Yolo County includes the communities of Davis, Woodland, West Sacramento and the rural areas of the county.  There are three major interstate highways in Yolo County.  Every year, hundreds of individuals are arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI).  The Law Offices of Steven C. Sabbadini is well known for its aggressive and successful representation of individuals charged with DUI in Yolo County.

A DUI charge and conviction can result in serious consequences including significant fines, jail time and loss of driving privileges.  For UC Davis graduates a DUI conviction can affect one’s ability to obtain a professional license or have an adverse effect on future employment opportunities.  We understand that DUIs often occur because of a mistake and our goal is to work with you and the local authorities to minimize the impact this incident has on your life.

In California, you can be charged with a DUI for driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both.  The presumptive limit for DUI is .08% blood alcohol content.  This is equivalent of about four beers or four small glasses of wine or four mixed drinks.  This presumptive level is applicable both in court as well as the DMV administrative hearing.

At the time of a DUI arrest, if the officer has cause to believe you were driving with .08% or more, your driver’s license will confiscated.  The officer will issue you a notice of suspension and a temporary driver’s license which is valid for thirty (30) days.  After the thirty (30) day period, your license will be suspended unless you request a DMV Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing within ten (10) days of receiving the notice of suspension.  Failure to request this hearing in time will result in an automatic suspension of your license, and could negatively effect your defense in the subsequent criminal case.

In most cases you will be booked at the county jail and released when the jail staff has determined that your blood alcohol is below .04%.  Upon release, the jail staff will issue you a Notice to Appear along with an assigned court date in Yolo Superior Court.  The first court date is the arraignment where formal charges are presented. In many cases, our knowledge of the local rules, court system, district attorneys, judges, and diversion programs can help you avoid jail time entirely for your first DUI offense.  We are also skilled legal researchers, and thoroughly investigate the legal aspects of each case we take on to examine whether the police made an error that could result in the charges being dismissed entirely.

A conviction for a first time DUI usually results in the following consequences:

  • Probation for three (3) years
  • Minimum 4 days in the County Jail or on Sheriff’s Alternative Program.
  • Fines of approximately $3,200
  • License suspension and/or restriction
  • Participation in alcohol education program

These punishments can increase steeply if you have had one (1) or more previous convictions in the past ten (10) years, if your blood alcohol level was over .15, if you caused an accident resulting in property damage or injury, if you had a passenger under age fourteen (14), or if you were driving more than twenty (20) miles over the speed limit.

Restricted licenses may now be available as a result of recent legislation for multiple offenders. Multiple offenders can now secure a restricted license after completing a minimum period of suspension and the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device. For example, a second offender may obtain a restricted license after serving ninety (90) days suspension rather than one (1) year. You must, however, keep your Ignition Interlock Device installed for the underlying suspension period. For a third offense DUI, the person can obtain a restricted license after serving one hundred and eighty (180) days of the suspension period, instead of the minimum one (1) year revocation. You should consult with your attorney if you have multiple offenses.

Consult with our Experienced DUI Attorneys

If you are facing a DUI charge, time is of the essence.  Delay may result in loss of the driving privilege for a longer period of time. We will help you make informed decisions about your particular case, and provide you with knowledgeable, skilled legal representation both in court and DMV.  Our attorneys can help ensure that you get the best possible results in your case.  In many cases we can have the charges dismissed completely, or resolve the case for less than a DUI.  To discuss your case, contact the Law Offices of Steven C. Sabbadini today for a free telephone consultation.