Late last month, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a new bill into law that is directly aimed at curbing drunk driving across the state. Under the terms of the new bill, any individual convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) is required to install an ignition interlock device (IID), or an in-vehicle Breathalyzer.
The program, which is set to go into effect at the start of 2019, is an expansion of an existing four-county pilot program that has implemented the devices in an effort to keep incapacitated drivers off the roads.
According to the author of the bill, Sen. Jerry Hill of San Mateo, more than 1,000 people lose their lives across the state of California each year due to DUI offenses, and more than 20,000 are estimated to suffer injury. It is estimated that the IID program, which began in 2010, has thwarted roughly 125,000 attempts to drive while under the influence of alcohol.
In expanding the program, California joins 28 states in requiring the use of IIDs for those convicted of DUI.
DUI Defense in California
Driving while drunk or under the influence of a substance is illegal, not just here in California, but across the country. However, California breaks DUI down in two ways. According to California’s Vehicle Code:
- It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while impaired – whether it’s through alcohol or drug use – to the point where you are unable to do it safely
- Any individual found driving a motor vehicle with blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher is guilty of DUI
DUI is also a criminal charge in the state of California. Depending on the severity of the charge, and the evidence and outcome of the case, these charges remain on an individual’s criminal history, and can affect checks for housing or employment.
Being convicted of a DUI can also lead to the suspension or loss of a driver’s license, which can cause a serious impact on many areas of everyday life, including the ability to drive to and from work.
In many cases, these types of situations come down to making a mistake – one that should not adversely affect the rest of your life.
Whether you are a first offender in a DUI case, or someone facing steep penalties for continued offenses, it is in your best interest to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Only an attorney who specializes in criminal defense, particularly DUI defense, can assess the severity of your case and devise an appropriate defense strategy.
DUI Defense Attorneys in California
For those who reside in Los Angeles County or the surrounding areas in Southern California, DUI defense attorneys at Gurovich, Berk & Associates can provide the sound legal guidance necessary when building a defense against criminal charges, including those involving DUI. Our attorneys are highly skilled in this area of law, and are well versed in the latest state statutes involving DUI offenses.
No matter what the situation is surrounding your DUI charge, our team of dedicated, compassionate defense attorneys is prepared to stand by you and protect your rights every step of the way.
Do not delay – our legal team is standing by, prepared to assist you in your defense today. To schedule a free initial consultation with one of our defense attorneys, contact the law office of Gurovich, Berk & Associates at (213) 385-1555.