DUI Lawyer in Salinas and Monterey
Nearly Three Decades of Criminal Defense Experience
Have you been charged with DUI? The consequences can be serious and may even impact employment. The best thing you can do for your case is to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer. At Law Office of John Klopfenstein, our Salinas DUI attorney has handled hundreds of DUI cases for clients, both as a former public defender and in solo practice.
Please call (831) 751-3947 to get advice about your case in a free consultation
What Are the DUI Charges in California?
Blood alcohol content (BAC) is used to determine whether a driver is intoxicated. Each state has set a legal limit for blood alcohol content. If you are above the legal limit, you may be charged with DUI. In California, the legal limit for BAC depends on the age of the driver and whether you are driving your personal vehicle or employed as a commercial driver.
In California, you can be charged with DUI for a BAC of:
Notify the DMV
For many people, the driver’s license suspension is the most difficult part of a DUI conviction. The length of a license suspension varies, depending on the number of prior offenses. At the time of your arrest, you are given a pink slip of paper that will allow you to drive for 30 days. After you are arrested for DUI, you must notify the DMV within 10 days of your arrest or you will lose your driver’s license.
This notice gives you the opportunity to request a DMV Admin Per Se hearing to contest the suspension. During the hearing, our DUI attorney in Salinas will present arguments regarding errors and insufficiencies in the documents to attempt to get your license reinstated. Another option is to request a restricted license for work or school.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction?
Even a first conviction can carry harsh penalties, including up to six months in jail, up to $2,000 in fines, and a license suspension of up to a year. DUI convictions stay on your record for 10 years, and the penalties increase with subsequent convictions. In addition, you may be required to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed on your vehicle when you are able to drive again.
An ignition interlock device may need to be installed for:
The best strategy for your defense depends on a variety of factors and the circumstances of your arrest. During your initial consultation Attorney John Klopfenstein will review your case, listen to your side of the story, and recommend the most effective way to proceed in your situation.
Blood alcohol content (BAC) is used to determine whether a driver is intoxicated. Each state has set a legal limit for blood alcohol content. If you are above the legal limit, you may be charged with DUI. In California, the legal limit for BAC depends on the age of the driver and whether you are driving your personal vehicle or employed as a commercial driver.
In California, you can be charged with DUI for a BAC of:
- 0.08% or higher for drivers over the age of 21
- 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers
- 0.01% for drivers under the age of 21
Notify the DMV
For many people, the driver’s license suspension is the most difficult part of a DUI conviction. The length of a license suspension varies, depending on the number of prior offenses. At the time of your arrest, you are given a pink slip of paper that will allow you to drive for 30 days. After you are arrested for DUI, you must notify the DMV within 10 days of your arrest or you will lose your driver’s license.
This notice gives you the opportunity to request a DMV Admin Per Se hearing to contest the suspension. During the hearing, our DUI attorney in Salinas will present arguments regarding errors and insufficiencies in the documents to attempt to get your license reinstated. Another option is to request a restricted license for work or school.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction?
Even a first conviction can carry harsh penalties, including up to six months in jail, up to $2,000 in fines, and a license suspension of up to a year. DUI convictions stay on your record for 10 years, and the penalties increase with subsequent convictions. In addition, you may be required to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed on your vehicle when you are able to drive again.
An ignition interlock device may need to be installed for:
- Six months for the first DUI conviction
- One year for the second offense
- Two years for a third conviction
- Three years for fourth and subsequent offenses
The best strategy for your defense depends on a variety of factors and the circumstances of your arrest. During your initial consultation Attorney John Klopfenstein will review your case, listen to your side of the story, and recommend the most effective way to proceed in your situation.
About The Firm
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Over 200 Jury Trials to Verdict
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Areas of Practice
Handling Criminal Law Cases
Domestic Violence |
DUI |
Gun Crimes |
Drug Crimes
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Felonies
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Violent Crimes
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