Highlighting the consequences of drinking and driving in Portola Valley

DUI punishments in Portola Valley are always severe

A DUI charge – Driving Under the Influence – in Portola Valley is pretty explicitly outlined in California law.Anyone found to be operating a motor vehicle (and a whole host of other types of vehicles and heavy equipment) while impaired may be arrested for DUI, and will inevitably face some pretty significant penalties and punishments should they be convicted later on. Hiring a reliable DUI attorney that understands the nuances of this area of law provide you with your best protection against conviction, helping you to avoid significant DUI consequences that can follow you for the rest of your life.

Impaired driving (as outlined by the Portola Valley, California criminal code) will always trigger a handful of serious punishments, but the Over 80 offense statue is where you’re really going to see some significant punishments. Anyone found to have a BAC level above 0.08% is immediately in line for these kinds of charges and potential convictions – the kinds of convictions that trigger “zero-tolerance” punishments that will have a ripple effect across your life forever.

Do Not Hesitate To Contact Us If You Have Received A DUI Offense in Portola Valley

Highlighting some of the consequences of a DUI in Portola Valley

Young drivers (any driver under the age of 21) found to be operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol to any degree will immediately trigger Zero Tolerance Laws and penalties as well. These drivers will have their license suspended for at least 12 months and will have to repay a financial fine that can go up to $300 or more.

Drivers over the age of DUI may deal with a “sliding scale” of punishments and penalties depending upon where they are BAC level lands. The scale goes from 0.05 to 0.08, with drivers that are found to have been operating a vehicle at a BAC level above 0.08 triggering that same Zero Tolerance Law we highlighted above.

First Time Offenders

 
The first time that you are charged or convicted with a DUI in Portola Valley your face the lightest punishment of the bunch, with punishments ranging between a fine of upwards of $1000 and potential jail time that can extend out to six months. A license will be suspended for six months as well, probation for upwards of three years following the conviction will be added, and drivers are likely to have to get an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle during their probation as well.

SecondTime Offenders

 
A second DUI offense in Portola Valley is inevitably going to trigger a fine good for upwards of $1000, a jail time punishment that can extend to 12 months, a suspended license for 24 months, and the same probationary period of three years following the conviction. Second time offenders will always have the ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle.

Third and Subsequent Offenders

 
If you are charged and convicted with a DUI for the third time you’re going to be looking at a $1000 fine with other penalty assessments added, jail for at least 12 months, a three year license suspension, and probation for five years instead of just three. The ignition interlock device is standard here as well.

You might also have to face “Three Strike” penalties in Portola Valley that can be very significant, just another reason hire only the best DUI attorneys around to help you navigate this always sticky situation.

The postconviction consequences of being convicted of a DUI in Portola Valley get significant subsequence charge as well.

First Time

 
First-time DUI postconviction consequences include having to go to a mandatory alcohol or substance abuse education and treatment program. Drivers may also have to have an ignition interlock system installed in your vehicle for a minimum of five months following their conviction.

Second Time

 
Another DUI conviction is going to require drivers to go through a second round of mandatory alcohol or substance abuse education and treatment programs. Drivers will have an ignition interlock system installed in your vehicle for sure this second time around, with drivers having to maintain interlock there for at least 12 months.

Third Time and Further

 
Punishment after a third DUI conviction gets really significant. Mandatory alcohol education or treatment program are instituted, your license will be suspended for three years, and the ignition interlock device will be installed in your vehicle for at least two years. You’ll also see a six month minimum jail sentence, finds upwards of $1000, and possibly more depending on the discretion of the judge.

Top lawyers can prevent you from dealing with the harshest drinking and driving consequences in Portola Valley

The best lawyers around are going to be the ones that can protect you from the most significant drinking and driving consequences, consequences that inevitably include:

• Suspension of your license
• The impoundment of your vehicles
• Serious financial penalties and fees
• Mandatory alcohol and substance abuse education and treatment
• A permanent criminal record
• Serious jail time

… And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

A DUI lawyers are going to work with you to find the best defense to get you out of this sticky situation, protecting you from the serious penalties that will result in the event of a DUI arrest and conviction.

Tips for Avoiding Impaired Driving Consequences in Portola Valley, California

As always, it’s best that you avoid finding yourself in a DUI situation in the first place. Hire a driver to take you home when you’ve had too much to drink, avoid operating a vehicle after using any prescription medication, and do your level best to avoid driving or even sitting in your vehicle when you’ve had something to drink.

If, however, you find yourself charged with a DUI in Portola Valley it’s important that you reach out to our legal experts ASAP. We’ll work with you to form the best defense possible and look for ways to help you avoid the lifelong consequences that a DUI criminal conviction will inevitably bring down on your shoulders.