You have legal options after a first arrest for driving under the influence (DUI). In this situation, you can reach out to a Garden Grove first-offense DUI lawyer for professional help building a defense and successfully resolving these allegations.
A Garden Grove DUI lawyer can take charge, providing the support you need after an arrest. You can rely on a lawyer to explore all possible options to resolve these charges so you can get back your peace of mind.
Our team at Los Angeles DUI Lawyers has decades of experience helping clients connect with attorneys who can help, so reach out now for support.
When to Call a First-Offense DUI Lawyer in Garden Grove, CA
You should reach out to a DUI attorney immediately after an arrest to get professional help on your side throughout every step of the legal process. You do not have to wait to get assistance; in fact, the Constitution grants you the right to legal representation.
Getting help quickly can improve your chances of successfully resolving a first-time DUI accusation. An attorney can:
Answer Legal Questions
You may have a lot of questions about what you should do or say after a DUI arrest. Your lawyer can provide the guidance you need to feel confident when dealing with the police and prosecutors. A lawyer can also help you avoid mistakes that could damage your defense.
Help With Your Criminal Case
Your attorney can take charge of all matters that relate to your criminal DUI charges. A lawyer can:
- Advise you before your arraignment hearing
- Assist at your bail hearing (when necessary)
- Protect your rights
- Stand up for you during legal questioning
- Gather evidence to build your defense
You do not have to try to handle legal hurdles on your own after an arrest.
Help With Your DMV Hearing
You will likely need to request a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) after a first DUI arrest. If you do not request this hearing, the DMV will automatically suspend your driver’s license, preventing you from legally driving. The DMV can suspend your license regardless of the status of your criminal charges.
Your first-offense DUI attorney in Garden Grove, CA, can explain how to request this hearing and represent you during all DMV proceedings, potentially protecting your driving privileges.
Is a First-Offense DUI Serious?
A first-time DUI in Garden Grove can result in fines, restrictions on your driving privileges, and other serious legal consequences. In fact, jail time is likely for a first DUI. Furthermore, the court will likely order you to use an ignition interlock device (IID) after a first drunk driving conviction.
An IID serves as a personal breathalyzer device. You will have to use the device every time you want to drive, and you’ll have to pay for its installation and upkeep. Additionally, if the court convicts you, the DUI conviction will stay on your record for years and count against you if you face any subsequent DUI arrests.
Therefore, you must take these charges seriously. You should get a lawyer for your first DUI if you want professional help protecting your future.
How Do Lawyers Resolve First-Time DUI Accusations?
Your attorney may pursue several strategies to successfully handle a first–time DUI arrest. Depending on your circumstances, a lawyer may focus on:
Reducing the Charges Through a Plea Bargain
The prosecution may agree to offer a plea deal that reduces the charges you face for a first-time DUI. For example, the prosecution may ask you to admit guilt to a reckless driving charge in exchange for reduced penalties.
Plea deals do not always represent your best interests, because they still result in a conviction. Your lawyer can review all your options and provide advice specific to your situation.
Getting the Court to Dismiss a DUI Charge
In some cases, a lawyer can push the court to dismiss the DUI allegations you face. The court may set aside drunk driving charges if your lawyer can show that the police stopped you without cause or if they violated your rights in another way.
Additionally, the court could dismiss charges if the prosecution doesn’t have enough evidence that you operated a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Fighting for You in Court
Finally, you can rely on an attorney to aggressively defend you in court when necessary. An attorney may counter evidence presented by the prosecution and cross-examine witnesses brought against you.
In some cases, an attorney may argue that the police failed to follow proper procedures when administering a blood alcohol content (BAC) test or that the lab mishandled your blood samples after an arrest.
The specific defense used by your lawyer will depend on your situation.
Can You Handle a First DUI Charge Alone?
While some drivers attempt to handle a first-time DUI accusation alone, you can boost your chances of successfully resolving these charges by getting professional help.
The court system in California takes all DUIs seriously, and so should you. You can secure personalized support from a criminal defense lawyer immediately after your arrest.
Talk to Us About a First DUI in Garden Grove, CA
You can take charge and protect your future after a drunk driving arrest by hiring a Garden Grove first-offense DUI lawyer. Hiring a lawyer means you’ll have the dedicated support you need to face these serious criminal charges.
Our team can put you in touch with an attorney who will prioritize your needs and develop a personalized strategy to handle your defense. You can reach out to us 24/7, so don’t wait to get help on your side.
