San Luis Obispo DUI Lawyer

DUI charges may carry serious consequences in San Luis Obispo. However, one mistake doesn’t have to turn into a lifetime of struggle. When you don’t know what to do or where to turn, rely on a compassionate San Luis Obispo DUI Lawyer. 

Attorney William M. Aron, founder of the Aron Law Firm, and his team dedicate their time and practice to serving those facing DUI charges in the San Luis Obispo community with professionalism, transparency, and approachability. Having successfully handled thousands of DUI cases, we’ll back your case with a constant, steadfast commitment to obtaining results.

What Constitutes a DUI in San Luis Obispo, California?

Having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit doesn’t always result in a conviction, but it does give the prosecutor a good piece of evidence to use against you if you are charged. A skilled DUI attorney may investigate other factors such as your driving pattern, time of arrest, and place of arrest to help acquit or reduce your charge. Generally, what constitutes a DUI in California depends on your age, record, and type of license you have. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Those under 21 may not drive with a BAC of .01% or higher
  • A driver on probation stemming from a prior DUI may not register any measurable amount of alcohol in his or her system while behind the wheel
  • Those with a commercial driver’s license may not drive with a BAC of .04% or higher
  • Those 21 or older with a regular driver’s license may not drive with a BAC of .08% or higher

However, under California Law, you may still be charged with a DUI even if you have very low BAC or if your BAC wasn’t assessed at all. At the Aron Law Firm, our San Luis Obispo DUI lawyers understand that it might be frustrating to be arrested if you weren’t inebriated over the limit, but our best piece of advice is to remain calm, uphold your right to remain silent, and contact us.

Non-Alcohol DUIs in San Luis Obispo

Not all DUIs involve alcohol. There are many other substances that may impair drivers, and in California, convictions for non-alcohol related DUIs may be penalized just as harshly. Some of these substances in question are illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, meth, or prescription medications such as oxycontin, valium, or Vicodin. There’s also no legal limit for drug concentrations in the bloodstream. If an officer believes that you’re under the influence of any drug, you may be arrested.

People would generally not expect to be charged with a non-alcohol related crime, which is why these types of DUIs are so common in San Luis Obispo. It’s critical to recognize that these non-alcohol-related substances may affect your ability to drive just as much as alcohol, if not more so. Contact our experienced DUI attorneys in San Luis Obispo today for legal representation. 

DUI Penalties in the State of California

The specific circumstances of your DUI case may determine the penalties you face. California law specifies a range of permissible penalties, contingent upon the extent of your prior criminal record. A DUI conviction remains on your criminal record for ten years. Here are the penalties you may face for a first, second, and third DUI conviction: 

  • First offense: Punishable by up to six months in jail, up to $1,000 in fines, nine months of a DUI education program, court probation, and a mandatory six-month license suspension
  • Second offense: Punishable by up to one year in jail, up to $1,000 in fines, 18 to 30 months of a DUI education program, court probation, and a three-year license suspension
  • Third offense: Same as a second offense, with the addition of possibly being labeled as a “habitual traffic offender.”

It’s important to know the potential penalties you may face, so you’re fully aware of what’s at stake. It’s equally as important to know that the maximum DUI penalties may be avoided, and in some cases, entirely dismissed with adequate representation on your side. Our Santa Barbara DUI attorneys at Aron Law Firm are skilled DUI defenders, ready to exhaust all resources and avenues to craft a compelling legal defense on your behalf.

Contact an Experienced San Luis Obispo DUI Attorney

When you’re facing a DUI charge in San Luis Obispo, allow the Aron Law Firm to protect your rights and represent your best interests. We are compassionate attorneys with the tenacity and experience to win our clients’ most complex DUI cases. No matter what you’re facing, it is what we do now, together, that might make all the difference.

At Aron Law Firm, our San Luis Obispo criminal defense lawyers strategically limit the amount of DUI cases we assume so that each client is 100 percent confident they’re receiving the personal attention and prioritization they need. Our client-centered approach is not only why our clients trust us, but it’s also why the Aron Law Firm is at the forefront for top DUI defense in San Luis Obispo. Contact our office today at (805) 500-0759 or online to schedule a confidential case evaluation right away.