Driving offenses in California can range from minor infractions to serious crimes that carry severe penalties. If you’ve been accused of a DUI or serious driving-related offense in San Diego, you may feel confused or overwhelmed. What does this mean? How serious is the charge? What consequences will I face, both now and in the future?

At Keegan Law, we understand what you are going through. We know the fear of facing criminal charges, as we have been helping people defend against such charges for years.

We know that you are a human being who is more than a mistake you made on any given day. We are here to represent you compassionately and effectively; we’ll help you understand your rights and choose the best option for resolving your case with the least impact on your future.

Under California law, driving crimes encompass a wide array of offenses. Each offense carries unique legal implications and potential penalties, ranging from fines and license suspensions to possible imprisonment. A conviction can also lead to long-term consequences, such as increased insurance rates and a permanent criminal record. Understanding these risks is the first step in building a defense.

DUI and Other Alcohol-Related Offenses

Alcohol- and drug-related offenses are among the most serious driving crimes you can be charged with. Among the most common we tend to see at Keegan Law are:

• Watson murder (or gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated). Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is causing the death of another person through negligent or reckless driving while under the influence pursuant to Penal Code Section 191.5. Even worse, causing the death of another person when the prosecution alleges you should have known that driving under the influence is dangerous to human life can be—and often is—charged as second-degree murder in California;
• Driving under the influence (DUI). This charge involves operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or driving under the influence of drugs, as described in California Penal Code Section 23152;
• Wet reckless driving. You can be charged for driving recklessly with alcohol in your system, even if your BAC was lower than 0.08%.

The charges and penalties you may face can vary depending on your degree of impairment, whether you’ve ever had a previous alcohol- or drug-related driving offense, and the degree of harm caused by the incident. 

Serious Driving Offenses

Even when no alcohol or drugs are involved, certain serious driving offenses can carry significant penalties. Common charges include:

• Reckless driving. You can be charged with reckless driving for driving with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others.
• Driving on a suspended or revoked license. This involves operating a vehicle when your license has been suspended or revoked.
• Hit-and-run. If you leave the scene of an accident without exchanging information or assisting injured parties, you can be charged with a hit-and-run crime.
• Street racing. This offense involves engaging in illegal speed contests or exhibitions of speed.

Each type of offense can result in serious consequences. We can review the charges with you and craft a defense strategy aimed at protecting your freedom, finances, and future.

Facing a DUI or other driving offense in San Diego can feel overwhelming and confusing. The legal process often involves multiple steps, each presenting unique challenges and uncertainties. Among those steps are:

• Arrest and booking. You may be taken into custody, fingerprinted, and photographed. If you are taken into custody, you may have an opportunity to post bail so that you will be released until your first court date, or you will remain in custody until your first hearing.
• License suspension. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may take administrative action to suspend your driver’s license, even before the court resolves your case.
• Criminal proceedings. When charged, there are a series of court hearings, including arraignment, pretrial conferences, and potentially a trial.

Facing these steps can feel intimidating, but it’s important to remember that being charged with a crime does not mean you are guilty. We can provide the legal support you need to defend yourself and challenge the evidence against you to ensure you receive the best possible outcome given the circumstances.

Driving under the influence charges can disrupt your life in countless ways. Whether it’s the threat of losing your license or facing a criminal record, these cases require skilled and thorough representation. At Keegan Law, we assess every detail of your case, including the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of blood or breathalyzer results, and whether or not law enforcement properly handled the evidence.

We know you may feel frustrated and upset that you’ve been thrown into the criminal justice system. You may also feel outright scared or hopeless, thinking that what you do now doesn’t matter. But it does—Keegan Law is built on a team of experienced criminal defense professionals who not only know how to defend a criminal case, but also know that you don’t want to get lost in the mix along the way. Rest assured that at Keegan Law, we use every tool at our disposal to see you through your situation and secure you the best possible outcome.

Hit-and-run driving charges often arise from misunderstandings or from a person panicking in the moment during a stressful situation. Whether you were unaware an accident occurred or you got overwhelmed in the moment, it’s critical to have a hit-and-run lawyer in San Diego who listens to your story.

We aim to ensure your voice is heard throughout the process, and we work tirelessly to mitigate the impact of these charges on the rest of your life. You don’t have to face these accusations alone. We can act as your voice as we guide you through the process and fight for your rights.

Facing charges for serious driving crimes often means dealing with an intimidating, complex legal system while simultaneously managing the personal stress that comes with being in this situation. At Keegan Law, we try to decrease your stress by breaking the process down for you so it isn’t so formidable and unclear. When you know what to expect and what will happen next, you can breathe easier and make better, more informed choices. Here’s what you can expect:

• Investigation. We will gather and review all of the evidence to understand the details of the incident. We will go over all the evidence with you, and discuss what it actually means to your case.
• Court appearances. We will let you know what hearings are coming up, what their purpose is, and what your options are at each hearing. We will keep you informed and ensure you are fully prepared for each step of the criminal process, no matter how big or small it may seem.
• Defense strategies. We craft a defense tailored to your unique situation. We will use any defenses to negotiate with the prosecution, or we will take the case to trial when necessary if there are no negotiated outcomes that are in your best interest.

If you were recently charged with a DUI, reckless driving, hit-and-run, or any other serious driving crime, reach out to Keegan Law for immediate assistance. All is not lost just because you were charged with a crime; the legal system might seem stacked against you, but we are here to be your advocate. We know the law, how the system works, and how to get the best results for your case.

Whether it’s your first time being accused of a crime or you’ve been involved in the criminal justice system before, facing criminal charges never gets easier. At Keegan Law, we understand how much you have at stake and know there is no one-size-fits-all approach to criminal defense. That’s why we provide compassionate, personalized representation and work tirelessly to achieve the best outcome for you. Contact us to schedule your confidential case evaluation and begin building your defense today.