Law Offices of Randy M. Grossman, APLC
5675 Ruffin Road, Suite 350
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 707-9800
Email : grossman@lawrmg.com
DUI and DWI Frequently Asked Questions - San Diego Criminal Law
When you are charged with a DUI or DWI, it is important to consider your various legal options. There are times when the traffic stop or even the sobriety tests used may provide false results concerning your level of intoxication. It’s important that you meet with skilled San Diego DUI and DWI defense attorney Randy M. Grossman to learn more about your legal options and what to expect during the legal process. Below are answers to some basic questions about DUI and DWI cases. Mr. Grossman will be able to discuss these matters in greater detail when you meet with him.
What is a DUI / DWI charge?
A DUI charge means driving under the influence. (DWI means driving while intoxicated, though DUI and DWI are used synonymously.) A DUI means that a person is alleged to have been operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Operating a motor vehicle while using other controlled substances also falls under DUI / DWI law.
How is the level of intoxication determined?
There are numerous ways to determine this, but one of the most well known is measuring a person’s blood alcohol content, or BAC. This refers to the concentration of alcohol found in a person’s bloodstream.
What is the legal blood alcohol content?
In the state of California, the legal limit for blood alcohol content is .08%. Anything in excess of that is grounds for an arrest. It should be noted that a person can be charged with drunk driving even if the blood alcohol content is lower than .08%. (In such cases, the driver would have to be driving erratically or violating other traffic laws.)
What sorts of sobriety tests are used?
During a traffic stop, there are many ways a police officer may assess a person’s sobriety. There are field sobriety tests, which may involve tracing the path of a moving object (e.g., a pen or a raised finger), standing on one leg, reciting the alphabet, counting backwards, and so forth. Another common check for blood alcohol content is a breathalyzer test, which measures the presence of alcohol on a person’s breath. Urine tests, blood tests, and additional tests can be administered as well.
How can a DUI / DWI defense attorney help me?
Speaking with a skilled San Diego DUI and DWI defense lawyer means that you will get the consideration that your case deserves. Given that a number of factors may contribute to nervousness during a field sobriety test, those must be considered during your hearing. In addition, breathalyzer tests are not the most accurate measure of blood alcohol content. And on top of this, the circumstances under which you were pulled over may be grounds for dismissal of the charges against you.
How can I learn more about DUI and DWI charges?
If you or someone you love has been charged with DUI or DWI in San Diego and need the services of a criminal law and defense lawyer, contact the San Diego Criminal Law Offices of Randy M. Grossman.