Being arrested for a DUI in Green Valley can feel overwhelming and leave you wondering about your future. You might think there’s no hope for your case, but this isn’t true. Many factors can affect the outcome of a DUI arrest, from how the traffic stop was conducted to how tests were administered.
Los Angeles DUI Attorney understands your stress and uncertainty, and we’re here to help protect your rights and future. We can put you in touch with a Green Valley DUI Lawyer who can help you with your defense.
You must act as soon as you can. The clock is against you when you’re facing any criminal charge. The sooner you call, the more time your lawyer will have to build your case before your trial.
DUI Penalties in Los Angeles County
A DUI conviction carries significant penalties in California. If convicted, you could face substantial fines starting at $390, often increasing to thousands after adding court fees and assessments. Additionally, you may face mandatory jail time, even as a first-time offender, if you lack dedicated legal defense.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will suspend your license unless you take action within ten days of your arrest. This suspension occurs separately from any criminal penalties you might face in court. If you were to get pulled over while waiting for trial, you could face additional penalties for driving on a suspended license.
On top of all this, if you’re convicted, you’ll have to pay higher insurance rates, attend DUI school, and face several other penalties depending on your case. These can disrupt your life for years, so you need to speak with a Green Valley DUI lawyer as soon as you can.
The Impact of Aggravating Factors
Certain circumstances can make your DUI case more serious. These aggravating factors include having a minor in the vehicle, causing an accident, or having an extremely high BAC. Additional charges might apply if weapons or drugs were present in your vehicle.
These factors can increase both the severity of the charges and potential penalties like mandatory jail time. Understanding how these factors affect your case allows us to develop appropriate defense strategies and work toward the best possible outcome.
Protecting Your Driver’s License
The California DMV will automatically suspend your driver’s license for 30 days after your arrest unless you request a hearing within 10 days. This administrative suspension is completely separate from your criminal case, which is why many people lose their license before they ever see a courtroom.
During your DMV hearing, your lawyer can challenge the suspension on several grounds. This hearing also gives us an early opportunity to review the evidence against you and begin building your defense strategy for the criminal case.
A successful DMV hearing can help you maintain driving privileges during your case. If a suspension is unavoidable, a Green Valley DUI attorney can help you obtain a restricted work or school travel license so you can maintain your life while waiting for trial.
Common DUI Defense Strategies
Your lawyer examines every aspect of your case to identify potential defense strategies. Many DUI arrests involve procedural errors or violations of your rights that can affect the outcome of your case.
They will also look for issues such as improper traffic stops, inaccurate breath test results, or problems with field sobriety testing. These factors can sometimes lead to reduced charges or case dismissal.
Your DUI team also investigates whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during your arrest and whether any medical conditions or other factors might have affected test results.
Flaws in Field Sobriety and Chemical Tests
Law enforcement uses several types of tests during a DUI stop. The first are field sobriety tests, which include walking in a straight line, standing on one leg, or following a pen with your eyes. These tests are notoriously unreliable and can be affected by many factors unrelated to intoxication.
After field tests, officers typically request a breathalyzer test. While California law requires you to submit to chemical testing after arrest, preliminary alcohol screening tests conducted during the traffic stop are voluntary for most drivers. Many factors can affect breath test accuracy, including medical conditions.
If you’re arrested, you’ll be asked to take a blood or breath test at the station. Blood tests are generally considered more reliable than breath tests but are not infallible. Issues with blood sample storage, contamination, or improper testing procedures can all affect the results.
Moving Forward After a DUI Arrest
The steps you take immediately after a DUI arrest can significantly impact your case. Securing legal representation quickly helps protect your rights and preserve important evidence. You’ll get a guide who can help you make the best decisions at your arraignment and trial toward reducing your penalties.
We can help you understand options like pretrial diversion programs that might be available for first-time offenders. These programs can help you avoid the most serious consequences of a conviction.
Your lawyer’s goal is to defend you to the best of their ability. Sometimes, this means getting your charges dropped, and sometimes, it means accepting a plea bargain or going into a diversion program. But if you don’t have someone arguing for these, you may face the full penalty of the law.
Contact a Green Valley DUI Lawyer Immediately
Don’t let a DUI arrest determine your future. Call the number on your screen to contact a Green Valley DUI lawyer now. They’ll review your case details and help you understand your options for your legal defense.
You can also fill out our contact form to schedule your confidential case evaluation and learn how a lawyer can help protect your rights and freedom.
