LOS ANGELES, Feb. 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Since 1999, there have been more 150,000 DUI arrests in California each year, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The California State Police and California Highway Patrol routinely stop motor vehicle drivers for impaired driving, and the state conviction rate is often over 70%. The Law Offices of Rodney Nosratabadi wants California drivers to be smart and responsible while driving, and has shared these tips on how to avoid getting a DUI/DWI.
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What are the Consequences of DUI/DWI
The term DUI refers to drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, while DWI refers to driving while impaired. There is no practical difference in the penalties for DWI and DUI; both are treated seriously under the law. It’s illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or even when impaired by prescription drugs. The DMV is required to immediately suspend the driver's license of anyone suspected of driving under the influence. This law is known as Admin Per Se, or APS. If found guilty, the state will suspend the privilege of any driver who is on probation for a prior driving-under-the-influence (DUI) offense and who is caught driving with a BAC of .01% or more as measured by an alcohol screening test, or who refuses or fails to complete the test.
What is the Legal Blood Alcohol Limit for California?
California’s blood alcohol limit is currently 0.08% for all residential drivers over the age of 21, which means any individuals with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.08% may be arrested. Individuals under the age of 21 may not have a BAC of 0.01% or they will be penalized. It is illegal in California to drive while addicted to drugs unless participating in a drug-treatment program.
10 Tips for Avoiding DUI/DWI in California
- The first step to avoid a DUI/DWI in California to be a responsible drinker, not drink to excess, or do illicit drugs.
- A designated driver is recommended for anyone with a low alcohol tolerance or who plans to consume more than one alcoholic beverage.
- Try to eat something before drinking, so that your body has something to absorb the alcohol. Even prescription drugs, especially when taken for the first time, can severely impair a driver’s judgment, response time and direction, so take caution when driving while taking a prescribed medication.
- If you are concerned about your blood alcohol content, purchase a handheld breath tester and use it before you drive.
- Be aware of any special circumstances in Los Angeles County. If it is a popular holiday, like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day or Labor Day, or even the Super Bowl, expect law enforcement to be out in full force.
- Also pay attention to any announced DUI checkpoints. Checkpoint locations must be announced and are available online.
- Keep your car in good condition at all times. An expired tag, cracked windshield or broken taillight gives the police a reason to stop you.
- Be sure to have your driver’s license, registration and insurance information in a place that is easy to locate. If you are stopped by law enforcement and cannot find this information, the officer may ask you to do a Field Sobriety Test.
- If you are stopped, turn on the dome light in the car and be courteous to law enforcement. However, do not admit to anything, since all admissions, no matter how innocent will be used against you.
- Call an attorney licensed in California in order to protect you rights.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI/DWI in California?
The penalties for DUI/DWI are severe. Drivers over the age of 21 may be fined, have their vehicle impounded, be forced to perform community service, and may be sent to jail. Individuals who are under 21 can have their license suspended, receive a fine, and may be required to attend a driving school; criminal charges are also possible. A DUI conviction will stay on a driver’s record for 10 years. If you or someone you know is arrested on suspicion of DUI/DWI, the Law Offices of Rodney Nosratabadi can help. Our firm represented clients in trial that resulted in not guilty verdicts in DUI, resisting arrest, strike cases, and assaulting a peace officer 2015-2016.
ABOUT THE LAW OFFICES OF RODNEY NOSRATABADI
Established in 2008, The Law Offices of Rodney Nosratabadi is a full-service criminal law firm in Los Angeles, California. We pride ourselves in providing criminal defense representation in LA and the surrounding counties. Our services include drug and alcohol DUIs, violent crimes, white collar crimes, sex crimes, and other criminal offenses in Southern California. With law offices in Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, and San Bernardino, California, we are ready to serve you. Past criminal representation included assault with a deadly weapon, resisting arrest, grand theft, domestic violence and battery. Visit our website at http://rodneydefense.com.
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