Monterey DUI Lawyers

Fighting to Help Our Clients Avoid Impaired Driving Convictions

If you’ve been charged with a Monterey County DUI, you probably already know that a conviction can result in serious consequences. Rather than driving infractions, these are criminal charges. This means you could end up in jail if you’re convicted, and even if you don’t, expensive fines, probation, suspension of your driver’s license, and a lifelong criminal record will follow you. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be your reality. A Monterey DUI lawyer may be able to assist.

At the Law Offices of William V. Pernik, our California criminal defense law firm tirelessly pursues justice for each of our clients. We’ve seen the long-lasting repercussions of DUI cases, and we know that a person’s life can be derailed even if they’re not incarcerated. Everyone from future employers to romantic interests can see a public criminal record, so it’s in the defendant’s best interests to avoid a conviction if at all possible. Visit our law offices today to learn how we can help.

We offer a free consultation for every potential client, so you have nothing to lose by reaching out.

Can You Be Charged if You’re Not Above the Legal Limit?

One of the biggest surprises that people encounter when charged with driving under the influence is that they don’t have to be over the legal limit. If someone has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08%, then they’re assumed to be driving under the influence. However, the district attorney does not need a high BAC reading to charge someone with inebriated driving. If an officer believes that a person is impaired due to any substance (e.g., narcotics), a DUI charge may be brought against them.

In fact, a California man recently faced criminal charges for driving under the influence with only caffeine in his system. While this may sound humorous on the surface, it goes to show that innocent people can be arrested with little to no evidence against them. Regardless of what the police tell you — or even if the prosecutor says you have no chance of winning your case — it’s important that you address these issues with a knowledgeable Monterey County DUI lawyer.

Why Should You Contact Our Monterey DUI Law Offices?

When facing criminal charges, people often wonder whether they need to hire an attorney. This is a common question, but it’s even more typical in California DUI cases. That’s because defendants in these cases often assume a conviction is unavoidable. This often results in the accused accepting a plea deal — which can result in jail time even on a first conviction. Of course, first-time convictions typically result only in fines, probation, and a loss of license.

However, it’s important to recognize the other potential penalties you may be up against. Understanding these will help you realize the importance of working with a Monterey DUI attorney:

Jail time: Lengths of incarceration can vary significantly based on the circumstances of your case. A first-time conviction could land someone in jail for six months. However, this could increase to 16 years if someone was injured as a result of impaired driving.
Probation: Terms of probation can also vary significantly. This punishment essentially replaces jail time, but your rights are still often restricted. A judge may decide to convert any incarceration time into probation. Any violation of the law could land you in jail.
License suspension: A person could lose their license for anywhere from a few months to several years. However, the court may not be the only place to fight this. If your license is suspended, your Monterey DUI attorney can explain how to apply for a “hardship license.”
Ignition Interlock Device: An ignition interlock device (IID) will not allow your vehicle to start if you’re intoxicated. You will be required to pay for this service. These are not mandatory for first-time offenses, but subsequent convictions and aggravating factors could result in years of using an IID.
Fines: DUI convictions with no aggravating factors will result in hundreds of dollars in fines. In certain situations, fines could go up to $5,000.
DUI school: Those convicted of impaired driving are often forced to pay for DUI school. This can last anywhere from 3 to 30 months.

As evidenced by these potential penalties, a person convicted of impaired driving could face harsher consequences than those accused of domestic violence, child abuse, and other serious crimes in Monterey County. Fortunately for those wrongfully accused or who simply made an error in judgment, many penalties are relatively minor compared to prison. Sadly, a conviction can still have effects that last a lifetime. This is why speaking with a Monterey DUI defense attorney is critical before making any decisions.

How Can Monterey County DUI Lawyers Assist You?

If you’re hoping to mount an effective DUI defense, it’s advisable to seek out legal advice. The simple fact is that doing hours of online research is not the same as working with a law firm. There’s an old saying that states that anyone who represents themselves in court has a fool for a client. Following an arrest, it doesn’t matter how clear you think your innocence seems. The simple fact is that prosecutors wouldn’t be charging you if they didn’t think they could get a conviction.

However, they sometimes go after these verdicts in a cheap manner. For instance, they don’t have to obtain a conviction by jury in order to convict you of a crime. Most criminal cases are resolved with plea deals. If you’ve been charged with impaired driving — particularly if it’s your first alleged offense — the prosecutor may offer a plea deal that seems too good to be true. However, this is only an attempt to get an easy conviction.

In reality, the state may not have enough evidence to secure a conviction. In such a situation, your Monterey County DUI defense attorney may be able to have all charges dropped. Of course, there are situations where there’s overwhelming evidence against the accused. In these instances, your legal advocate can try to secure a more favorable plea deal. Don’t let the district attorney take advantage or make an example of you. Reach out to our law firm for assistance.

Contact a Monterey DUI Lawyer Today

Building a solid DUI defense can be a difficult endeavor. While our state may seem laid back in many ways, its intoxicated driving laws are far more strict than many other states. They’re so strict that many people don’t believe that they can be prosecuted for driving if they’re addicted to drugs (including when sober) — or even when riding a bicycle or when their blood alcohol content is below the legal limit. Unfortunately, it’s the job of prosecutors to enforce these laws — no matter how unfair they may seem.

At the Law Offices of William V. Pernik, we’ve spent many years assisting drivers accused of DUI. Not only can these charges result in jail time and hefty fines, but a conviction could be used as evidence in a personal injury case if you’re accused of causing a collision. Unfortunately, few people realize just how serious DUI cases in California can be. Don’t fall into this trap. Your freedom and future could literally depend on it. Our Monterey DUI lawyers are here to help.

Contact us at (831) 480-9217 to schedule your free consultation.