California DUI Laws

Get Help from Our Oakland DUI Attorney

It is fun to go out and let loose once in a while with friends or co-workers. Yet if you have one too many alcoholic beverages and get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, you could find yourself facing serious consequences. A DUI in California is not treated lightly. Without an experienced DUI defense attorney, you will likely lose your driver's license and be subjected to hefty fines and even jail time.

At the Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed, our Oakland DUI attorney can help you beat these serious charges and protect your driving record. With the right legal representation, you may even be able to have your DUI charges dismissed all together. Unfortunately—time is of the essence. In the State of California, you only have 10 days to challenge the administrative suspension of your driver's license and request a formal review hearing.

DUI Law & Implied Consent

In the State of California, it is illegal for anyone over the age of 21 to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or greater.

If an officer stops you for suspicion of drunk driving, you are automatically required to submit to a chemical test. This can be done through a breath test, a blood test, or a urine test. Anyone who refuses to submit to this test will automatically lose his or her driver's license for at least a year. This is known as California's implied consent law.

California's Zero Tolerance DUI Policy

For drivers who are under the age of 18, California has a zero-tolerance policy. This means that they may not drive a vehicle with ANY measurable blood alcohol concentration. Drivers under the age of 21 are subject to stricter laws concerning alcohol.

According to California law, drivers under the age of 21 may not:

• Drive a vehicle with a BAC greater than 0.01%
• Carry unsealed beer, wine or liquor in the vehicle while driving alone
• May not consume alcohol in any form

Commercial Vehicle DUI Laws

Individuals, who drive commercial vehicles for work, including big rigs, semi-trucks, and tractor-trailers, are also held to a higher standard. Since these drivers operate large and dangerous vehicles on the roads, they are required to exercise more caution and drive responsibility. Under California DUI law, any driver of a vehicle that requires a commercial driver license may not drive with a BAC of 0.04% or higher. If they do, then they automatically lose their commercial driving license for a minimum of one year—and possibly for life.

Other DUI Laws

In July 2010, California changed its DUI laws to include the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device. Driving penalties were also shortened for drivers who pay requisite fees and who file a SR-22 insurance form. Repeat DUI offenders who are on probation, however, are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.01% or greater.

Choose an Experienced DUI Defense Law Firm

When a DUI threatens your future, your career, and your freedom, it is imperative that you contact an experienced Oakland DUI lawyer immediately. The DUI laws are constantly evolving in California, so you need an attorney who is knowledgeable of these laws and who can build an aggressive defense designed to beat these charges.

We fight for our clients, no matter how serious the charges are against them. Our law firm serves clients in Oakland, and throughout the East Bay. Call the Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed today to set up a free review of your case.