Unfortunately, many assume they will walk away from a traffic stop in which they are under the influence with a slap on the wrist and stern talk from the officer. However, this is far from the truth as you’ll find that a DUI charge and conviction can heavily impact your lie. Not only can you face intense penalties, but a DUI will likely show on a background check, which could affect many different areas of your life. If you are facing charges, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced DUI lawyer in Sacramento to explore your legal options.
What Warrants a DUI in CA?
In California, you will be charged with a DUI if you are discovered driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at or over the legal limit of .08%. This is technically considered a DUI per se, as the police need no additional evidence to arrest you for this offense. However, you can also be charged with a DUI if you are under the legal limit, but the officer conducting the traffic stop has reason to believe the alcohol in your system impairs your ability to operate a vehicle.
It’s also important to understand that you can face a DUI charge under the age of 21 if you have any detectable amount of alcohol in your system. This is because it is illegal for anyone under 21 to consume alcohol, thus triggering the Zero Tolerance Policy.
Will This Show on a Background Check?
If you are arrested for driving under the influence in California, you will generally be charged with a misdemeanor offense. Though not as serious as a felony, you can still face many penalties for this offense, like up to $1,000 in fines, up to five years of probation, and a six-month license suspension. Each DUI conviction you face will increase in severity.
Aside from the consequences imposed by the courts, you may face additional penalties in your life. This is because a DUI conviction can appear on your criminal record. This can impact your ability to obtain employment and certain licenses. If an entity does not run background checks but requires you to disclose your criminal history, it’s in your best interest to be honest and transparent about your past.
What Should I Do if I’m Facing Charges?
If you are facing charges, it’s imperative to explore your legal options. Unfortunately, many assume they have no choice but to accept the conviction, even if there are things that could help their case. For example, the officer who conducted the test may have incorrectly used the device, rendering a false reading. Similarly, the traffic stop may have been unconstitutional, meaning the evidence collected could be deemed inadmissible in court, thus weakening the prosecution’s case.
At the Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes, our team understands that these charges can be scary. That’s why we are committed to doing everything in our power to assist you. If you are facing charges for a DUI, connect with us today to learn how we can fight for you.