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San Luis Obispo Criminal Law Blog

DUI with enhanced factors may derail your future

On behalf of Patrick Fisher of Fisher Law Office on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

You probably already know that California is among the strictest states in the country when it comes to drunk driving laws. A conviction for a simple DUI may result in hefty fines that can devastate your budget and carry the potential for jail time, even for a first offense. Additionally, you may have other penalties, such as community service, probation or alcohol education classes. You will likely lose your license for a period of time.

As severe as these and other drunk driving penalties can be, there are some factors that can quickly increase the severity of the penalties you may face if a court convicts you. A DUI conviction can quickly derail your life and your opportunities for the future. It is important that you understand how much is on the line and how you may benefit from securing legal representation as soon as possible after your arrest.

What are per se DUI laws, and what do they mean for you?

On behalf of Patrick Fisher of Fisher Law Office on Tuesday, February 18, 2020.

You know that California DUI laws are tough, and driving drunk or under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in severe penalties. You probably also know that the legal limit for blood alcohol content is 0.08%, but there are other DUI laws you may not fully understand. Many drivers don't know about per se DUI laws and don't understand what they could mean for them.

Per se laws essentially mean that a driver could face arrest and charges for intoxicated driving even if he or she does not feel impaired or is unaware that his or her BAC level is at or over the legal limit. These laws apply to both alcohol and drug-related DUI arrests. Regardless of the circumstances of your case, it is in your interests to know how to develop a strong defense strategy.

Drug trafficking charges? Know what you are up against

On behalf of Patrick Fisher of Fisher Law Office on Friday, January 17, 2020.

Drug charges are a particularly serious criminal offense, and if you are facing these allegations, you would be wise to take your case seriously. Any violation of drug laws can bring serious, potentially life-altering penalties, especially those that are felony-level offenses. This includes drug trafficking and distribution.

If charged with trafficking or distribution, you need to know what you are up against. These are grave criminal offenses, and a strong defense strategy is crucial. Starting with a full understanding of these charges and the penalties they could bring, you can start working on your defense plan from the moment you learn you may be under investigation. No matter the nature of the charges or your criminal history, your future is worth protecting.

What's the difference between assault and battery charges?

On behalf of Patrick Fisher of Fisher Law Office on Wednesday, December 18, 2019.

Do you know what assault charges could mean for your life? Are you facing accusations of battery yet feeling unsure of what that means? Most people have heard of assault and battery, but most are unaware that these are two separate charges. While they often go together, they are not the same thing, and it could prove useful for you to learn the difference. 

Any type of criminal charge that involves violence and causing harm to another person is serious. While it may not seem serious to you, especially if you did not mean to cause any harm, it is in your interests to take your case seriously. A conviction of any type of crime could result in penalties that may alter the course of your life.

What is going to happen if you are facing DUI charges?

On behalf of Patrick Fisher of Fisher Law Office on Wednesday, November 20, 2019.

Criminal charges can have a significant impact on your future, particularly those involving drunk driving. A DUI or DWI in California can change your life in many ways, but a conviction or guilty plea is never your only way forward. There are ways you can fight back and preserve your future interests, starting with a strong DUI/DWI defense strategy. 

It is useful to know what you should do after a DUI/DWI arrest. When you understand what to do next, you will be better prepared to protect your future interests and your rights. Whether it is your first offense or you have other infractions on your criminal record, your future is worth protecting. You also have the right to fight for your driving privileges.

Civil restraining order may provide the protection you need

On behalf of Patrick Fisher of Fisher Law Office on Friday, October 18, 2019.

You have had enough. Whether you are dealing with your neighbor, a former friend, a roommate or someone else, the dispute between you continues to escalate. Perhaps this has been an ongoing feud, or something recently caused bad feelings between you, but if the situation has taken a bad turn, you may have concerns for your safety.

If the person with whom you are in conflict has threatened you, this is something you cannot take lightly. Many times people have shrugged off a threat of violence as an overreaction and waited for the other person to cool off. Sometimes they are fortunate, and matters resolve themselves. Other times, the other person does not cool off, and the situation ends in tragedy. If someone has made you feel unsafe or threatened, you would be wise to seek information about a civil restraining order.

Were there valid grounds for your DUI arrest?

On behalf of Patrick Fisher of Fisher Law Office on Thursday, September 19, 2019.

The conviction of a crime can have a negative impact on multiple areas of your life. This also true with a DUI or DWI, whether it is your first offense or you have previous drunk driving convictions on your record. No matter your history, your future is always worth protecting, and you can do this by presenting a strong and well-prepared DUI/DWI defense against these charges. 

One of the most basic elements of a good defense is to carefully evaluate all of the details of your case, including the circumstances of your arrest. Police must have very specific reasons for placing a person under arrest, and without those reasons, the entire case against you may be invalid. If you suspect that you experienced a violation of your rights or there is a problem in the way you were treated, you can fight back.

Did meth use land your loved one in a difficult position?

On behalf of Patrick Fisher of Fisher Law Office on Wednesday, August 21, 2019.

It is much easier for a person's life to become turned upside down than many individuals believe. A simple mistake or action believed to be inconsequential could actually have lasting impacts on your life or the life of a loved one. In particular, you may worry about the path your loved one's life is taking after becoming involved with methamphetamine.

You may not know much about the substance itself, but you do know that it contributed to your loved one not acting like him or herself. You may have noticed many changes in appearance and attitude, and you likely knew the situation had taken a turn for the worst when police arrested your loved one.

Dealing with false claims of domestic violence

On behalf of Patrick Fisher of Fisher Law Office on Tuesday, July 23, 2019.

Someone can accuse you of being many things, and your life will not change because of it. However, if someone claims you have committed domestic abuse, the ramifications may be swift and long-lasting. Domestic violence is a crime of control, and those who seek help from dangerous family situations often have a small window of opportunity to escape. Laws allow California police to act quickly, and courts often err on the side of the victim.

This is common knowledge. Unfortunately, those who know these things about domestic violence laws may make use of the advantages the law offers the victim, especially when divorce or other family law disputes are a factor. If you are currently facing accusations that you abused your spouse or children, you have a right to be concerned. Your actions from this point forward can greatly impact the outcome of your case.

Did the conditions of field sobriety testing put you at risk?

On behalf of Patrick Fisher of Fisher Law Office on Wednesday, June 26, 2019.

Getting pulled over by a police officer puts an added stress on anyone's day. If the officer suspects that you consumed alcohol before getting behind the wheel, the amount of stress you face in regard to the stop could increase, especially if the officer takes you into custody.

Typically, before an arrest takes place, an officer will conduct various actions in efforts to investigate the situation. When it comes to a potential DUI stop, the officer may ask you questions about your activities prior to the stop or may even ask you to get out of the vehicle to participate in standard field sobriety tests.

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Fisher Law Office

1322 Morro Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-4028
Phone: 805-706-0205
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Phone: 805-706-0205
Fax: 805-542-0464