DUI Vs DWI in California: What Santa Barbara Drivers Should Know In California, many drivers confuse DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). Knowing the differences is important for people in Santa Barbara. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for most adults, meaning that even slight impairment can lead …
When Does a DUI Become a Felony in Santa Barbara? In Santa Barbara, a DUI can become a felony if certain conditions are met. Three or more DUI convictions within ten years make any new offense a felony. If a DUI causes injury or death, it’s classified as “DUI causing injury” or vehicular manslaughter. This …
Second DUI in Santa Barbara County: What Changes and Why a Lawyer Matters Facing a second DUI charge in Santa Barbara County is a serious legal issue that can significantly impact your life. You could face penalties like losing your driver’s license for at least two years and paying fines exceeding $2,000. Consequences include possible …
Switching From Public Defender to Private DUI Lawyer in Santa Barbara Key Takeaways If you’re facing DUI charges, a personal attorney can make a difference. These lawyers focus on your case and create strategies that improve your defense. This article stresses the value of hiring a lawyer who knows Santa Barbara’s DUI laws. Their local …
Blood Draws & Chain of Custody: How DUI Lawyers Challenge Evidence Key Takeaways Blood tests in DUI cases are important. Small mistakes in Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) readings can lead to serious legal issues for the accused. Understanding chain of custody is crucial; any break or inconsistency can make blood test results questionable and weaken …
Breath Test Devices & Calibration in California: A Santa Barbara Overview Key Takeaways This article highlights the importance of calibrating breath test devices. Factors like environment and health can affect results, impacting DUI cases. You’ll learn about California’s Title 17 rules requiring regular maintenance of breath testing equipment. These rules emphasize record-keeping to ensure reliable …
Field Sobriety Tests in Santa Barbara: Questions Your Lawyer Will Raise Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) aren’t perfect measures of impairment; they can be affected by outside factors. In Santa Barbara, an attorney will examine whether the police followed proper procedures during these tests. This includes checking if the instructions were clear and if environmental conditions …
Using Bodycam and Dashcam Footage in Santa Barbara DUI Cases Key Takeaways Bodycam and dashcam videos are crucial in DUI cases. They provide evidence that can support or challenge police statements about a driver’s actions during a traffic stop. This article outlines the legal steps to use these video clips in court, emphasizing how they …
Qualifying for a Public Defender in Santa Barbara County DUI Cases Dealing with DUI charges in Santa Barbara County can be stressful, especially if you can’t afford a private lawyer. To get a public defender, you must demonstrate financial difficulties by filling out a financial affidavit during your first court appearance — Santa Barbara DUI …
Court Process Timeline for Santa Barbara Duis (arraignment to Sentencing) Key Takeaways The DUI court process in Santa Barbara is complicated. It starts with an arrest and can lead to fines, losing your license, and mandatory education programs. DMV hearings are crucial for defendants. These hearings allow you to challenge evidence against you and protect …