California Driving Under the Influence While Riding a Bicycle
In California, Vehicle Code 21200.5 (Riding a bicycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs) applies to anyone found to be impaired while riding a bicycle. Cycling under the Influence (CUI) falls under the same criminal section of the California Vehicle Code as a DUI, and therefore has the potential to evoke the same serious consequences, which may include:
- Fines
- Establishment of a criminal record
- Suspension of driver’s license
Whether a bicycle can be defined as a “vehicle” as it is appears in the relevant section of the Vehicle Code is the key point for any argument in a CUI case. California courts have made exceptions in the past for vehicles that are human powered, stating that they are not vehicles for the purposes of a DUI. However, charges are decided upon on a case-by-case basis. Whereas one person may not be found guilty of a CUI, another might be convicted depending on the judge hearing the case and the arguments presented by the prosecutor and the criminal defense attorney.
You can see that having a skilled DUI attorney on your side may make the difference in whether or not you are charged with a CUI offense or not. The criminal DUI attorneys at Hoffman & Associates have successfully defended thousands of clients facing DUI/CUI charges and understand how to fight for your rights in these instances.
Cycling Under the Influence InvestigationBecause the California Vehicle Code specifically states that it is unlawful for a person to be riding a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs on a highway, anyone found to be violating this section of the vehicle code must submit to a blood or breath test when asked. There is no specific blood alcohol content level set for this violation, as there is .08% for a traditional DUI.
In comparison to a DUI charge when driving a automobile, the punishments for a CUI conviction are less severe. The maximum fine allowed in these cases is $250, however it is still a criminal charge that will appear on your permanent record. Having a criminal record may have a negative impact in several areas of your life, including obtaining employment or housing.
Such a simple mistake can easily be erased through the use of effective arguments and positive evidence provided by a knowledgeable California DUI lawyer.
Experienced California DUI LawyersIf you or someone you know is facing a DUI/Cui charge, it is in your best interest to speak immediately with an experienced DUI defense attorney. At Hoffman & Associates, we understand how to successfully challenge the results of blood alcohol or other tests you may have submitted to. We also believe in defending our clients reputations through an aggressive DUI defense.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss the specifics of your bicycling under the influence case. Our attorneys have over 30 years of courtroom experience, and we can put it to work defending you!
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Los Angeles, California 90036
Phone: (323) 655-3900
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I can't begin to thank Mr. Hoffman enough for his extensive efforts throughout the entire case. He went absolutely above and beyond throughout the entire process. From day one he was immediately actively pursuing ways to prevent my case from ever going to court and once that was no longer an option, actively began working on getting the case ultimately dismissed. His communication was consistent and reassuring, despite my frantic worries all the time... Micaiah Botts
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My family and I simply owe our life and future to Ron Hoffman. If you are looking for a lawyer that goes above and beyond the call of duty you can't find a better lawyer than Ron. He took my case head on from the moment I called his office. I was involved in an accidental hit and run where I was unaware of the injury. Every step of the way, Ron guided me through an almost two year long investigation and court settlement process and was constantly by my side through out every crossroad... Bill Martin
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Ron Hoffman and his staff were Fantastic when dealing with such a serious issue of DUI. When I first Called Ron I was very nervous and worried for my daughter and her freedom. She had a failure to appear on top of her DUI and I knew just how bad this could be. Ron was able to immediately put me at ease and gave me the confidence that there was hope and a light at the end of the tunnel. Ron was able to get the failure to appear dismissed and also no jail time for my daughter... Claude Brown
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I have been working with Mr. Hoffman for over 11 years. I have seen first hand his genuine dedication to his clients, and how his experience, knowledge and passion have gotten clients fantastic results. He treats each of his clients as his only client, and takes the time to develop detailed strategies and defenses for each individual case. I have never hesitated to refer Mr. Hoffman to anyone who has asked me for a good Criminal Defense attorney. He is a fantastic attorney!... Neeta P.
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I had a DUI issue recently. I have never had a problem with the law as serious as this one. I did panic a bit after and knew I had to get a lawyer to help my future. I researched the Web and read the reviews for awesome DUI Lawyers. Hiring a lawyer can be intimidating. Ron's 30 years experience and step by step guidance helped me with my case. Jonie was amazing with keeping me calm. Ron Hoffman is a great lawyer and I would refer any friends or family to him... Manuel Gomez
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Ron was so accommodating and professional. With a Firm like his you wouldn't expect him to be as accessible, but he immediately returned phone calls, was easy to communicate with and was very sympathetic to my situation. He went above and beyond and was able to get a better result than I'd hoped or expected. I highly recommend Ron Hoffman and his firm. He made a difficult and anxiety fueled process bearable and made me feel safe. He is a lovely man. One does not wish to need a criminal attorney, but if you do need one, Ron's the guy to call... Teri A.
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Ron and his team were the perfect pairing for what I needed taken care of. Every step of the way he was extremely helpful and informative (not his first rodeo). His work ethic and attitude were exemplary and it showed with the results of using his services. I would recommend anyone I know to give Ron a call if they need help in his realm of expertise. Many thanks Ron and associates!... Donald N.
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I didn't hire a lawyer for my first DUI... What a mistake! Ronald goes above and beyond with his art and knowledge of custom strategy according to your case. lawyer of the year (every year)... Adam R.
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I hate lawyers. They are hard to get a hold of, greedy and unreliable. Ron is the opposite of all these things. He deserves 6 stars, and I very much recommend him. He helped me through my case with nothing but kindness, understanding, and knowledge and eventually got it dropped. Thanks for everything Ron!... Avi Z.