Posted on October 02, 2025 in Criminal Defense

A DUI conviction in California is more than just a legal headache; it can cast a long shadow over your professional life and personal standing. For those in California currently navigating the complexities of a DUI charge, understanding the potential ramifications beyond court dates and fines is crucial. At Zarabi Law, we understand the stress and uncertainty you're facing, and we're here to help you protect your future.

The Immediate Aftermath: Employment and Licensing

One of the most immediate concerns for many facing a DUI is their job. Depending on your profession, a DUI conviction can have a direct and severe impact.

• Professional Licenses: Many professions, particularly those requiring state licensing, such as healthcare, law, finance, and education, demand high moral character. A DUI conviction can lead to disciplinary action, suspension, or even revocation of your professional license. Licensing boards often conduct their own investigations, and the repercussions can extend beyond the criminal justice system.

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 Posted on November 20, 2020 in Criminal Defense

In California, it is illegal to operate boats under the influence of alcohol, illicit drugs, and controlled substances (BUI). The vessels can be: Sailboats Yachts Jet skis Boats Water skis Although it may seem different from DUI (driving under the influence), these charges are just as serious, especially if it involves tourist boats, ferries, or any commercial vessel. The BAC (blood alcohol concentration) required to be charged is 0.04, but in the case of recreational boats, it is 0.08. You are not guilty if, after ingesting several drinks, you have a BAC of 0.05, and you can still handle the boat without problems and without losing the ability to ensure others’ safety. The exception is if your BAC is 0.08 as required by law—even if you are aware and driving with the proper precautions. Some of the defenses used for BUI cases are as follows: Tiredness or other factors that affected your physical appearance, giving the impression that you were under the influence. The boat’s erratic course is due to severe sea conditions and not to the effects of alcohol. The breath test returned a false positive or was inconclusive. Health problems such as dehydration interfered with your performance on the field sobriety test. You were detained without sufficient reason or suspicion. Keep in mind that a BUI conviction can land you in prison for up to 1 year. In some instances, it may also include the payment of a fine of up to $1,000. Proving your innocence is complicated due to the amount of evidence and statements needed to support your version of events. The last thing you want to do is go through the process without the assistance of an attorney capable of negotiating with the judge and dismissing the charges. If you are facing BUI charges in California, contact us today. We are a specialized DUI and BUI law firm with a proven track record of satisfied clients achieving favorable results. We will fight for your second chance.

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 Posted on November 13, 2020 in Criminal Defense

Ex-convicts find a well-deserved fresh start through the expungement of their criminal records, but not all are eligible. There are many requirements and steps you must follow to prevent your request from being denied. What are the criteria? Your crime is not a federal crime. You were not sentenced for a sex crime in connection with a minor. You completed your sentence or probation. You did not serve your time in state prison. You went to state prison for a crime that could have sent you to the county jail. Does it erase all the files and details of my case? Unfortunately, your record will not completely disappear. Instead, what happens is that after an evaluation of your case, the charges are dismissed, and a plea of not guilty is entered in your criminal record. Your future boss will be able to see the crime you committed, but with the advantage that he will also see the dismissal of all charges. How to start the process? Gather all the documents in your case. You can find a copy of your record on this page from the California Department of Justice. Review your conviction details such as jail time, the date of the last day of your probation, etc. Determine if you meet the requirements. Seek legal advice. This process involves filling out documents that vary according to the situation. You can play it safe and save time by hiring an attorney to guide you at all times. After completing the document portion of the process, you will be summoned to a hearing in which the judge will ask you questions to decide if you are eligible. Few unrepresented ex-convicts come out of that view with a clean record, but the odds are in their favor with a strong defense created by an attorney. He is the only expert capable of preparing you for your court date. If you want the best result for your expungement in California, contact our experts. We have a proven track record of obtaining favorable verdicts in many different types of criminal cases.

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 Posted on November 06, 2020 in Criminal Defense

Buying, receiving, hiding, selling, or assisting another in the sale or concealment of stolen items is a crime that will remain on your criminal record for life. Even if it was a small mistake due to a lack of knowledge, you must act quickly, as you expose yourself to costly fines and prison time. Let us clarify that this is a crime only if the person knows that the object was stolen or has sufficient reason to suspect it under the circumstances. An example of these circumstances is if you buy a cell phone from a seller and it does not have a serial number, it still has the original owner’s data, or the price is very low for a recently launched device. These three factors are signs that it is a stolen item, and such suspicions justify questioning the seller’s reliability. Failure to do so and choose to ignore these signs could mean facing charges. Also, it is a crime if: An item was sold to you by a relative or loved one, and you are aware that it was stolen. A friend steals a car and asks you to keep it in your garage, which is seen as receiving stolen property. You sell stolen products on virtual stores like eBay. You help others in the sale or cover-up of stolen jewelry. You are unlikely to be at fault if you bought a popular brand watch cheaply and did not know that the seller stole it. Likewise, you are innocent if you received the stolen property intending to notify the police later. To prove innocence in these cases, you need concrete evidence and create a good defense with an attorney’s help. The laws, especially those of theft crimes, are very complicated; only a criminal law expert can provide advice and achieve the best possible result. Contact our California office to assist you in your case seeking the dismissal or reduction of the charges. We have a proven track record of obtaining favorable verdicts for clients accused of theft crimes. Request a free consultation today with our expert attorneys!

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