Fairfax, CA DUI Lawyer

Skilled Attorney Representing Clients Charged With DUI in Fairfax

A DUI charge can put your career, your freedom, and your right to drive at risk. You might feel overwhelming pressure from prosecutors to accept jail time and other harsh penalties. As a citizen of California, you have the right to be represented in court by an attorney who will advocate for your innocence and help you resolve your case successfully.

Attorney Paul Burglin is a distinguished name in California DUI law, with a client base built on professional referrals. Since 1985, he has defended clients accused of driving under the influence, and he co-authored California Drunk Driving Law, with its two volumes frequently cited as "the Bible of DUI defense." When you work with Burglin Law Offices, P.C., you can take solace in knowing that your case will get the attention it rightfully deserves.

An Overview of DUI Charges

One of the most critical components of any DUI case is BAC, or blood alcohol content. Essentially, this is a measure of the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream, expressed as a percentage. In California, you can be charged with driving under the influence at or above .08% BAC. According to Section 23152 of the California Vehicle Code, you can be arrested for DUI if an officer has reason to believe you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances. A majority of DUI cases are charged as misdemeanors, but you might be charged with a felony based on certain aggravating factors, such as a BAC reading of .20% or excessive speeding.

Handling a DUI Traffic Stop

Knowing the laws around DUI can help you avoid incriminating yourself when you are pulled over. At a traffic stop, you may be asked to submit to a preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) to detect alcohol on your breath. You should know that this test is not compulsory, and you are well within your rights to refuse it. In most cases, it is in your best interests to refuse this test so as not to give the prosecution evidence against you. The same can be said for field sobriety tests (FSTs) that attempt to gauge your coordination. An officer may then decide to make an arrest, where you will be legally compelled to conduct a chemical test. After being detained, you should exercise your right to contact a qualified DUI attorney and receive private legal counsel.

Interlock Ignition Devices

A common penalty for DUI in California is the mandatory installation of a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAAID) inside your vehicle. If you are ordered to use a BAAID while driving, you are responsible for covering the out-of-pocket expenses for its installation and maintenance. The device hooks up to your car's engine, only allowing you to start the vehicle if you can provide an alcohol-free breath sample. While on the road, the BAAID may prompt you to breathe into it at regular intervals, with any failures reported to the courts.

The mandatory installation of a BAAID is a less than ideal sentence. But if you are convicted on DUI charges, an interlock device may be your only avenue to drive while a license suspension is still in effect, allowing you to commute to work and avoid difficulties in your life.

Meet With a Fairfax, California DUI Defense Attorney

If you face charges of driving under the influence in Fairfax, you should know that you have legal recourse to fight the allegations against you. Attorney Paul Burglin of Burglin Law Offices, P.C. is prepared to advocate on your behalf, using proven defense strategies bolstered by his comprehensive knowledge of the law. To schedule a free personalized consultation, contact our office at 415-729-7300 today.