Fresno DUI Attorney

Proven Criminal Defense Lawyers in California

A number of factors are involved in a drunk driving arrest, many of them involving the science of testing for blood alcohol content (BAC). At Schweitzer & Davidian, our Fresno DUI attorneys have a thorough understanding of the proper means to determine a driver's BAC, as well as the numerous mistakes that are made by law enforcement officers that can result in charges of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs being dismissed.

Our Fresno DUI lawyers have received training on field sobriety testing and toxicology reports from some of the sharpest minds in the field. As a result, we are able to review the details of a DUI arrest in California and quickly spot any weaknesses or improper procedure that will assist us in your defense.

In cases where police follow proper procedure and the evidence appears firm, we are often able to negotiate for reduced charges and keep a DUI (also commonly referred to as driving while intoxicated or DWI) off of your driving record if you do not have a previous DUI conviction.

What Are The Penalties For DUI in California?

California law states that an individual who operates a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher is guilty of DUI. 

If you face DUI charges, it is important to realize that it is not treated as a minor offense. Heightened awareness of the dangers that drunk drivers present has led to increased penalties in California and nationwide.

Penalties for a First DUI in California

A conviction could result in:

• Your license being suspended or restricted
• Significant financial penalties
• An increased car insurance rate

Subsequent convictions may result in:

• Jail sentences
• License revocation

Fresno DUI Attorneys Who Minimize the Impact of Your Charges

The defense strategies in DUI cases are as varied as the arrests themselves.

A lot depends on the circumstances of the arrest, including:

• Whether other witnesses were present
• Whether it involved an accident
• Whether anyone was hurt
• Other factors

When charged with a crime, our Fresno DUI defense lawyers take the time to review every detail of your arrest and dig far beyond the police report to ensure that we consider every possible defense strategy. This is especially true when you face DUI charges. Our objective is to minimize the impact that such a charge has on your life.

Accuracy of Breathalyzer Tests

If you have been charged with drunk driving in Fresno, you most likely were administered a breath test. Police officers often use the Breathalyzer test to gauge an individual's level of intoxication.

But is the Breathalyzer Test Accurate?

The answer is not as straightforward as you would think.

The Breathalyzer test and other similar tests do not test an individual's blood alcohol content (BAC) level. Rather, these tests estimate BAC based on the amount of alcohol on an individual's breath.

Many factors can skew the results of the Breathalyzer test:

• Medications: Certain medications can affect the results of a Breathalyzer test.
• Other substances: Mouthwash or breath spray, which often contain alcohol, can skew test results.
• Medical conditions: Many medical conditions can affect breath test results. Burping during the administration of the test, for example, can cause artificially high readings. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also contribute to inaccurate results. Certain diets may also contribute to inaccurately high results.
• Errors in administration of test: Did the police officer who administered the test do so correctly? Errors are not uncommon in the administration of the Breathalyzer test.

If you failed the Breathalyzer test and were subsequently charged with drunk driving, do not lose hope. There may be several ways in which to fight the charges against you, including challenging Breathalyzer test results.

DUI Lawyer in Fresno

Time plays a critical component in DUI cases. It is important to contact our team of Fresno DUI lawyers as soon as possible, following your arrest. We are responsive and can come to your location promptly to provide the skilled defense that you need.