DUI Lawyer San Jose

When criminal charges turn your life upside down, the law firm you choose makes all the difference. Not every legal team is built to handle tough criminal cases, but the right law offices know how to protect your future.

At our law offices, every client receives personal attention. We take time to understand the details of your case, explain your options clearly, and build a defense that gives you the best chance of success. Whether you are facing DUI charges or another type of criminal case, our legal team has the experience and determination to fight for you.

Call Nana Knight at (408) 877-6177 now for a case evaluation and take the first step toward protecting your career and reputation.

Understanding DUI Charges in San Jose, CA

In California, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is a criminal offense involving operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs or with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. Common misdemeanor DUI offenses fall under California Vehicle Code sections 23152(a) and 23152(b)

Vehicle Code section 23152(a) makes it unlawful to drive while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. In contrast, Vehicle Code section 23152(b) specifically addresses driving with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher. Both charges are frequently filed together to increase the prosecution’s chances of securing a conviction.

California DUI Penalties

Misdemeanor DUIs can result in up to 1 year in county jail, with first-time offenses often carrying up to 6 months. Felony DUIs, such as those causing injury or involving a prior felony DUI conviction, are more serious, with penalties ranging from 1 year to life imprisonment. In San Jose, a felony DUI with injury under Vehicle Code section 23153 can result in up to 4 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. These consequences can be particularly severe for professionals in Silicon Valley, including IT specialists, engineers, doctors, and others, who may also face professional license suspensions and job loss.

Consequences of a DUI for San Jose Professionals

A DUI conviction can have a ripple effect on your personal and professional life, especially for those in Silicon Valley’s IT sector and other professions. Consequences include:

Arrest: Immediate arrest and booking for DUI.
Court Appearance: Mandatory court appearances where you must face the charges. For felony DUIs, you are entitled to a preliminary hearing before the trial.
License Suspension: Potential suspension of your driver’s license by the DMV, impacting your ability to commute to work.
Fines and Penalties: Conviction can lead to hefty fines, probation, and possible jail time.
Ignition Interlock Device: Installation of a device requiring you to pass a breath test before starting your vehicle.
DUI Education Program: Mandatory attendance in a DUI education program.
Increased Insurance Premiums: A DUI conviction may significantly raise your car insurance premiums or lead to loss of coverage.
Professional Consequences: For police officers, doctors, engineers, and IT professionals, a DUI can result in the loss of professional licenses or employment.

A DUI conviction can have a ripple effect on your personal and professional life, especially for those in Silicon Valley’s IT sector and other professions. Consequences include:

Arrest: Immediate arrest and booking for DUI.
Court Appearance: Mandatory court appearances where you must face the charges. For felony DUIs, you are entitled to a preliminary hearing before the trial.
License Suspension: Potential suspension of your driver’s license by the DMV, impacting your ability to commute to work.
Fines and Penalties: Conviction can lead to hefty fines, probation, and possible jail time.
Ignition Interlock Device: Installation of a device requiring you to pass a breath test before starting your vehicle.
DUI Education Program: Mandatory attendance in a DUI education program. Increased Insurance Premiums: A DUI conviction may significantly raise your car insurance premiums or lead to loss of coverage.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what can happen to different professions when someone is accused of a DUI in or around San Jose. Each profession faces unique risks because employers, licensing boards, and professional reputations are at stake.

Police Officers and Firefighters – Public safety workers face heavy scrutiny. A DUI charge can trigger internal investigations, suspension, or even termination. Police officers may lose credibility in court testimony, while firefighters can face administrative leave and stricter monitoring.

Doctors and Nurses – Medical professionals are licensed by state boards. A DUI accusation often must be reported, which can lead to disciplinary hearings, probation, or required substance abuse treatment programs. Repeated issues could threaten their licenses.
Engineers and Tech Workers – In Silicon Valley, reputation and background checks matter. A DUI may not always cost an engineer their job, but it can limit promotions, security clearances, or access to sensitive projects—especially in defense or government contracting.
Teachers and University Staff – Educators are considered role models. A DUI arrest can trigger school district reviews, mandatory disclosure, and potential suspension. Even if the teaching license is not revoked, contracts may not be renewed.
Accountants and Financial Professionals – Accountants, bankers, and financial advisors handle sensitive client information. A DUI might lead to questions about judgment and reliability. For CPAs, state licensing boards could require disclosure and impose conditions.
Government Workers – City, county, or state employees may face disciplinary actions or termination if a DUI conflicts with workplace policies. Security clearance can also be affected, especially in federal roles.
IT Professionals – Tech workers with government contracts or security roles risk clearance suspension. Private companies may see it as a liability for jobs involving driving or high-trust positions, though some firms may be more forgiving than regulated fields.
University Students – College students risk losing scholarships, campus housing, or eligibility for sports. A DUI on record can also impact graduate program admissions or future job applications.

In every case, a DUI accusation goes beyond the courtroom. It threatens careers, reputations, and long-term opportunities. The impact depends on the profession, the severity of the charge, and whether it’s a first-time or repeat offense.

Defenses to DUI in San Jose, CA

A DUI charge does not guarantee a conviction. An experienced DUI attorney can challenge various aspects of your case:

Probable Cause: Did the police have valid reasons to stop your vehicle?
Field Sobriety Test: Were these tests administered correctly?
BAC Testing: Was the breathalyzer calibrated and used properly?

In some cases, your BAC may continue to rise after driving, opening the door to a “rising defense.” An attorney can also review other factors, such as improper arrest procedures, that may help reduce or dismiss the charges.

Hiring the Right DUI Attorney in San Jose

Many professionals facing a DUI charge have no prior criminal history. The complex criminal justice system can be intimidating. If you are a professional in San Jose—whether in IT, healthcare, education, law enforcement, or finance—you need to act swiftly.

A single drunk driving arrest can put your license, your job, and your reputation at risk. The district attorney’s office is not on your side. They are working to convict you. You need an excellent attorney who will aggressively defend you in court and challenge every detail of the case against you.

Request a DMV Hearing: Protect your driving privileges.
Hire an Experienced DUI Attorney: Early intervention is key. Nana Knight is a former prosecutor who has handled hundreds of DUI cases in San Jose. She offers the strategic defense you need to achieve the best possible outcome.

Contact Nana Knight for a Case Evaluation

A DUI conviction can have severe consequences for professionals in Silicon Valley. If you are facing a DUI charge in San Jose, act quickly to safeguard your future. Call Nana Knight at (408) 877-6177 now for a case evaluation and take the first step toward protecting your career and reputation.

The highest quality legal representation means more than just knowing the law. It means standing with you when the pressure is at its worst. It means fighting back against unfair treatment. It means never letting your voice be ignored.

Do not wait until it is too late. Contact our law firm today and see how an excellent attorney can provide the highest quality legal representation when it matters most.