Being pulled over for a suspected DUI in California can be a nerve-wracking experience. One of the first things many law enforcement officers do is ask suspects to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs). While these tests may seem simple enough, they can have profound implications. A DUI conviction can dramatically change a person’s life, not for the better. It is essential that drivers understand their rights and what to expect during FSTs.

If you are ever arrested for DUI after failing an FST, contact an attorney immediately to understand the next steps in your case, which will likely include building a defense against the assertions of the police and prosecution. 

What Are Field Sobriety Tests? 

Field sobriety tests are standardized assessments law enforcement officers use to evaluate a driver’s level of impairment from drugs or alcohol. There are three types of FSTs commonly used in California, including:

Facing charges for driving under the influence (DUI) can be a very stressful and frightening experience, especially for first-time offenders. In California, penalties for DUI can be steep, and understanding your legal options is essential in order to fight the charges against you and to try and obtain a favorable case outcome. If you have been arrested for a first-time DUI, contacting a DUI defense attorney is essential, as a DUI conviction can have seriously detrimental consequences. While hiring a lawyer does not by any means guarantee an acquittal, it does ensure your rights and interests will be safeguarded at all times. 

Keep These Things in Mind

Here are some essential considerations if you have been charged with a first-time DUI, including:

• Call a specialized DUI attorney – If you are facing a first-time DUI charge, you must hire an attorney specializing in DUI cases. Your attorney will work closely with you to develop your defense and choose the most appropriate strategy for your situation.

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If you are facing a DUI charge, finding the right lawyer to represent you is essential. A DUI conviction can have serious adverse consequences, such as fines, license suspension, and even jail time. However, those involved in these cases can work with an attorney to protect their rights and best interests.

What to Consider When Selecting Your DUI Attorney

Here is what to consider when you are preparing to hire a DUI attorney, including:

As law enforcement focuses on its battle with drunk driving, lawmakers will often introduce new bills in order to strengthen the tools that police have to catch drunk drivers and the penalties that the courts can enforce if the driver is found guilty. Some of these bills pass and some do not, but it can make it confusing to understand what the current DUI laws in California are. The following are some of the common FAQs about drunk driving that the legal team at Burglin Law Offices, P.C. are often asked.

What Is Considered Legally Intoxicated Under California Law?

Under current California, the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level that could result in a DUI charge is:

California prohibits drivers from operating while they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Both legal adults who are able to legally consume alcohol as well as people less than 21 years of age can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI). Adults in California face charges if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or greater. People under 21 years of age must comply with the zero-tolerance policy in California under which a person can face possible penalties for driving with a BAC of as little as 0.01 percent.

A zero-tolerance violation results in a one-year driver's license suspension. Alleged offenders with BACs of 0.05 percent or higher face a one-year suspension as well as mandatory alcohol education classes. If an underage driver has a BAC above 0.08 percent, he or she will face the same DUI penalties as adults over 21 years old. 

Underage DUI Penalties

When a juvenile is charged with the standard DUI offense because of a BAC of 0.08 or more, or they are exhibiting signs of impairment to police officers, then the penalties will increase to fines as high as $1,000, three to five years misdemeanor probation, and a one-year suspension of driving privileges. Drivers under 21 years of age can also face driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) charges or possibly DUI causing injury, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, or DUI murder charges when they cause traffic accidents while impaired.