San Diego, California DUI Criminal Defense Practice Areas And Legal Definitions

California laws and procedures related to criminal defense are complicated and require a skilled criminal defense lawyer to properly navigate through the process. Criminal defense Attorney William K. Mueller fights for the rights of alleged criminal defense offenders in San Diego, California, and surrounding California cities and counties. Attorney William K. Mueller delivers personalized attention to his clients by keeping case information detailed and accessible, and provides expert criminal defense legal solutions related to the following matters:

CALIFORNIA DUI:

“DUI” stands for Driving under the Influence and occurs when someone is operating, or is in actual physical control of, a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substance, to the extent that their mental faculties are impaired and/or their Blood Alcohol Content is above the legal limit. Even for a first offense, penalties can include license suspension, substantial fines, community service, mandatory attendance at a state or DMV approved alcohol program, mandatory overnight incarceration and the required installation (at the offender’s expense) of a car ignition locking device. In addition, a DUI conviction stays on a DMV record for several years; it typically results in higher insurance premiums, and an offender may become ineligible for credit. Plus, a DUI could also jeopardize your employment opportunities.

However, if someone was injured as a result of the drunken driving accident, it is possible the defendant will be charged with a felony (and if the victim dies, the driver may be charged with vehicular manslaughter). Further, a DUI conviction will likely be raised to a felony if it is the driver's fourth DUI offense or the driver has had a prior felony DUI offense within 10 years of the new charge. For more information, please contact San Diego, California DUI lawyer William K. Mueller.

CALIFORNIA TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS:

Traffic violations are specifically addressed in state statutes and can include: driving with a suspended license, driving without insurance, leaving the scene of an accident, DMV hearings and appeals. There is an entire body of law that regulates the operation of motor vehicles on the streets and highways. The laws related to operating a vehicle can be difficult to interpret and apply. It is important to contact an experienced traffic/DUI defense lawyer if you have been charged with any traffic violations. Violations on your driving record can affect your eligibility for a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) as well as insurance premiums and your ability to get certain types of employment. Call San Diego, California traffic ticket defense Attorney William K. Mueller today to protect your rights and defend your driving record.

CALIFORNIA DRUGS AND NARCOTICS CHARGES:

Drugs and Narcotics laws have tried to keep up with the changing perceptions and real dangers of substance abuse. By 1970, over 55 federal drug laws and countless state laws specified a variety of punitive measures, including life imprisonment and even the death penalty. To clarify the situation, the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 repealed, replaced, or updated all previous federal laws concerned with narcotics and all other dangerous drugs.

Most states have laws that give different treatment to possession of different categories of drugs (i.e. prescription drugs, marijuana, crystal methamphetamine) and also make a distinction in the offense charged as to whether a small amount of the drug was found with the defendant (personal use) or a larger amount (intent to sell or distribute, trafficking). A conviction of a drug charge of any magnitude, even a small amount of marijuana, can seriously affect your present and future employment chances, your education, your reputation and your freedom. That is why it is important to call San Diego, California drug charge defense Attorney William K. Mueller as soon as you have been arrested to protect your rights and defend your future.

CALIFORNIA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:

Domestic violence is any physical, emotional, sexual or other violence that takes place between people who may be married or not married; heterosexual, gay, or lesbian; living together, separated or dating. Domestic violence can be criminal and include physical assault: hitting, pushing and shoving, etc., sexual abuse: unwanted or forced sexual activity and stalking. Domestic violence charges can have a serious impact on your life.

CALIFORNIA FELONY CRIMES:

Felony Crimes involve drug and narcotics charges, arson, burglary, armed robbery, murder and/or attempted murder, rape and/or sexual assault, kidnapping and aggregated assault and battery. A felony conviction is a serious matter that can result in a substantial state prison sentence and the potential loss of certain privileges and Constitutional rights of U.S. citizenship, such as the right to possess a firearm or the right to vote.

CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE:

Individuals found to violate a criminal law whether through their own admission of guilt or through the determination of a jury are subject to fines, imprisonment, probation and community service, among other penalties. The outcome of any criminal case depends upon the facts surrounding the crime charged, the strength of the evidence, the legal validity of law enforcement and courtroom procedure and the goals and strategy of the government and defense. San Diego, California criminal defense Attorney William K. Mueller will navigate you through this complicated legal process.

Take Action To Protect Your Rights:

If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a crime in San Diego County, California, and you need help from an experienced criminal defense lawyer, call Attorney William K. Mueller today at 866-435-2835, or complete the contact form provided on this site to begin your consultation with a skilled San Diego criminal defense trial attorney. Initial consultations are free and Visa and MasterCard credit card payments are accepted.