Known as the gateway city to the Inland Empire, Corona, California is a bustling city serving over 160,000 residents. Corona is the home to many families that are looking for the suburban lifestyle near Los Angeles. It is within reach of LA, the beaches and state parks; the neighborhoods are trending and diverse; and the education system is one of the best in the region.
While Corona-Norco Unified School District’s mascot is the panther, many laughingly suggest it should be the griffin, the mystical creature on the Corona beer bottle. A griffin has the heads and wings of an eagle, the body of the lion and is commonly known to be a protector.
Yet the griffin on the Corona bottle cannot protect you from a DUI charge. Driving Under the Influence but it is a serious offense and Riverside County takes DUI cases very seriously.
California’s legal blood alcohol concentration level is 0.08%. If you take a chemical test and your blood alcohol concentration level is 0.08% or higher, then you will be charged with a DUI.
Being arrested and charged with a DUI can be overwhelming, especially when your license is taken away immediately by the arresting officer. You may not know who to turn to, what to do next, or what your life might look like in six months or a year.
At Greenberg, Greenberg & Kenyon, APLC, we have dedicated DUI attorneys. When you get arrested for DUI, our attorneys work diligently to help you with your DUI case. With legal knowledge, decades of experience, and aggressive defense methods, the DUI attorneys can provide you with the best possible outcome.
Your First Offense
First offenses in Corona typically have the same plot line. You joined friends that were gathering at Boondocks bar to listen to some live music. After drinking a few beers, you are ready to head home and decide that you are okay to drive. Nearing your neighborhood, you accidentally run the stop sign near your home. A Corona police officer pulls you over for the running the stop sign and asks if you’ve been drinking.
After sobriety tests and a breathalyzer, you compliantly (but grudgingly) get arrested and charged for Driving Under the Influence. Your license is taken away from you, a sober friend picks you up from the city jail, and you head home to call a DUI attorney about your case.
The laws about Driving Under the Influence are strongly enforced and the consequences are severe. If this is your first DUI offense in Corona, California, you will likely face a misdemeanor with the following penalties: maximum fines up 1000 dollars plus penalty assessments, a suspended license, and jail time.
These can be complimented with community service, an alcohol treatment program, alcohol treatment program, and mark ups on your workplace record. Many legal, healthcare, and educational jobs take DUIs very seriously. A DUI could have a devastating impact for your career.
A Corona DUI attorney can work with you and Riverside County’s legal system to get you the best possible result, and keep you out of jail. Typically, a first time DUI offense will result in a suspended license, fines and court fees, community service, and jail time.
Complex DUI Cases
There are cases that are more complex and require harsher sentence enhancements than the above example. DUI arrests can easily be complex and your legal options may be limited. At Greenberg, Greenberg & Kenyon, APLC, we have over 50 years combined experience handling complex DUI cases. Here are some common issues that can make a DUI case more complicated:
Speeding 20 mph over the limit: If you are driving 20 mph or more over in Corona, you will most likely be facing additional charges like reckless driving and a longer license suspension, and a minimum of 60 days in jail.
Driving with a minor in the vehicle: In California, a minor is considered a child under the age of 14. This is considered child endangerment.
A blood-alcohol level over .15%: The legal BAC limit is 0.08%. When you are close to doubling the BAC limit, you may be facing additional fines, alcohol treatment, and more.
Refusal to submit a chemical test: If you refuse to blow in a breathalyzer or have blood drawn 3 hours within your arrest, you could automatically have a suspended license for one year or more.
Injury or Property Damage: If you are involved in injuring a person or damaging property, you will be facing additional charges. Depending on the severity, a felony DUI may be added.
If your DUI case involves one or more of these situations, it is essential for your future in Corona that you contact a DUI attorney to help you with your case. A DUI attorney can lay out your case in a way that you can understand and guide you through the legal process.
10-Year Look Back
In California, there is a ten year look back statute that incorporates your previous record into your latest DUI charge. If you are looking at your second or third DUI charge within ten years, your penalties will be even more severe.
In 2013, almost 27% of those convicted for DUI in California were charged with another prior DUI, according to California’s Department of Motor Vehicles. For a second DUI within ten years, your sentencing may be similar to your first DUI charge yet more expensive. Your fines can maximize at 1,800 dollars, up to one year in jail, and a suspended license for two years. For a third DUI offense, your license may be suspended for three years.
An ignition interlock device may be required in your vehicle which requires the driver to breathe into a breathalyzer before the ignition starts. This will be at your expense, in addition to alcohol classes or treatment programs.
Every DUI case is unique. A DUI can interfere with your recovery and life in Corona, California. Consult with a DUI attorney to understand where you stand after a DUI and how to secure the most favorable outcomes after a DUI charge.
Consult with a DUI Attorney
There is a lot of information to take in after a DUI charge, and it can lead to a lot of unanswered questions. A DUI attorney can help alleviate your stress after a DUI charge by answering all of your questions, advising you on your best legal options, and aggressively defending your unique case. If you have been charged with a DUI in Corona, California, contact the experienced lawyers at Greenberg, Greenberg & Kenyon, APLC today.
