San Anselmo DUI Lawyer

Experienced DUI Defense Attorney Serving Clients in San Anselmo, CA

A DUI conviction in California can place a serious burden on your life and your freedom. With the stigma of a criminal record, you might struggle to find employment or get approved for loans, and you may face discrimination in your personal life. Worse, you could be convicted of felony DUI charges, resulting in the loss of your right to vote or own a firearm after serving a long prison sentence.

A skilled DUI attorney in San Anselmo can defend you in court, fighting the allegations against you with hard evidence. Attorney Paul Burglin of Burglin Law Offices, P.C. stands tall among California lawyers as one of the most thorough and accomplished lawyers in the state, as he has defended over 5,000 clients since 1985.

An Overview of DUI Charges

In California, you can be charged with driving under the influence if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is over the legal limit or if you are impaired due to the use of a drug or a combination of drugs and alcohol. The legal limit for how much alcohol you can have in your bloodstream while driving is .08%.

For a first DUI offense, California drivers who are convicted can expect a sentence of up to six months of jail time and a fine no bigger than $2,300. The penalties for DUI increase with every conviction within a 10-year period. For a second conviction, you may receive a $3,000 fine and a prison sentence anywhere between 10 days to a year in jail. For a third conviction, the minimum jail sentence escalates to 120 days, and for every conviction beyond that point, you are likely to be charged with a felony.

Note also that California has a zero tolerance law for DUI under the legal drinking age. If you are under 21 and are charged with driving with a .01% BAC, your license may be suspended for up to a year.

Avoiding Jail Time in DUI Cases

The possibility of incarceration is a very real threat to those who are charged with DUI. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible to formulate a strategy to address your charges in court. Attorney Paul Burglin works with clients directly to determine the best avenue of defense for each case, using proven tactics based on real experience. For instance, he may question the validity of chemical test results or whether a traffic stop violated your constitutional rights.

If you have one or more previous DUI convictions, you may have to negotiate for an alternative sentence to avoid incarceration. This might take the form of regular Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, DUI classes, house arrest, work programs, or submitting to remote alcohol monitoring via a bracelet.

Aside from repeat offenses, other factors can aggravate the charges against you and potentially increase the length of a jail sentence. A DUI resulting in an accident will not be taken lightly by the court, especially in cases involving an accident that caused injury or death. Furthermore, testing showing that you were well over the legal limit (.20% BAC or more) is likely to result in harsher prosecution.

Speak With a Reputable San Anselmo, California DUI Attorney Today

One night of driving under the influence can come with months or even years of legal repercussions. A seasoned DUI lawyer can help to minimize the negative impact of these charges, arguing at every opportunity to have the charges against you reduced or dropped. At Burglin Law Offices, P.C., Attorney Paul Burglin proudly represents the people of San Anselmo, having served as a lead counsel in over 120 DUI jury trials. To schedule a free consultation, contact our office at 415-729-7300 today.