A DUI conviction can ruin your life, but you have options. DUIs are criminal and can result in fines, jail time, and a criminal record. They range in penalties and distinctions, and you must discuss your case with a Fullerton DUI lawyer.
You can lose your job and housing and find it challenging to recover from the incident. License suspensions are widespread, but you can avoid some or all of these penalties. You must have a strong defense and a reputable DUI lawyer on your side.
Automatic License Suspensions
DUIs come with automatic license suspension, but you can stop this from happening when you have legal help from DUI lawyers. Whether it is a first or fourth offense, license suspension is a possible outcome. Administrative suspense happens 30 days after your DUI arrest unless you are successful during a DMV hearing.
It is imperative that you request a DMV hearing immediately because you have ten days after your arrest, or you lose your opportunity completely. You can request limited driving privileges with a license suspension to get to work.
The automatic suspension will last four months and is more extended if you are convicted of a DUI. Automatic suspensions are often temporary, but a DUI conviction can lead to a full suspension with fewer options.
Under full suspension, you cannot drive anywhere, usually lasting two months. The two months are for the DMV and the criminal penalty you incur. A first-time offense can result in a suspension of one month to 17 months but can be extended with subsequent offenses.
Jail Time from a DUI Charge
DUI defendants fear incarceration, and many are arrested at the scene. The long-term repercussions of jail time can upend your life exponentially. A few days in jail and away from work can cause you to lose your job, and finding a new one while facing a criminal charge is challenging.
You will want to avoid jail time at all costs, but sometimes, you might have to spend a few days in jail in exchange for a short sentence or fewer penalties.
Collisions
Typically, if there is a collision, the responding officer will arrest you at the scene, although it is possible regardless of the crash. You will often stay in jail overnight and be released on bail on your own recognizance.
If you are released on your own recognizance, you must put in writing that you will attend your court dates. You can use a bail bond if you have to pay bail but do not have the funds.
The other time you can go to jail is if you are convicted, and the judge sentences you to jail time. A conviction can lead to two days or six months in prison.
Injuries and DUI Collisions
DUIs are complex topics, and some factors can further impact your case and raise the stakes. If your BAC is exceptionally high, you can face harsher penalties. Additionally, you can face felony charges if you get a fourth offense or if someone is injured or killed.
A felony conviction can lead to five years in prison. When there is a collision, even if you didn’t cause it, your intoxication will impact how the judge or jury treats you.
What if You Caused the Accident?
If you cause the accident, you will face steeper penalties, and a felony conviction will impact your job prospects and right to vote. You can lose everything after a conviction. You should work with a DUI lawyer in Fullerton, CA, who will work to reduce the charges.
Sometimes, the best option is to reduce the charges from a felony to a misdemeanor. While you can still face a year in jail, misdemeanors have smaller penalties.
Civil Cases
One other consideration is a civil case. You must fight the DMV, criminal charges, and a civil suit when a collision occurs. Your car insurance will handle the crash and pay for damages.
However, suppose the insurance policy is insufficient to cover the losses. In that case, the other party can file a civil lawsuit against you seeking compensation. Your criminal case outcome can help or hurt your civil one, and you should discuss these possibilities with your Fullerton DUI lawyer.
Building a DUI Defense
There are two elements to consider, and a DUI lawyer in Fullerton, CA, can work on a defense strategy for criminal and license cases. One goal is to stop the administrative suspension from the DMV by attending a hearing and presenting your case. Sometimes, you will also be facing civil action because of a collision.
Depending on the circumstances, we can also help you navigate the license reinstatement process. While we will try to get you to walk away with menial consequences, the best option might not be what you are looking for.
When addressing the criminal element, we will work to establish doubt from the judge or jury. Your innocence is not a priority in a criminal case, but reasonable doubt is. Many defendants assume they must prove their innocence and cannot walk away without suffering penalties.
Types of Evidence
A Fullerton DUI attorney will review the prosecution’s evidence against you. Some evidence that can come up are field sobriety tests, driver statements, driving patterns, behavior, and chemical tests. There are defenses available for each aspect of your arrest.
Suppose the officer alleges that you were fumbling with handing over documents. We can argue that it is due to nervousness or a medical condition, not alcohol consumption.
The Importance of Good Legal Representation in Orange County for DUI Cases
If you’re facing a DUI charge in Orange County, especially for the first time, it’s a difficult time filled with uncertainty and anxiety. This is where the experience of a defense attorney becomes invaluable.
Orange County’s Legal Landscape for DUI Offenses
In Orange County, drunk driving is taken seriously. Whether it’s a misdemeanor charge or something more severe, having a defense attorney who is well-versed in local laws and the workings of the Fullerton courthouse is crucial. An experienced attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
The Role of a Lawyer in DUI Cases
A knowledgeable attorney will guide you through the intricacies of your DUI case. From the preliminary alcohol screening to the final hearing, every step requires a diligent and honest attorney who can provide the best legal representation.
Attorneys with experience in DUI cases have the experience and understanding necessary to navigate these matters effectively.
Challenges Faced by Commercial Drivers
For commercial drivers, the stakes are even higher. A DUI can mean not just thousands of dollars in fines but also the potential loss of livelihood. An experienced attorney will understand the unique challenges faced by commercial drivers and will work to protect your rights and your career.
Dealing with First-Time DUI Offenses
A first-time DUI can be a particularly challenging experience. You might feel overwhelmed and unsure of the legal process. A defense attorney with experience in handling first-time DUI cases in Orange County will be able to provide the guidance and support you need. They can help demystify the process and work towards achieving the best possible outcome.
Fighting Reckless Driving Charges
In some cases, your attorney might negotiate to reduce your DUI charge to a lesser offense like reckless driving. While still serious, these charges often come with less severe penalties. This is where the negotiation skills and legal acumen of your attorney play a pivotal role.
The Value of a Diligent and Honest Attorney
Having a diligent and honest attorney is crucial. You need someone who will be upfront about your situation and your options. A knowledgeable attorney from a reputable law office will ensure that you are informed every step of the way and that your case is handled with the utmost professionalism.
Facing a DUI in Orange County is a serious matter, but with the right legal representation, you can navigate this challenging time more effectively. Contact our law offices today to discuss your case and find out how we can help you through this difficult time.
Call a DUI Attorney in Fullerton
Good legal advice and a solid defense are vital for your future. There are many nuances and potential outcomes from a DUI, and a defense lawyer can make the difference. The DMV has strict deadlines, and you must move quickly so your lawyer can request evidence to help you during your DMV hearing.
You will also need representation to help you handle the criminal charges. We can subpoena the officers, pull chemical test results, review the arrest report and visual evidence, and speak to any witness who can help you. Hear your options during a consultation with our DUI lawyers.