Norwalk DUI Lawyer

Norwalk DUI Attorney

If you’ve been charged with a DUI in California, it’s important to understand your rights. Navigating the legal process after a DUI arrest can be overwhelming and confusing, which is why it’s a good idea to consider working with a Norwalk DUI lawyer. On top of providing legal advice and guidance, a dedicated attorney can build a solid case and represent you to help you secure the most favorable outcome possible.

At Shield Law, APC, we’re dedicated to helping you navigate your DUI case so you can move forward with your life with minimal consequences. Depending on the details of your case, we can work to reduce your charges, lower your sentencing, or even have the entire case dismissed.

Driving Under the Influence in California

Under California law, it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher, or 0.04 percent, if you’re operating a motor vehicle. California is a zero-tolerance state when it comes to underage drinking, so anyone under the age of 21 can’t drive with a BAC over 0.01 percent.

There were 95,957 total DUI arrests across California in 2020, including 4,228 felony DUI arrests. Moreover, Los Angeles County alone reports about 23,583 DUI arrests annually. Year over year, there are approximately:

• 17,713 DUI convictions
• 11, 940 DUI collisions
• 7,143 DUI injuries
• 275 DUI fatalities

In 2022, there were 1,479 fatalities due to alcohol-impaired driving. While alcohol-impaired fatalities slightly decreased nationally, California saw a 1.8 percent increase between 2021 and 2022.

DUI laws are in place to protect people from unsafe drivers on the road. That said, the laws aren’t always perfect. If you have been charged with a DUI in Norwalk, our team at Shield Law, APC, is here to help. We can evaluate your case and work for a lower sentence or dismissal if possible.

Levels of DUI Charges in Norwalk

A DUI is typically charged as a misdemeanor in California for first, second, and third offenses within a 10-year period, but there are situations in which it can become a felony charge. These types of charges are known as wobblers since they can go either way.

A first DUI offense brings the most lenient penalties. These cases typically result in a license suspension, mandatory drug/alcohol risk assessment classes, probation, and possible jail time. Jail time is usually waived for first-time offenses.

You can still expect to be charged with a misdemeanor for a second and third offense, barring any aggravating factors in the case. That said, second and third offenses can result in more severe punishments, such as longer jail sentences, higher fines, and additional penalties.

In some cases, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle as a stipulation for reinstating your license early. This requires you to test your BAC before driving and sometimes while on the road, too.

If this is your fourth DUI offense within the last 10 years, you can expect to be charged with a felony. You can also expect DUI felony charges if you caused an accident that seriously injured or killed someone. A felony DUI charge results in time in a state prison instead of the Los Angeles County Jail, along with fines and additional penalties.

FAQs

Contact Our Office to Talk to a Norwalk DUI Lawyer About Your Case Today

DUIs can be prosecuted harshly under California law, but it is possible to get charges reduced or dropped depending on your situation. To improve your chances of a better outcome for your case, consider working with a Norwalk DUI lawyer. With a skilled attorney on your side, you can improve your chances of lighter penalties or even getting your charges dismissed.

At Shield Law, APC, we are committed to developing a personalized strategy that gives you the optimal chance at a fair outcome for your case. Kareem Aref has years of experience handling criminal defense cases throughout Los Angeles County. If you want to talk about your case in more detail, call our office to set up an appointment today.