Last updated 3 days ago
California enforces severe penalties for drunk driving offenses, in part as a deterrent to other drivers. If a person is arrested for DUI/DWI, here are the consequences that he or she can expect:
First Offense
The first time a driver is convicted of DUI or DWI, he or she will face a potential jail sentence of up to six months, a fine of $1400 to $2600, and a license suspension of up to six months. The driver may also be placed on informal probation for up to five years and have to attend a DUI/DWI school to learn about the dangers of alcohol. In certain counties, he or she may also be required to use an interlock ignition device.
Second Offense
California has a ten-year “look-back period,” meaning that multiple DUI/DWI offenses within ten years will lead to increasingly severe consequences. The driver’s license can be suspended for up to two years with a potential of one year in the county jail. He or she must also complete up to five years of informal probation, pay fines up to $2800, and attend an extended DUI/DWI education course.
Third Offense
Penalties increase for a third offense within ten years. These penalties include up to five years of formal probation and a minimum of 120 days up to 1 year in county jail. The third offense may result in fines up to $2800.
Fourth Offense
If a driver is convicted of a fourth DUI/DWI within ten years, it becomes a felony charge. He or she can spend up to three years in prison, face a lifetime license suspension, and pay hefty fines. Any DUI/DWI charge can be enhanced to a felony if it involved injuring or killing another person or if the driver had a previous felony DUI/DWI at any point.
If you’re facing DUI/DWI charges, you can count on the Gorelick Law Offices to help you defend yourself. To schedule a consultation call us at (510) 785-1444.
Last updated 9 days ago
The state of California enforces a zero tolerance alcohol policy for drivers under the age of 21. This means that drivers under the age of 21 found to have a blood alcohol level of at least 0.01% may be charged administratively with an infraction or with a misdemeanor. All of these charges include suspension of license, up to being charged with a DUI/DWI. An arrest could have many effects on the minor’s life, including:
- License suspension. For a first DUI/DWI offense, a minor will face a license suspension of one year. For subsequent offenses, he or she will face suspensions of two to three years.
- Fines. If a minor has blood alcohol content, or BAC, of over 0.08%, he or she may face fines up to $1000 with penalties and assessments.
- Possible jail time. With a BAC over 0.08%, an underage drinker can receive the same penalties as any other driver arrested for DUI/DWI, including up to a year in jail.
- Loss of trust. Teenagers arrested for drunk driving usually face consequences from their parents, as well as the law. Parents may be angry and disappointed and may take away privileges.
- Problems with college and job applications. Many college and job applications ask if the applicant has been arrested for drunk driving. The applicant is obligated to answer truthfully. This won’t necessarily disqualify him or her from being admitted or hired, but it may be taken into account.
A DUI/DWI arrest has major consequences for drivers of all ages. If you or someone you know has been arrested for DUI, call the Gorelick Law Offices at (510) 785-1444 for help today.
Last updated 4 months ago
Hit & Run Defense in Alameda County and Contra Costa County
When a motorist fails to stop and exchange contact and insurance information with the other motorist(s) after a collision, he or she will be charged with hit & run and arrested shortly thereafter. If you have been charged with hit and run after fleeing the scene of an accident or failing to provide your information, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced defense attorney immediately. A skilled Alameda County & Contra Costa hit and run attorney can protect your rights and provide you with the defense you need to achieve the best results possible.
Defense for Hit & Run Charges in Contra Costa & Alameda Counties
Attorney Lynn Gorelick has made a career out of providing exceptional criminal defense to clients living in the Bay Area. Among the crimes Ms. Gorelick defends is hit & run. Ms. Gorelick has defended hundreds of clients charged with hit & run, and knows what defense strategies are most effective. From her experience, Ms. Gorelick has found that there are a number of different reasons as to why someone may leave the scene of a hit and run accident. Among them are:
* Driving without a license
* Driving on a suspended license
* Fear of losing one’s driver’s license
* Possibility of facing criminal charges
* Panic brought on by fear because the accident is one’s fault
Why Should I hire a Hit & Run Defense Attorney?
Regardless of your reason for leaving the scene of an accident, you should hire an experienced Hayward or Pleasanton hit & run defense lawyer like Lynn Gorelick to defend you in court. A hit & run conviction will result in a number of penalties that can make your future very difficult. Incarceration, steep fines, restitution to the victim, probation, community service, driver’s license suspension, and a mark on your criminal record are all very real penalties you will face if you are found guilty of hit & run.
Contact an Alameda and Contra Costa Hit & Run Defense Lawyer
Do not leave yourself vulnerable to criminal prosecution and life-changing penalties. Attorney Gorelick can assess your situation and take the necessary legal action to increase your chances of winning your case. Ms. Gorelick has more than 25 years of experience in criminal defense law, and has been able to help many clients avoid jail and prison sentences for hit & run. Ms. Gorelick takes her job as a defense attorney seriously, and is not satisfied until she has helped her clients overcome their charges. Ms. Gorelick would like nothing more than to apply her knowledge and experience of the law to help you fight your charges and preserve your rights and freedom.
If you have been charged with hit & run in Alameda County, Contra Costa County or throughout the Bay Area, do not waste anymore time. Contact the Gorelick Law Offices today at (510) 785-1444 or (925) 847-3006! A simple phone call can make the difference between a criminal conviction and a clear record.
Last updated 4 months ago
Though a DUI/DWI often only represents one night of foolish mistakes, it can still affect you for the rest of your life. To minimize these affects or eliminate them altogether, it’s always a good idea to call an experienced attorney. For more information, call Gorelick Law Offices at (510) 314-8647.
- What are some of the advantages of hiring a DUI attorney? Find out at this page from FreeAdvice.com.
- Do you want to learn more about California DUI laws? Head over to DrivingLaws.org.
- What happens to your license after a DUI? Find out at this page from the California DMV.
Last updated 5 months ago
Every time you tune into a cop drama, you’re likely to hear the words “you have the right to remain silent.” This is the first of the Miranda warnings and a very important part of law enforcement.
In this short video, Attorney John R. Teakell discusses the Miranda warnings. After briefly reviewing the warnings themselves, Mr. Teakell tells us when they are in effect, and how you should behave when approached by law enforcement.
If you have any questions related to the Miranda warnings or any other legal issue, contact Gorelick Law Offices. If you ever find yourself charged with a crime, Lynn Gorelick’s 25 years of criminal defense experience could be a wonderful asset to your case. Call (510) 314-8647 for more information.
