facebook

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Criminal Defense Attorney

Schedule Your DUI Legal Consultation Today!

Schedule Your FREE DUI Legal Consultation Today!

First Action to Take Facing DUI Charges

The very first action you should take when facing DUI or DWI Criminal Charges is to call us and schedule your Driving Under the Influence Legal Consultation.

You need expert DUI Criminal Defense Legal Advice and Representation immediately or you risk serious consequences that the court system will impose and we can help ensure you don’t lose your drivers license unnecessarily.

It is likely that this is the first time you have been in serious legal trouble, these real consequences can be scary. If this is a repeat DUI charge, the penalties you face are even steeper and bring the possibility of spending several years in jail.

Sobriety Tests Can Have Errors

Although these tests are designed to create evidence against you when facing a DUI, DWI or Public Intoxication (PI), these Sobriety Tests are performed by the arresting officer and must testify to the proper administration of the tests performed.

Police Officers make mistakes just like the rest of us and we know what to look for in the their testimony, the equipment and the process of the other Sobriety Tests like the walk-a-straight-line-and-turn-around Test.

Some people can’t do such tests sober and assumptions by the officer must be challenged to protect your rights. That’s what we do for you here at Abrate & Olsen Law Group. We Protect You with the Best DUI Criminal Defence Litigation Possible.

When you contact us, one of our Experienced DUI/DWI Criminal Defense Attorneys will take the time to explain the different charges, as they apply to your case, and walk you through the legal process including your DMV hearing.  We are with You Each Step of the Way!

DUI Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q:  What is the First Thing to Do After being Arrested for a DUI?
A:  Seek Legal Advice and Counsel. Because of the consequences like losing your License, Jail Time and Large Fines. You will need to understand each charge and have to represent yourself in your DUI Court Hearing.  If you are not a DUI Lawyer, you are taking some real chances with your future.  It is best to schedule a DUI Legal Advice Consultation to secure your best outcome..

Q:  What if I can’t afford a DUI Attorney?
A:  It is true that it can be expensive to hire an Experienced DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer, but many times the reduced fines, jail time and keeping your license outweighs the overall cost. So, don’t worry about the cost, we have payment plans to work with you, and this can all be walked through during the DUI Legal Advice Consultation.

Q:  Do I have to go to court for a DUI?
A:  Maybe, but it will depend on the charges and circumstances of your case, as you we may be able to get a Pretrial Plea Agreement or even a Dismissal of the DUI Case if evidence weak against you.  Knowing the Sacramento Court System and working with Prosecutors is our Forte.  We will have better answers for you during the DUI Legal Advice Consultation.

Q:  What is the possible First Time DUI Punishments if I’m Convicted?
A:  First-Time DUI Charges are usually a Misdemeanor, they still can bring 3 to 5 years of probation, hefty fines, six months of having your drivers’ license revoked, mandatory DUI education, and two days of jail time.  Losing Your License many times means losing your job and this makes everything else you will be going through more difficult. This is why you want to have the proper Legal Counsel where you can reduce and even avoid some of these issues.

Understand the Legalities of Decision to Drink & Drive

Deciding to drive after drinking too much, taking illegal drugs, prescription medication, and marijuana can all result in serious legal problems, such as criminal charges and possible incarceration.

Being arrested for driving under the influence of substances can be an unsettling experience and it should be taken very seriously.

A DUI conviction can have far-reaching negative effects on your family, job, and personal relationships. Losing your driver’s license could inhibit your own needs and present serious day-to-day challenges.

Prosecutors in California are serious about pursuing DUI charges and convictions, and hiring a skilled attorney is the smart thing to do.

First Time DUI Charges Can Be Serious Without an Experience DUI Attorney 

Even though First-Time DUI Charges are usually a Misdemeanor, they still can bring 3 to 5 years of probation, hefty fines, six months of having your drivers’ license revoked, mandatory DUI education, and two days of jail time. 

When facing such fines, penalties, and jail time you can clearly see the importance of why you need an experienced DUI Defense Attorney who will work hard to help reduce these penalties and seek to have the charges dismissed.

We are DUI, DWI & PI Legal Experts well versed in defending the problems you face and will guide you step-by-step through the entire court and legal process.

We always work to achieve the best possible outcome for You and Your case.

What is the difference between a DWI and a DUI?

Driving Under the Influence is a “DUI” & Driving While Intoxicated is a ” DWI

They are similar, but they are applied or charged differently depending on the situation of the arrest, the seriousness of the crime and the State, County and local City laws.

Driving Under the Influence  (DUI)

Driving Under the Influence or a “DUI” is a legal charge that is a result of consuming substances which include alcohol-related products, prescription medications, and/or recreational drugs while operating a vehicle.

The vehicle driven is not necessarily a motorized vehicle and can include a bicycle or a scooter, and the scooter does not even have to be on for the rider to be charged with a DUI.

 

Usually, DUI’s charged while operating a bicycle are a misdemeanor, as generally is with an initial Motorized Vehicle DUI Conviction.

Although many states have the same penalties for DUI’s on a bicycle as with motor vehicles, some states have penalties specifically for DUI Convictions on bicycles.

It is also possible to be charged with DUI for a Motorized Wheelchair. A sad situation for some because of prescribed medications, but the law is the law.

So, Yes.  You can get a motorized Wheelchair DUI, a Tractor DUI, an ATV DUI – and about anything other vehicles with a motor operated in public.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

Driving While Intoxicated (Impaired) or a “DWI” is a similar legal charge to a DUI.

In some states, DWI refers to driving while “intoxicated of alcohol” with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) over the legal limit while applying the term DUI when the driver is charged with being “under the influence” of alcohol, prescription medications or other drugs, not necessarily over the legal limit.

Public Intoxication (PI)

Public Intoxication or a “PI” is a result of consuming substances that include alcohol-related products, prescription medications, and/or recreational drugs while in public and also in public while operating non-motorized vehicles are vehicles that do not have drivetrains.

These non-motorized vehicle modes of transportation would be like using roller skates, rollerblades or inline skates, skateboards, and recently the new Segway and Hoverboard stand on vehicles.

In the near future, there may be more serious charges for riding Segways and Hoverboards in public being under the influence or while intoxicated, because these vehicles do have a motor & drivetrain.  Thus, warranting a DUI or a DWI and not just the current Public Intoxication Charge, as it is now.

Good advice would be to avoid riding a Hoverboards and Segways in public if you are under the influence or while intoxicated.

You don’t want to be the first person you know who is charged with a Hoverboard or Segway DUI or DWI should the laws suddenly change. It’s ok to have fun, just obey the laws & be Safe.

DUI, DWI & PI Criminal Defense Service Areas

Criminal Defense Legal News

Legal Defense Options for Domestic Violence

Legal Defense Options for Domestic Violence

Are you or a loved one being charged for Domestic Violence? Abrate & Olsen Law Group have Legal Defense Options for you! Being charged with domestic violence in California does not mean you are guilty. Our first goal is to get your charges dropped before the case...

Domestic Violence Penalties in California

Domestic Violence Penalties in California

If you are facing criminal charges involving domestic violence in California, we understand that you have questions, and our Sacramento criminal defense attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process. To start, here is a list of domestic violence penalties...

Legal Defense Options for Domestic Violence

Legal Defense Options for Domestic Violence

Are you or a loved one being charged for Domestic Violence? Abrate & Olsen Law Group have Legal Defense Options for you! Being charged with domestic violence in California does not mean you are guilty. Our first goal is to get your charges dropped before the case...

Domestic Violence Penalties in California

Domestic Violence Penalties in California

If you are facing criminal charges involving domestic violence in California, we understand that you have questions, and our Sacramento criminal defense attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process. To start, here is a list of domestic violence penalties...

DUI, DWI & PI Legal Consultation