If you think a misdemeanor driving under the influence (DUI) arrest is not a big deal, think again. A misdemeanor DUI conviction will appear on your criminal record and, as such, has the potential to affect you for a long time. Talk with a Fullerton misdemeanor lawyer if you have been arrested for driving under the influence. Your attorney can help you avoid a conviction.
Trust a Fullerton DUI lawyer with a track record of success to help you with your misdemeanor driving under the influence case. Choose a lawyer with decades of relevant experience, as they will walk you through the legal process and ensure you can make informed decisions at each stage. Speak with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer.
Why Should You Get a Lawyer on Your Side If You Have Been Charged with a Misdemeanor DUI?
A Fullerton misdemeanor DUI attorney is familiar with California’s driving under the influence laws and how they can impact your case outcome. They will explain if a misdemeanor DUI will show up on a background check and other topics relating to your case. Your lawyer evaluates your case carefully and prepares an argument that will resonate with the court.
Your attorney will review police reports, breathalyzer test results, and other evidence that the prosecution plans to use in their argument. They will find ways to dispute this evidence. If your lawyer has proof to support your claim, they may get you a DUI plea bargain. By approving a plea deal, you may only have to pay a fine instead of being required to serve a jail sentence.
Work with a misdemeanor DUI lawyer who has handled thousands of cases. Your attorney uses their knowledge of the criminal justice system to put together a comprehensive legal strategy. On top of that, your lawyer helps you establish realistic expectations for your case. They make sure you understand what can happen if you are convicted of a misdemeanor DUI.
What Are the Consequences of a Fullerton Misdemeanor DUI Conviction?
A prosecutor wants you to be convicted of a misdemeanor DUI. They will commit significant time and resources to their case in the hopes of making it tough for you to disprove their argument. If the prosecution succeeds, you could face various penalties, such as:
- A jail sentence of up to six months
- A fine of up to $1,000
- Suspension of your driver’s license for a maximum of six months
- Informal probation for three to five years
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in your car for six months
Outside of these penalties, there are collateral consequences of a misdemeanor driving under the influence conviction to consider. These consequences can include difficulty getting a job, loss of the right to possess a firearm, and international travel restrictions.
What Are the Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony DUIs?
A misdemeanor driving under the influence charge is less serious than a felony one. In California, driving under the influence is generally treated as a misdemeanor for a first, second, or third offense in 10 years. Times when a DUI is classified as a felony include:
- An offender faces a fourth DUI in 10 years.
- An offender has a high blood alcohol content (BAC) level.
- An offender speeds through a red light or commits another act that a reasonable person would say is extremely reckless or careless.
- A DUI results in an injury or fatality.
Those convicted of a felony DUI can receive a prison sentence of 16 months or longer, a maximum fine of $10,000, and other severe penalties. It is possible to have a felony DUI drop to a misdemeanor.
How to Contest a Misdemeanor DUI Charge
Your misdemeanor DUI lawyer serving Fullerton interviews witnesses and conducts other research as they develop their legal strategy. Based on what your attorney learns, they may utilize any of the following legal defenses to fight back against the prosecution:
- Showing that there was no probable cause for your traffic stop
- Raising a reasonable doubt about the accuracy of your field sobriety test results
- Highlighting how you are dealing with diabetes or another medical condition that could have contributed to a false reading on a breath test
The prosecution could offer a plea deal if they have concerns about the strength of its case. In this scenario, you may have the option to approve a plea deal in which your DUI charge is reduced to a wet or dry reckless violation.
Partner with a Misdemeanor DUI Lawyer Who Will Give Your Case Their Undivided Attention
Do not leave anything to chance if you receive a misdemeanor DUI charge. Discuss your case with a misdemeanor DUI attorney serving Fullerton. From here, you can evaluate your legal options and find out what you can do to defend against a conviction.
Let a Los Angeles DUI lawyer assist you during your legal proceedings. Your attorney takes the guesswork out of the legal process and positions you to get your desired case outcome. For more information, request a case consultation with a DUI attorney.
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