Adult Drunk Driving Charges

Our Southern California DUI Defense Attorney Can Advocate for You

If you are 21 years of age or older and arrested for drunk driving, you are exposed to numerous penalties under California law. Our state has numerous drunk driving and driving under the influence statutes to address these offenses and it is critical that these defendants seek experienced counsel to challenge these accusations and protect their rights.

At The Law Offices of Paul S. Geller, we understand that even a brief lapse in judgment can result in a DUI charge and believe that all defendants deserve capable counsel in these cases. Mr. Geller is a former prosecutor who has completed specialized DUI training– including in use and calibration of breathalyzer technology—and can help you navigate your case to the best possible outcome.

Do not proceed without a trusted Southern California DUI defense lawyer on your side. Call our offices at (626) 714-3112 today.

California DUI Statutes

In California, there is no, single “drunk driving law.” Instead, there are numerous criminal statutes in place meant to address different circumstances in which the state believes a citizen was impaired behind the wheel.

These statutes include:

• VC §23152(a) – driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
• VC §23152(b) – driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level of .08 or more These two charges are often filed together in a misdemeanor DUI case.
• VC §23153(a) – driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs causing bodily injury
• VC §23153(b) – driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level of .08 or more causing bodily injury; These two charges are often filed together when there is an injury to someone other than the driver and can be filed as misdemeanor or felony charges.
• Penal Code §191.5, 192(c) – vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated (varying degrees)
• Harbors & Navigation Code §655 – Operating a Boat While Under the Influence (comparable statutes to the vehicle code DUI laws)

Misdemeanors carry up to six months or one year in the county jail, while felonies carry the possibility of state prison.

DUI Charge Enhancements

If the state believes that there are details about your case that indicate a particularly egregious offense, harsher penalties can be a possibility. These additional penalties are known as “enhancements.”

These enhancements are possible when the case involves:

• Reckless driving while drunk
• Refusing to submit to breath or blood test
• Multiple injuries of a resulting car crash
• Prior DUI convictions
• Gross negligence

If you have been arrested for drunk driving, the time to start exploring your legal options is now. Contact us to request a free consultation.