DUI Lawyers in Ventura—California DUI Law
California law treats driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs very seriously. If you are arrested for DUI in Ventura, recognize that this is not a typical traffic ticket. Do not answer any questions until an experienced Ventura DUI lawyer from Morgan Law Firm is at your side to represent you.
Penalties increase with each offense
Anyone convicted of a Ventura DUI faces stiff penalties that increase with each new conviction:
- First offense. From the very first conviction, offenders can expect to spend from 96 hours to six months in jail, fines from $390 to $1,000, and a six-month license suspension. Before they can drive again, they must complete a DUI program and possibly install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID). If they qualify for a restricted license during the suspension period, they must first obtain California SR22 insurance.
- Second offense. Jail time increases to a range from 90 days to one year, and the license suspension increases to two years.
- Third offense. Jail time again increases—this time to a range of 120 days to one year, and the license suspension now increases to three years with a one-year waiting period before applying for a restricted license. Third offenders receive a designation as a habitual offender.
- Fourth and subsequent offenses. Jail time now ranges from 180 days to one year, and the license suspension lasts for four years.
Your rights during a Ventura DUI stop
The most important thing you need to know is that drivers age 21 years or older with no prior DUI convictions are not required to agree to a Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) that tests your blood alcohol as you breathe into a device. But if you do refuse the mandatory California chemical test (different than PAS testing), the Department of Motor Vehicles has the right to suspend your license for one year—or two years if you were convicted up to 10 years prior. Drivers under age 21 or with prior DUI convictions who refuse the test face up to a one-year license suspension—or possible revocation for up to three years.
If a traffic stop turns into an arrest, your Miranda rights allow you to exercise your right to remain silent and stop questioning immediately. Then ask for the right to call an attorney. The Ventura DUI lawyers at Morgan Law Firm are here to help.
How DUI attorneys in Ventura can help
A drunk driving defense in Ventura—or throughout California—requires attorneys with extensive experience refuting the evidence. At Morgan Law Firm, we conduct independent investigations that often reveal faulty PAS testing equipment or errors in how the test was conducted. We dig deep to uncover witnesses, previously undiagnosed medical conditions, or other mitigating circumstances to defend our clients.
Seek experienced criminal defense lawyers
At Morgan Law Firm, our criminal defense lawyers are experts in defending clients involved with all types of criminal offenses. We have local offices throughout Southern California, from Santa Barbara to San Diego, so you will be represented by a lawyer who is familiar with the local criminal judges and prosecutors. We also offer payment plans to help our criminal defense clients with the costs of their legal services. Contact the experienced Ventura DUI lawyers at Morgan Law Firm at (805) 529-3476 today to find out how we can help you.
