Lemoore DUI Lawyer

Lemoore DUI Attorney

Everyone makes mistakes, and, unfortunately, some missteps can mean facing long-lasting negative effects. Being convicted of driving under the influence is one such example, and can result in difficulties obtaining and keeping a job, housing, and more. Fortunately, you do not need to handle your case alone. A Lemoore DUI lawyer at Carlos Navarrete Law Firm can help you protect your future.

Why Should I Choose the Carlos Navarrete Law Firm to Handle My DUI Case?

With over 23 years of combined experience, Carlos Navarrete and his team have defended those accused of criminal activity, including driving under the influence in the Golden State. They are dedicated to achieving a favorable result for their clients and protecting their futures.

Driving Under the Influence in Lemoore, California

It’s important to understand how California handles DUI cases, the potential consequences of a conviction, and how having the right lawyer may be the difference between a future behind the wheel and a future behind bars.

Driving under the influence, or a “DUI,” occurs when an individual operates any vehicle while being impacted by the effects of a drug, alcohol, or a prescription medication. These substances can affect the level of control drivers have over their cars, boats, and even bicycles, which can lead to delayed response time, swerving, improper speeds, accidents, and, in the most severe cases, accidents involving fatalities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released an estimate that roughly one death due to drunk driving occurs every 45 minutes in the country. It is because of statistics like this that the state of California takes DUI cases very seriously. In 2024 alone, over 90,600 suspected DUI arrests were made in the state, showing just how dedicated law enforcement agents have been when they suspect drunk driving.

What Are Some Influential Factors in a DUI Case?

The California court system can prove to be harsh when handling DUI cases, even when the suspected impaired driver has no history of DUIs. The penalties for those convicted of DUIs can be quite severe, depending on the circumstances. Some of these influential variables include the following examples:

• Your blood alcohol content. The Blood Alcohol Content limit, or “BAC,” is 08% in the state for those over 21 years of age. Underage drinkers caught driving with a BAC of 0.01% can be charged with a DUI. Additionally, having a BAC of 0.15% or higher can result in felony DUI charges, which increases the severity of both your charges and your potential consequences.
• Your driving and/or criminal record. If you have any past driving tickets and/or convictions on your record, it may influence the severity of your DUI charges. This is especially true for those with past DUI convictions, as it can be perceived as a pattern of behavior and, therefore, a more serious issue.
• Whether there was bodily harm. One of the most influential variables in a DUI case is whether or not there were any victims and if they experienced any bodily harm. This covers a broad range of potential harm, from a broken arm to a fatality. In a DUI accident causing a death, the driver can be charged with vehicular manslaughter and reckless driving in addition to driving under the influence.
• Whether there was a child present. The California criminal court system takes the safety of children very seriously. If a child was present at the time of any DUI-related accidents, the charges and potential penalties can increase exponentially in severity.
• Whether there was property damage. Property damage can play a role in the severity of your DUI charges. If the accident caused damage to other cars, the road, various aspects of city infrastructure, and more, the driver may face steeper penalties.

Why Should I Hire a DUI Lawyer in Lemoore, California?

When you are charged with a DUI, it is common to feel overwhelmed, isolated, and confused. It is crucial to hire a DUI lawyer. Should you be required to appear at the Kings County Superior Court for your DUI case, your lawyer can help you plead your case, representing both you and your rights as you work to protect your future freedoms.

FAQs About Lemoore, CA DUI Laws

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a DUI Lawyer in California?

The cost of hiring a DUI lawyer tends to vary case by case in the state of California. This is because of certain variables each DUI case can include, including the experience of your attorney, the severity of your charges, the amount of time your case requires, whether it proceeds to court, and the level of complexity your case presents.

Can I Represent Myself in a DUI Case in California?

Yes, it is legal for you to represent yourself in a DUI case in California, although it is not recommended. Many individuals have found that having a DUI lawyer can be incredibly beneficial. Your lawyer can help eliminate unnecessary confusion and stress, representing you and your rights as they advocate on your behalf. A seasoned DUI attorney can possibly have your charges dropped and mitigate the penalties of a conviction.

How Can a DUI Conviction Impact My Future in California?

There are many ways that being convicted of a DUI can influence your future freedoms in California. License suspension can make it much harder to hold down a job, as commuting may prove difficult without the ability to drive your car. Housing and employment can also be influenced by having a DUI on your permanent record. If you want to avoid limitations being placed on your life, it is vital to reach out to a DUI attorney in Lemoore, CA.

What Kinds of Penalties Could I Face if Convicted of a DUI in California?

There is a wide variety of potential penalties for a conviction for a DUI in California, including time in prison, expensive fines, having your license either suspended or revoked, the requirement to attend DUI school, probation, or an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle. Penalties may increase with subsequent offenses or with aggravating circumstances involved.

Lemoore, California DUI Law Firm

Contact the Carlos Navarrete Law Firm today to schedule a consultation, and we can discuss how to help protect you and your rights as you work to avoid a DUI conviction.