DUI

Napa County DUI Attorneys

Experienced Defense Against DUI Charges in California  

After being pulled over and arrested for DUI, you may be justifiably confused, anxious, and scared. DUI is a serious crime in California that can lead to harsh consequences depending on many factors. However, it is essential to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and the burden of proof lies with the prosecutor. You have the right to a criminal defense attorney whose sole responsibility is to protect your rights and best interests throughout the criminal justice process. 

You can partner with a firm dedicated thousands of hours to DUI defense at Wilber Law Offices. Our Napa County DUI attorneys have deep experience resolving DUI charges of all kinds, both through negotiation, at trial, and everything in between. We know our way around the criminal justice system, have the respect of law enforcement and court officials, and have a strong track record of results. When you come to us, you can count on our passion for serving, our commitment to legal excellence, and our determination to help you achieve an optimum outcome. 


Facing a DUI charge in California? Call Wilber Law Offices today at (707) 289-7006 or contact us online to start your defense with our DUI attorney in Napa County, CA!


What is Considered a DUI in California?

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in California refers to the act of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated from alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, to the extent that it impairs your ability to drive safely. The key factors that constitute a DUI in California are the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and the type of substance involved.

The following are common types of DUI in California:

  • Alcohol DUI: In California, the legal limit for alcohol is typically 0.08% BAC for individuals over the age of 21. If you are caught driving with a BAC at or above this limit, you can be charged with a DUI.
  • Underage DUI: For drivers under the age of 21, California has a "zero-tolerance" policy. This means that any measurable amount of alcohol in their system while driving is illegal and can lead to a DUI.
  • Drug DUI: Apart from alcohol, driving under the influence of drugs, whether illegal substances or prescription medications that impair your ability to drive safely, can also result in a DUI charge.
  • Combination of Alcohol and Drugs: Driving under the influence of both alcohol and drugs, even if they are within legal limits individually, can also lead to a DUI arrest if the combination impairs your driving ability.

Our DUI Defense Services in Napa County, CA

We handle all types of DUI charges, including the following:

  • First-offense DUI
  • Second-offense DUI
  • Third-offense DUI
  • Felony DUI
  • DUI with injury
  • Drug DUI
  • Under-21 DUI
  • Commercial license DUI
  • Wet reckless

Is a DUI a Felony or Misdemeanor in California?

In California, a DUI is generally a misdemeanor. However, if the offense meets any of the following conditions, the charge could be enhanced to a felony:

  • If an individual other than the driver was injured or killed as a direct result of the DUI offense
  • If it is the fourth or subsequent DUI charge within 10 years
  • If there are prior felony convictions for any kind of vehicle code violations
  • If there was an underaged individual present in the vehicle during the arrest

What is Wet Reckless Driving in California?

"Wet reckless" is a term used in California to refer to a specific type of plea bargain that can be negotiated for certain DUI offenses. It is a lesser charge than a standard DUI and typically involves reckless driving that is alcohol-related.

In a wet reckless plea bargain, the charge of driving under the influence (DUI) is reduced to reckless driving with alcohol involved. This can have potential advantages for the defendant, as wet reckless offenses generally carry lighter penalties than standard DUI offenses. Penalties for wet reckless driving might include fines, probation, mandatory alcohol education programs, and possibly shorter license suspensions compared to those associated with a full DUI conviction.

It's important to note that not all DUI cases are eligible for a wet reckless plea bargain. The decision to offer a wet reckless plea deal depends on various factors, including the specific circumstances of the case, the defendant's prior criminal record, the blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of the arrest, and other relevant details.

DUI Penalties in California 

The penalties you will face in any DUI case will depend on the actual charge, whether you have previous convictions, and any aggravating factors, such as having caused property damage, injury, or death to another. You may also face additional charges if you were found driving under the influence with a minor in your vehicle, known as DUI with child endangerment.

Penalties can include jail time, probation, fines, community service, DMV license suspension, DUI “school,” drug or alcohol testing, drug or alcohol treatment and education, court fees, SR-22 insurance, and restricted licenses requiring ignition interlock devices

First-Offense DUI Penalties in California

  • Up to 6 months in jail
  • Fines of up to $1,000
  • License suspension for up to 6 months
  • Mandatory attendance to DUI school

Additionally, if the offense involves a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15% or higher, the driver may also be required to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle.

California Second-Offense DUI Penalties

  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • Fines ranging from $390 to $1,000
  • License suspension for up to 2 years
  • Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
  • Mandatory completion of an 18-month - 30-month DUI school

Third-Offense DUI Penalties in California

  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • Fines ranging from $390 to $1,000
  • License suspension of up to 3 years
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
  • Mandatory completion of an 18-month - 30-month DUI school
  • Possible vehicle impoundment

California Felony DUI Penalties

A felony DUI charge is typically given in instances where there is bodily harm to another person or extensive property damage. A felony DUI can be charged when the DUI is a 4th offense within 10 years or there has been a previous felony DUI conviction.

  • 16 months to 4 years in California state prison
  • Up to $5,000 in fines
  • Could lose driver’s license for up to 5 years
  • Mandatory completion of an 18-month - 30-month DUI school

Contact Our DUI Lawyer in Napa County Today

A DUI is a serious criminal charge with potential jail time, fines, a suspended license, weekly DUI school, years of probation, and a criminal record. When charged with this crime, you will have the following aligned against you: the Napa County District Attorney, who decides whether to charge you; the Assistant Napa County District Attorney, who will argue for the state against you; and the Napa County judge whose job is to sentence you. They are all lawyers. Even the Napa County law enforcement personnel who arrested you have lawyers. 

Considering the above, isn’t it vital to have a lawyer on your side? Put a team of Napa County DUI lawyers behind you from Wilber Law Offices. We reduce stress, increase your chance for optimum results, provide invaluable guidance, and fight for you against all those lawyers mentioned. 


Contact Wilber Law Offices, P.C. today at (707) 289-7006 to schedule a FREE initial consultation with our Napa County DUI lawyer! 


No Jail Time
Client charged with a violation of probation and 3rd DUI - a wet reckless with no jail time was offered prior to the start of litigation of a suppression motion.
  • Case Dismissed
    Battery charge dismissed halfway through trial, and the jury hung on the resisting charge.
  • Case Dismissed
    But case later overturned on appeal based on arguments made by our counsel during the trial that the blood test was inadmissible and that there was no time of driving established by the evidence.
  • “Awesome, awesome firm. Ryan by far excided my expectations. He has a close relationship with all the players in Napa county's the DA's office. Has worked with them for many years.” - Shaun K.
  • “My husbands case was resolved fairly and no jail time :). I HIGHLY RECOMMEND RYAN WILBER'S SERVICES TO ALL MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS.” - Astrid M.
  • “If you need legal help I fully recommend them! If your looking for an experienced trial lawyer this is the team you want to hire.” - William H.

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