood alcohol content of .15% or higher, you will face a greater driver’s license suspension and higher fines than you would for a standard DUI. Additionally, you will also likely have to install and use the ignition interlock device in your vehicle for up to three years, complete a term of community service, participate in an alcohol treatment program, and attend up to nine months of traffic school. You should also note that there is a chance you may spend some time in jail as well.

Can a lawyer help me fight a DUI charge?

Unfortunately, the state of California cracks down very hard on all those accused of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which is why if you are currently facing these charges, the most important thing you can do is retain the services of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer who can help defend you at every turn. Just some of the ways in which we can work to have your charges mitigated (or potentially dropped altogether) are as follows:

• We can work to prove that the breathalyzer test was improperly administered or that the breathalyzer itself was defective
• We can argue that you were unlawfully stopped
• We can work to prove that your constitutional rights were violated in some way
• We can argue that the field sobriety test was improperly administered

These are just some of the most common defenses against DUI charges. Ultimately, the defense we use will depend on the specifics of your case. If you have further questions or need an attorney who can fight for you, contact Cohen Criminal Law today.