You can build a solid defense after an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI). An Avalon DUI lawyer can take charge of your legal needs, protect your rights, and guide you through the legal system to help you avoid fines, jail time, and the loss of your license.
You can rely on an attorney to help with charges for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Your lawyer can help after a first DUI arrest or if you face charges for a subsequent offense.
When Should You Contact a DUI Attorney in Avalon?
The professionals recommend that you reach out to an attorney immediately after an arrest for CA Vehicle Code 23152 (a) – Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. You should discuss your case with a lawyer before answering any questions for the prosecution or the police.
The Sixth Amendment gives you the legal right to counsel. You should exercise your rights to protect your future after a DUI arrest. The police and prosecution are not on your side; they just want to get a conviction and move on.
Your lawyer will prioritize you, ensure the police respect your rights, and go over all your options, helping you avoid common mistakes that could result in a conviction.
How Will Your DUI Lawyer Help?
An Avalon DUI lawyer can help with every part of your defense. You can rely on an attorney to:
Help During Legal Questioning
Lawyers understand your rights and support you when the police and prosecution question you about your charges. They can use everything you say against you, so it’s essential to have legal guidance.
Explain Your Charges
California has numerous DUI charges. Your lawyer will explain the specifics of the charges you face and represent you during your arraignment hearing, where you must enter a plea of not guilty, no contest, or guilty.
Help With Your Bail Hearing
In some cases, you may have a bail hearing after a DUI arrest. During this hearing, your lawyer will push for a lower bail amount so you can stay out of jail until the beginning of your criminal trial.
Deal with Your DMV Hearing
The California DMV can automatically give administrative suspensions after a DUI arrest. You only have a few days after your arrest to request an “admin per se” hearing to dispute this suspension.
If you do not request a hearing, the DMV will suspend your license after 30 days from the time of your arrest. A lawyer can ensure you request the hearing and represent you during the event to protect your driving privileges.
Build Your Defense
You can rely on your attorney to collect evidence and work on your defense. Lawyers know the six best ways to fight and beat your California DUI case and can utilize this knowledge on your behalf.
How do Lawyers Handle DUI Charges in Avalon?
Criminal defense lawyers use several strategies to handle DUI accusations. Your lawyer may focus on:
Reducing Your Charges
In some cases, the prosecution will offer DUI plea bargains. These deals can reduce the penalties you face but still go on your record and may result in fines and jail time. Allow a lawyer to review these deals before you accept.
Getting Your DUI Charges Dismissed
Your criminal defense attorney may convince the court to drop your charges in some circumstances. For example, the court may need to dismiss your DUI accusations if the police violate your rights.
Defending You in Court
Finally, your attorney can represent you in court after a DUI arrest. You can discuss three ways to win your DUI case in more detail with a team of legal professionals. It’s essential to get help quickly because a DUI conviction can have severe consequences, including:
- Thousands of dollars in fines
- Time in a county jail
- Increased insurance rates
- Community service obligations
- Time in DUI treatment
Additionally, you may have to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle after a DUI conviction. California has a pilot program that requires most drivers convicted of a DUI to use these devices, which test your blood alcohol content (BAC) each time you want to drive.
You can start reviewing the legal options available in your situation with a DUI attorney.
What Defenses Work in Avalon DUI Cases?
Several defenses may help you face your DUI charges successfully. Lawyers will review your situation and develop a personalized defense strategy. Depending on your circumstances, an attorney may focus on showing that:
- The police stopped you without reasonable cause
- You were not impaired by alcohol when driving
- The police failed to follow proper procedure when testing your BAC
- You got a false positive on a BAC test due to medication or the food you ate
The above list provides only examples of possible DUI defenses. The facts around your situation will determine what strategies can help you handle a DUI accusation.
What Charges Can an Avalon DUI Lawyer Handle?
Your criminal defense lawyer can help with a wide range of DUI accusations. For example, you may need legal assistance if the police accused you of:
- Cycling under the influence
- Driving under the influence while under 21
- Driving under the influence of drugs
- A commercial DUI
Additionally, California increases the penalties for each subsequent DUI conviction a driver faces. You can reach out to a lawyer for help with a first, second, third, or subsequent DUI charge.
DUIs stay on your driving record for 10 years. Each conviction results in harsher penalties, so it’s vital that you get professional help handling them. You don’t have to wait to get help. You can reach out to a lawyer 24/7.
Face Your DUI Charges with Professional Help
You can reach out to an Avalon DUI lawyer for assistance after an arrest. Getting help immediately can strengthen your defense and help you avoid the severe effects of a DUI conviction.
We can help you find a lawyer with the experience, training, and resources you need. Call or complete our online contact form to learn more.
