The recent spate of drunk driving arrests has law enforcement officials scrambling to keep up with updated DUI laws. Here’s a look at some of the most important changes you need to know about if you’re charged with a DUI. A DUI is a conviction for driving under the influence. This can be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the amount of alcohol involved and other factors. In most cases, it’s illegal to drive with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more.
How does a DUI impact your driving privileges?
If you are convicted of a DUI Law, your driving privileges can be revoked. In some cases, you may need to retake the driving test. If you have a commercial driver’s license, your privileges may be suspended or revoked. This means that you cannot operate a commercial vehicle. If you have been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), it is important to know your rights and what you can do to try to avoid a conviction. Here are some tips on how to fight a DUI charge:
- Get an attorney. The best DUI attorney San Diego can help you understand your rights and how the law works in your case. They can also help you prepare your defense and negotiate with the prosecutor.
- assert your right to counsel. If you cannot afford an attorney, you have the right to get one free of charge from the court. However, if you refuse an attorney appointed by the court, the judge may order a lawyer for you.
- claim “ineffective assistance of counsel” (IAC). If you believe that your lawyer did not provide effective assistance, you may be able to claim “ineffective assistance of counsel” based on factors such as: the lawyer was not familiar with your case; did not investigate; did not contact witnesses; or did not make reasonable attempts to contact witnesses. If successful, this could lower your criminal conviction or sentence.
Implications of the recent traffic laws
The recent traffic laws that went into effect in many states in early September have generated a lot of conversation and concern. Some of the more noteworthy changes include increased penalties for driving under the influence (DUI), new requirements for alcohol-impaired driver (AID) programs, and changes to vehicle registration and licensing laws. Here are some of the implications of these new laws for DUI offenders and their families: Under most states’ new DUI laws, first-time offenders face harsher punishments than they did before. For example, most states now have mandatory minimum jail sentences for first-time DUI offenders, regardless of their age or prior criminal record. Many states also increase the vehicular punishment for repeat offenders, giving them longer jail sentences and/or heavier fines. In addition, many states now require ignition interlock devices (IIDs) for convicted DUI offenders who have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.15 or higher. IIDs are designed to prevent drunk drivers from starting their cars, increasing the chances that they will not get behind the wheel again.