DWI and DUI

Driving While Intoxicated or Driving Under the Influence (DWI or DUI) is one of the most common criminal charges faced by the average person. Police officers enforce DWI laws strictly, and it is easy to be wrongly accused. Penalties for DWI cases have also become more and more severe in recent years: a person charged with a second DWI can face up to a year in jail and a $4000 fine. Deferred adjudication is specifically disallowed in DWI cases. If your license is suspended because of a DWI violation, you will have to pay $1000 a year for three years to be able to drive. If you have been arrested for Driving While Intoxicated, you need an aggressive criminal defense lawyer with the knowledge and experience to hold the state to its burden. Mehlman TerBeek LLP has tried countless DWI cases across the state of California and has the expertise you need to win.

In addition to defending you in the criminal case, Mehlman TerBeek LLP will represent you at the administrative license revocation hearing following your arrest. If you are arrested for a DWI, call a lawyer immediately. You have a limited time to contest the revocation of your license, and the results of a revocation hearing can help you in the criminal case later on.

Penalties for Driving While Intoxicated are becoming increasingly severe. The punishment depends on the circumstances of the arrest:

• First Offense: A fine not to exceed $2,000 and/or the possibility of jail time from 3 days to 180 days, as well as a driver's license suspension of 90 to 365 days (class B misdemeanor)
• Second Offense: A fine not to exceed $4,000 and/or jail from 30 days to one year, as well as a driver's license suspension ranging from 180 days to 2 years (class A misdemeanor)
• Third Offense: A fine up to $10,000 and/or 2 to 10 years of imprisonment, as well as suspension of your driver's license ranging from 180 days up to 2 years (third-degree felony)
• First Offense with an Open Alcohol Container: In addition to the penalties referenced above for a first offense, you face a minimum of 6 days in jail and a fine of no more than $2,000 (class B misdemeanor)
• DWI with an Accident Where Serious Bodily Injury Occurred as a Proximate Cause of the Intoxication (Intoxication Assault): A minimum of 2 years up to a maximum of 10 years in jail and a possible fine of up to $10,000 (third-degree felony)
• DWI Where a Death Has Occurred as a Proximate Cause of the Intoxication (Intoxication Manslaughter): A maximum fine of $10,000 and/or imprisonment from 2 to 20 years (second-degree felony)

Don't face this alone. The Mehlman TerBeek LLP is here to help you reach a successful resolution to your case.