Lakewood Aggravated DUI Lawyer
Lakewood Aggravated DUI Attorney
DUIs in California can result in fines, jail time, and restricted driving privileges. When an arrest has aggravating factors, punishments can be much more severe. An experienced Lakewood aggravated DUI lawyer can help you through this overwhelming scenario. They can assist you from the initial arrest to the final court verdict.
About the Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC
Attorney Christopher J. McCann has spent years representing the people of Lakewood, Orange County, and Anaheim. He has helped communities throughout Southern California address their aggravated DUI cases.
He is active in the local legal community as a member of the California DUI Lawyers Association and the Los Angeles County Bar Association. His legal accomplishments earned him the Rising Star award nine times in the Southern California Super Lawyers Magazine.*
*Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
Overview of Aggravated DUI Laws in California
Every year, DUIs result in serious accidents and deaths across the state. In 2023, 1,355 people died due to alcohol-impaired crashes.
Los Angeles County had the most total intoxicated driving incidents, with 589 serious injuries and 265 deaths. These accidents can occur on any route, whether you are driving on Lakewood Boulevard, the 605, the 405, or a neighborhood side street.
Driving under the influence (DUI) in California happens when someone operates a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08 percent.
However, an arrest may be made with a lower BAC if driving ability is affected. There is no legal BAC guideline for controlled substances.
Charges may be escalated to an aggravated DUI case for a variety of reasons. Examples of aggravating factors include:
- High BAC: Someone convicted of a DUI with a BAC of 0.15 percent or greater faces enhanced penalties.
- Fourth DUI: DUI charges with three previous convictions within 10 years are automatically treated as felony matters.
- Speeding: Speeding while impaired can carry an additional jail sentence.
- DUI with a child passenger: Intoxicated driving with a child in the car adds additional county jail sentences and may lead to a separate child endangerment charge.
- Causing injury or death: DUIs that cause an injury or death are serious aggravated charges that can lead to years in jail.
Aggravated DUI Penalties in Lakewood
Aggravated DUI cases carry penalties that can include fines, imprisonment, DUI school, installation of an ignition interlock device, and license suspension. Aggravating factors increase the sentencing guideline for the corresponding DUI charge. The level of increased penalties varies depending on the aggravating factor and its severity level.
Hire an Aggravated DUI Lawyer
Aggravated DUI charges can lead to long-lasting consequences on your life. While you may represent yourself, the high-stakes nature of these accusations makes it recommended that you hire an aggravated DUI lawyer in Lakewood, CA to guide you through the proceedings.
Your Lakewood aggravated DUI attorney can aid in every aspect of your case. The Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC can help by:
- Building your defense strategy: Every aggravated DUI case requires a unique approach. Your attorney can review the details of your case to build a defense strategy that fits your situation.
- Examining the case against you: Your lawyer can examine the allegations against you and highlight procedural errors like unlawful traffic stops and illegal search and seizure that may reduce or dismiss charges.
- Representing you in court: Attorney Christopher J. McCann can represent you in all hearings and court appearances at the Bellflower Courthouse or any other courtroom.
- Negotiating with the state: If a guilty verdict seems likely, we can negotiate with the court for a plea bargain. Plea deals can reduce aggravated cases to simple DUIs, shorten prison sentences, and reduce the length of license suspensions.
FAQs About Lakewood, CA Aggravated DUI Laws
What Are Common Mistakes People Make in Aggravated DUI Cases in California?
The common mistakes people make in aggravated DUI cases in California are similar to standard DUIs. One common error people make is treating the case like a standard DUI, underestimating its severity.
Aggravating factors like a prior DUI conviction can raise charges to a felony offense. Another frequent misstep is speaking about the event with the police. Anything you say can be used against you by the state.
What Is the 10-Day Rule for California Aggravated DUI Cases?
The 10-day rule for aggravated DUI cases refers to the deadline you have to contest a license suspension. License confiscation is a common component of all DUI arrests.
In California, you have 10 days from receiving the receipt for your license suspension or revocation to request an administrative hearing with the DMV. Failing to meet this deadline can result in an automatic loss of driving privileges.
Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in Lakewood?
You can technically refuse a breathalyzer test in Lakewood, but doing so comes with its own penalties. California has implied consent laws for drivers, meaning that all who operate a motor vehicle automatically agree to any blood or breath test to determine their BAC.
Refusing the administration of a chemical test can result in an automatic license suspension. The more times you refuse, the harsher the penalty.
How Much Does an Aggravated DUI Attorney Cost in Lakewood?
How much legal representation costs for an aggravated DUI case in Lakewood depends on the aggravating factor, whether a trial is required, and the total workload for the firm. An aggravated DUI attorney hired for a first-time offense for a DUI with a BAC of 0.16 percent and mitigating factors typically costs less than one consulted for a DUI manslaughter case. In your initial consultation, your lawyer can provide an estimate for your total legal expenses.
Speak With a Lakewood Aggravated DUI Attorney Today
The Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC, recognizes how overwhelming an aggravated DUI charge can be. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation, where we can learn the details of your case and provide defense strategies that match your situation.
You may also visit our Lakewood offices, located on Clark Avenue, south of Mayfair Park and South Street, east of Lakewood Center, and northwest of the Del Amo and Bellflower Boulevards intersection.
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