Novato DUI Lawyer

Skilled Attorney Handling DUI Cases in Novato, CA

After an arrest for DUI, you might be overwhelmed and even frightened, with no idea how to respond to the legal charges against you. You might be solicited over the phone or through your mail by bail bondsmen, lawyers, and other outside parties who make promises they may not be able to keep. Attorney Paul Burglin stands out as a straightforward professional in Novato who operates through trusted referrals, with real experience protecting clients from the consequences of DUI charges. When you work with Burglin Law Offices, P.C., you can take comfort knowing your case will be handled by a sole practitioner who will give your case the attention and time it deserves.

First Time DUI

California prosecutes DUI harshly even for first offenders. For just a single offense without any aggravating factors, you could face up to half a year in jail, mandatory Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, several months of DUI school, years of probation, a driver's license suspension, and fines as high as $2,300. The courts will not be lenient with you; retaining a qualified DUI attorney is crucial for protecting yourself from the full brunt of the law.

Additionally, if you want to regain your driving privileges, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device inside your vehicle that will detect alcohol on your breath. After installing the device, you must produce a clean breath sample to start the vehicle. While driving, the device will request another clean breath sample at various intervals, and failure to do so will be recorded. Different counties have different mandates for ignition interlock devices, and not all of them will require an installation on a first offense. In most cases, for a first DUI offense, you can expect to have an interlock device installed for at least five months.

Felony DUI

A charge of driving under the influence in California is ordinarily prosecuted as a misdemeanor. However, you could be charged with a felony for certain DUI violations, and a conviction will come with higher fines, a longer prison sentence, and a four-year revocation of your driver's license. Any of these violations can result in a felony DUI charge:

• Causing bodily injury or death as a result of DUI.
• Accumulating three or more DUI convictions in a 10-year period.
• Having a prior felony DUI conviction on record within a 10-year period.

Additionally, the presence of one or more aggravating factors could result in a misdemeanor DUI charge being escalated to a felony. These aggravating factors include refusing to take a blood or breath test, excessive speeding, committing a hit and run, or getting caught driving drunk with a passenger under 14.

The long-term consequences of a felony DUI conviction have the potential to restrict your future opportunities. With a criminal record, you might face difficulties finding work, or applications for housing or loans may be denied. On top of that, you might lose the right to vote or lawfully own a gun as a convicted felon. Our skilled DUI attorney can fight to have felony charges minimized or dismissed, protecting your personal freedoms from an unforgiving court system.

Meet With an Experienced Novato, California DUI Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with DUI in Novato, you could be looking at a severe sentence. The reputable attorney at Burglin Law Offices, P.C. defends against misdemeanor and felony charges of driving under the influence, using his full knowledge of the law to shield his clients from harsh prosecution. Attorney Paul Burglin is a respected name in California DUI defense. He is recognized across the nation for his rigorous representation, and he has represented over 5,000 clients since 1985. To schedule a free consultation with a California Board-Certified attorney, contact us at 415-729-7300 today.