Experienced DUI Defense in San Bernardino County
If you’ve been arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, it’s critical to have an experienced DUI lawyer by your side. A DUI conviction can lead to severe consequences such as hefty fines, loss of driving privileges, increased insurance rates, probation, and even jail time. At Kolacia Law, we specialize in providing strong, personalized DUI defense to protect your future and your rights throughout the legal process.
Why You Need a Rancho Cucamonga DUI Attorney Immediately
DUI cases are complex and require immediate legal attention. The state’s prosecutors and DMV often move quickly to impose penalties and revoke licenses. Our Rancho Cucamonga DUI lawyers act swiftly to:
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Halt license suspension through DMV administrative hearings
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Analyze breath, blood, and urine test results for inconsistencies
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Review police reports and video evidence for procedural errors
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Investigate the legality of the traffic stop and arrest
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Negotiate with prosecutors for plea deals or reduced charges
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Prepare a solid defense for trial, if necessary
Early legal intervention can mean the difference between a DUI conviction or reduced charges and less severe penalties.
What Qualifies as a DUI in Rancho Cucamonga?
Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152, you can be charged with DUI if you operate a vehicle while:
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Having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher
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Under the influence of any drug that impairs your driving ability
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Under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs
The state takes DUI offenses seriously, especially if the DUI involves minors, accidents, injuries, or if it’s a repeat offense.
Understanding California DUI Charges and Penalties
Facing a DUI charge can be overwhelming, but understanding the potential penalties associated with various DUI offenses can help you prepare for your case. The chart below provides an overview of the consequences of different types of DUI charges in California.
Type of DUI | Jail/Prison Sentence | Fine | Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device Period | DUI School |
1st offense misdemeanor DUI | Up to 6 months in county jail | $390-$1,000* | 6 months (Optional: 4 months of suspension, 30-day restricted license for work) | 3 or 9 months |
2nd offense misdemeanor DUI | 96 hours to 1 year in county jail | $390-$1,000* | 1 year (Optional: 2 years of suspension, 1-year restricted license for work) | 18 or 30 months |
3rd offense misdemeanor DUI | 120 days to 1 year in county jail | $390-$1,000* | 2 years (Optional: 3 years of suspension) | 30 months |
DUI with injury (misdemeanor) | 5 days to 1 year in county jail | $390-$5,000*, plus restitution to injured parties | 6 months (Optional: 1 year of suspension) | 3, 18, or 30 months |
1st offense DUI with injury (felony) | 16 months to 16 years in state prison | $1015-$5,000*, plus restitution to injured parties | 1 year | 18 or 30 months |
Felony DUI | 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison | $390-$1,000* | Up to 5 years of driver’s license suspension | 18 or 30 months |
*Plus court-imposed penalty assessments
Navigating the complex world of DUI penalties can be challenging. Trust the experienced DUI attorneys at Kolacia Law Firm to guide you through this difficult time and fight for the best possible outcome.
Unexpected Collateral DUI Consequences — The Hidden Impact of a Conviction
A DUI conviction can have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate penalties imposed by the court.
The collateral consequences of a DUI charge can impact various aspects of your life, from employment to housing and your personal well-being.
At Kolacia Law Firm, we understand the full scope of these consequences and work tirelessly to prevent them from affecting your future.
Employment Consequences
A DUI conviction may limit your job opportunities, as it can:
- Result in the loss of a professional license or certification
- Disqualify you from certain job positions, especially those requiring a clean driving record or security clearance
- Damage your reputation, making it difficult to secure future employment or advance in your career
Our attorneys will fight to protect your livelihood and ensure that a DUI charge doesn’t define your professional future.
Housing and Financial Consequences
A DUI conviction can also have a lasting impact on your housing and financial stability:
- Difficulty in securing housing, as landlords may be hesitant to rent to someone with a criminal record
- Increased car insurance rates can put a strain on your finances
- Difficulty obtaining loans, as some lenders may view a DUI conviction as a sign of irresponsibility
At Kolacia Law Firm, our goal is not only to defend you against the legal penalties of a DUI charge but also to shield you from the unexpected collateral consequences that can impact your life.
Our team is committed to providing a comprehensive defense that addresses every aspect of your case, ensuring the best possible outcome for you and your future.
Our Proven DUI Defense Strategy
Our seasoned DUI attorneys employ various strategies to challenge the evidence against you and seek the most favorable outcome possible. Our approach is tailored to each client’s unique case, ensuring we provide the strongest possible defense for your specific circumstances.
Some of these strategies include:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
- Examining the accuracy and reliability of breathalyzer or blood tests
- Identifying errors in the arrest or booking process
- Presenting evidence to support an alternative explanation for the DUI charge
- Questioning the officer’s observations
- Evaluating field sobriety test administration
Exploring plea bargain options
By employing these and other tailored defense strategies, our team at Kolacia Law Firm is dedicated to providing you with the best chance at a favorable outcome in your DUI case.
Don’t Face Your DUI Charge Alone
A DUI charge can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this challenging time alone. The skilled and compassionate criminal law attorneys at Kolacia Law Firm are ready to stand by your side and provide the experienced legal representation you need to protect your rights and secure your future.
Don’t let a DUI charge derail your life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced DUI defense attorneys.