DUI Defense Lawyers in Sacramento, CA
As former police officers, we know exactly how cases are built — and how they fall apart.
"Unquestionably the best defense trial attorney in the Sacramento area. His record speaks for itself!"
EXPERIENCE MATTERS
Undefeated Record in Jury Trial 4 Years in a Row
Over 70 Jury Trials and Thousands of Cases Handled for Our Clients
Case Dismissed
Client was charged with five serious felonies, including attempted murder, and was facing life in prison.
Charges Dropped
Client was arrested for embezzling from her employer. All charges dropped.
Charges Dismissed
Client arrested for their 2nd offense DUI. All charges were dismissed, no DMV or criminal consequences.
Not Guilty
At jury trial, jury returned verdicts of NOT GUILTY on all felony counts.
Defending Clients From DUI Charges in California
A DUI charge in California can lead to severe penalties and long-lasting legal consequences, from hefty fines and possible jail time to license suspension and mandatory alcohol education programs. Having our Sacramento DUI lawyers by your side can help mitigate these consequences and navigate the complexities of the legal system.
What Is the Legal BAC in California?
As in the rest of the U.S., the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in California is 0.08%. Those under age 21 are considered drunk at 0.02% and can face strict penalties. When a driver has a BAC of 0.16, he or she can face enhanced penalties under an aggravated DUI charge.
What sets California apart is that our state has some of the strictest DUI laws in the nation when it comes to penalties.
What Happens When You Get a DUI in California?
The penalties for DUI offenses in California vary depending on several factors, including the number of prior offenses and the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC).
First-Time Offenders Can Face:
- A $2,000 fine
- Up to two days in jail
- A 6-month license suspension
- Mandatory attendance to an alcohol program
Second-Time Offenders Can Face:
- Fines up to $2,500
- Up to 1 year in jail
- 2-year license suspension
- Mandatory attendance to an alcohol program with extended participation
Third-Time Offenders Can Face:
- Fines up to $18,000
- Over 1 year in jail, with potential for multiple years
- Up to 10 years of license suspension
- Mandatory attendance to an alcohol program with intensive participation
Alternative Sentencing Options
California law provides various alternatives to traditional sentencing, especially for first-time offenders or those with mitigating circumstances. Options can include:
- Work Release Programs: Offenders may be allowed to serve their sentences through community service or work programs instead of jail time.
- Home Detention: In some cases, individuals can serve their sentences at home with electronic monitoring.
- Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs: Courts may offer programs focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment, which can be beneficial for those struggling with addiction.
These options can help reduce the impact of a DUI conviction on an individual’s life, allowing for a more constructive path forward. Navigating this process requires careful attention to detail and a comprehensive understanding of the law, which is why legal representation is vital.
Potential Defenses For DUI Charges in California
Depending on your case, our Sacramento DUI lawyers can employ various defenses for DUI charges, including:
- Improper Traffic Stop: If the police did not have reasonable suspicion to pull you over, any evidence obtained during the stop may be deemed inadmissible.
- Inaccurate Breathalyzer Results: Breathalyzer devices can malfunction or be improperly calibrated, leading to inaccurate BAC readings.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions or medications can affect BAC results or mimic signs of intoxication.
- Field Sobriety Test Errors: Field sobriety tests are subjective and can be influenced by various factors such as environment, health issues, or nervousness.
Legal Process After a DUI Arrest
The legal process following a DUI arrest can be complex and intimidating. After an arrest, several steps typically occur:
- Arraignment: The defendant appears in court, where charges are formally presented. At this stage, individuals can enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions: The defense may file motions to challenge evidence or the legality of the arrest, which can significantly affect the case's outcome.
- Plea Bargaining: Often, defendants may negotiate a plea deal to reduce charges or penalties, which is where having a skilled attorney is crucial.
- Trial: If a plea agreement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial, where both sides present their arguments, and a judge or jury decides the outcome.
Start Building Your Defense With Us
Gonzales Law Office combines years of legal expertise with aggressive strategies to effectively fight your DUI charges. Led by attorney Jonathan Gonzales, a former police officer, we leverage his unique insight into law enforcement practices to strengthen your defense.
If you’re facing a DUI charge or any criminal accusation in Sacramento, don’t navigate this challenging situation alone. We are here to provide the guidance and support you need.
Our Sacramento DUI attorney is ready to listen to your story, assess your case, and develop a strategic plan to defend your rights.
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Sacramento
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Stockton
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Sacramento County
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Placer County
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Northern California
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Roseville
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Antioch
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Concord
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El Dorado County
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Yolo County
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Solano County
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San Joaquin County
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Sutter County
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Yuba County
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Vacaville
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Fairfield
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Elk Grove
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Folsom
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Citrus Heights
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Rancho Cordova
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Fair Oaks
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Carmichael
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Arden-Arcade
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Modesto
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Davis
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Woodland
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West Sacramento
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Auburn
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Rocklin
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Lincoln
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Granite Bay
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El Dorado Hills
Contact Our Sacramento Criminal Defense Team
Don't face criminal charges alone. Our experienced attorneys are ready to protect your rights and fight for your future.
We Don’t Just Defend. We Deconstruct the Prosecution’s Case
Reasons to Choose Gonzales Law Office
Experienced DUI Lawyers in Sacramento County
If you’ve been arrested for a DUI, the time to act is now. From the day you’re arrested, you have only 10 days to request a DMV hearing, which should be done by your attorney. Hiring a Sacramento DUI lawyer early in the process can also be beneficial in starting your case off on the right foot.
Let Our Sacramento DUI Attorneys Fight For You
A DUI conviction can be inconvenient and costly. Without the assistance of an aggressive DUI lawyer in Sacramento, you could end up in prison and forced to pay thousands of dollars in fines. That's why you need the Law Office of Jonathan Gonzales on your side.
Case Results:
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After an accident, a client was charged with DUI with a BAC was 0.21. On the day of trial, the entire case was dismissed.
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A client was arrested for DUI with a BAC of over 0.08%. All charges were dismissed.
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A client was arrested for a second DUI offense. All charges were dismissed with no DMV or criminal consequences.
As a former police officer, Jonathan Gonzales has seen it all and he knows what defense to use to reduce your penalties and even get your DUI case dismissed, if possible. He also incredibly knowledgeable -- having an undefeated jury trial record for 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 across a variety of criminal cases.
Why Hire a Sacramento DUI Attorney?
If you've been pulled over for drunk driving in California, you should seek legal advice from a DUI lawyer in Sacramento as soon as possible following an arrest. At Gonzales Law Office, our DUI lawyers are incredibly knowledgeable and devote their skill and expertise to fighting for and protecting your future.
Our Sacramento DUI attorneys use proven strategies to minimize your penalties and protect your rights every step of the way. We understand California DUI laws and can provide a strategic legal defense for our clients. Hiring a reliable DUI lawyer can be the difference between serving a jail sentence or avoiding one altogether.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DUI CHARGES
In California, refusing a breathalyzer or chemical test can lead to automatic license suspension and additional penalties under the implied consent law.
A DUI conviction generally remains on your record for ten years in California. However, it can be expunged under certain conditions.
With effective legal representation, there may be opportunities for reduced charges or penalties through plea bargaining or other legal strategies.
Former Police Officer Lends Insight to Your Case
As a former Police Officer, Attorney Gonzales has valuable insight into how cases are handled and how charges are pursued, giving you an advantage at trial. He also understands how law enforcement can make mistakes, which could benefit your defense.
Sacramento criminal defense lawyer Gonzales, will investigate your case, collect evidence, and create a strong defense strategy to either get your entire case dismissed or your charges/penalties significantly reduced.
In fact, he has maintained an undefeated track record as a criminal defense lawyer at trial for the last three years by providing his clients with aggressive and personalized legal solutions. If you are facing criminal charges, our defense attorney in Sacramento can effectively advocate for your future.
