Los Angeles Alcohol Intoxication Attorneys

Los Angeles DUI attorneys understand that many individuals are not familiar with alcohol intoxication, whether in regards to driving while under the influence or public intoxication. The fact is, whether you are behind the wheel or in a public place, being intoxicated can lead to criminal charges, and serious penalties if convicted. At The Justice Firm, our objective is to provide unparalleled legal guidance and representation, helping clients reach the best possible outcome in his or her unique case.

When driving, alcohol level determines whether you are intoxicated. In California, as well as the rest of the U.S. the legal limit BAC or blood alcohol content when driving is .08%. This essentially means that if your BAC is eight one-hundredths percent alcohol or higher, you may be arrested for drunk driving. Your blood alcohol content must be at .08% or higher at the actual time you were driving, so if you are tested via blood/breath tests three hours after the fact and your BAC is this level or higher, chances are the level was even higher at the time you were operating a vehicle.

What is Alcohol Intoxication?

Essentially, alcohol intoxication is defined as ethanol poisoning, or being drunk; this is a condition that can be physically harmful when a person consumes more alcohol than the body can handle. Physical symptoms include odor of alcohol on the breath, enlarged pupils, slow breathing, rapid heartbeat, lack of the ability to walk straight or maintain balance, and in some instances, seizures or blackouts. Slurred speech is another sign of alcohol intoxication.

Public Intoxication or ‘Drunk in Public’

While it is not against the law to be drunk or intoxicated in a public place, it is a crime if intoxication results in your ability to exercise care for your own safety, or that of others. In addition, if intoxication results with your interfering or obstructing other people from using sidewalks, streets, or in other regards that individuals should be able to use public spaces, you may be charged with public intoxication.

Criminal penalties depend on whether you are charged with DUI (driving under the influence) or drunk in public, your criminal history, and other factors. Both may be charged as misdemeanors, although you may be charged with a felony offense in the case of drunk driving depending on factors such as whether someone else was injured or killed, you have three (3) or more prior DUI convictions within 10 years, or you have a prior conviction for felony DUI.

Police are often very aggressive in their efforts to arrest someone for public intoxication, even though the individual was extremely drunk in a public place but did not violate California’s “drunk in public” statute. When charged with any offense involving alcohol intoxication, it is vital to work with a skilled and aggressive Los Angeles criminal defense attorney.

Contact The Justice Firm Today

In California as in all other states, the legal BAC is .08%. Basically, when tested for blood alcohol level anything above this amount is considered intoxicated. This is particularly problematic if you are operating a vehicle, as you may be charged with DUI. The penalties you may face if found guilty depend on several factors, including whether it is a first or subsequent DUI, criminal history, whether you were involved in an accident, and more. The one thing you should avoid is answering police questions before you have consulted with a DUI lawyer. Contact The Justice Firm immediately at 310-914-2444.