How Do I Build an Effective Oakland DUI Defense?

DUI Attorney Serving Alameda County and the Bay Area

All cases of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) are different, and therefore require different defense strategies. The type of DUI that a driver is charged with often depends on the substance that caused intoxication, or what kind of driver license the driver has. The more information your lawyer has, the better he or she can prepare your Oakland drunk driving defense.

What Kind of Substance Was Used

The types of substances consumed before driving have significant influence on the charges you receive. Drug usage is treated severely by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the court. It is important to know that drug usage includes legal prescriptions and illegal drugs.

Someone charged with DUI or drug usage has the option of completing a drug rehabilitation course rather than going to prison. After completion of the course, the court dismisses the case and the drug charge is erased from the person's record.

Double DUI Charges

Sometimes people are charged with DUI of both drugs and non-drug substances. If this happens to you, the non-drug charge may exclude you from getting a drug class charge. As DUI of controlled substances is treated more harshly than DUI of drugs, you are likely to see penalties for both alcohol and drug offenses in this case.

Punishment for alcohol offense may include the following:

• Required prison time and probation
• Fines
• Alcohol school
• Four-month license suspension

A drug offense has very different repercussions, such as registration as a narcotics offender, random drug testing, and a required jail sentence of at least 90 days.

Oakland DUI Charges and Commercial Licenses

Commercial drivers are not allowed to operate a commercial vehicle if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is over .04 percent. If a commercial driver is charged with a DUI while driving a private vehicle, the DMV usually tries to order a one-year suspension for a first offense. The same penalty issued to commercial drivers operating commercial vehicles.

A second offense is penalized severely, and might involve a permanent suspension of the commercial license.

Oakland DUI Help

If you were charged with DUI and need a qualified attorney to assist you with effective DUI defense in Oakland, look no further than Alexander Cross, Attorney at Law. With a successful record for drunk driving and drug defense in Oakland, Cross will work hard to ensure that your rights are protected. To schedule an initial consultation to review options on a building a drunk driving defense in Oakland, contact Oakland Drunk Driving Lawyer Alexander Cross today at 510-213-6673.