1. What is driving under the influence?

Driving under the influence occurs when a person illegally operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or both.

2. What do I do if I’m charged with a California DUI?

The first thing to do if you’ve been charged with a California DUI is contact an experienced DUI defense attorney. A qualified lawyer can walk you through the appropriate steps to take and work with you to determine the best defense options to get your case dismissed or the penalties reduced.

3. Why do I Need to Contact the California DMV within 10 days of My Arrest?

After being arrested for a California DUI, you face two different proceedings – the courts and the DMV. You must contact the California DMV to request an Administrative Hearing within 10 days to protect your driving privileges. Temporary drivers licenses issued to DUI defendants expire after 30 days, but driving privileges will be extended until a DMV hearing has been held and decision rendered.

4. How is my blood alcohol concentration determined?

When a person is arrested for DUI, law enforcement will ask them to submit to a blood alcohol test to determine his/her blood alcohol concentration. Your blood alcohol concentration results can de determined through the administration of a breath test, blood test, or urine test.

5. What is California’s blood alcohol limit?

In California, any person who operates a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher is considered above the legal blood alcohol limit

6. What happens if I have committed multiple DUI offenses?

If you have been charged with multiple DUIs, your charges will be enhanced. If convicted of multiple DUI, your punishments may be enhanced as well. This means you may be subject to lengthier jail time, larger fines, and longer probation terms.

7. What are field sobriety tests?

Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are tests that are administered by law enforcement to determine a person’s level of intoxication. In California, field sobriety tests are voluntary, which means you can refuse to take them when asked by law enforcement.

8. Can I Win My California DUI Case?

Yes. You can “win” your California DUI case. At The Chahine Law Firm we have successfully defended numerous individuals charged with DUIs. We have been able to reduce or eliminate charges based on several different defense including, proof of your innocence, police errors and misconduct, violations of your constitutional rights and procedural mistakes.

9. Why should I hire a DUI attorney?

When you have been charged with DUI, you need the expert representation of a DUI attorney. Unlike other criminal defense attorneys, a DUI attorney understands and has experience with specifically DUI law. A DUI attorney can inform you of your rights, investigate the facts surrounding your case, and challenge evidence presented by state prosecutors. When it comes to defending your DUI, the risks are far too great to be without the representation of a skilled attorney.