You can face harsh penalties after an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI). Fortunately, a Hidden Hills DUI lawyer can help you face these charges by constructing a solid defense on your behalf.
An attorney may take steps to get your charges reduced or dismissed by the court. You can also rely on a lawyer to defend you in front of a judge and jury, striving to help you avoid jail time, fines, and restrictions on your driver’s license.
Call or complete our online contact form to learn more about your defense options.
How Soon Should You Contact a DUI Lawyer in Hidden Hills?
The professionals recommend that you contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately after an arrest for CA Vehicle Code 23152 (a) – Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or any other DUI charge, including accusations for:
- CA Vehicle Code 23140 – Underage DUI with a BAC of 0.05 or Higher
- CA Vehicle Code 23152 (d) – Commercial Vehicle DUI
- CA Vehicle Code 23153 – Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs Causing Injury
You can also face a variety of charges if you have prior DUIs on your record. California considers all DUI charges priorable; they stay on your record for 10 years. Each subsequent charge increases the penalties you face.
You can hire a lawyer to provide you with personalized advice about successfully resolving the charges you face. You don’t have to face the police and prosecution alone; instead, you can reach out to a law firm 24/7 for assistance.
Do You Need a DUI Lawyer After an Arrest?
A Hidden Hills DUI lawyer can guide you through the legal system, representing your best interests and protecting your future. The court system in California treats DUIs seriously and hands down serious penalties, including:
- Expensive fines
- Time in a county jail
- Orders to attend a DUI treatment program
- Requirements to complete community service
- Probation
Additionally, most people convicted of a DUI have to participate in California’s statewide ignition interlock device (IID) program. The program requires you to install an IID in your vehicle after a DUI conviction.
You’ll have to use the IID each time you want to drive. The device will test your blood alcohol content (BAC). You have to pay to install the device and for regular maintenance, increasing the costs of a DUI conviction.
You can take immediate action to avoid these penalties by reaching out to a criminal defense attorney for help.
How Will Your DUI Lawyer Help After an Arrest?
A lawyer will address all your concerns after a DUI arrest. You can rely on an attorney to answer your questions, help during legal questioning, and protect your rights. Your attorney will investigate the facts surrounding your arrest and discuss methods to resolve your charges.
You can rely on an attorney to represent you during your arraignment and bail hearings and support you throughout every step of your criminal case.
Will a Lawyer Help with Your DMV Hearing?
An attorney can help with your administrative hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) after a DUI arrest. You can request this administrative hearing in the days immediately following your DUI arrest.
If you do not request an administrative hearing, the DMV will automatically suspend your driver’s license after 30 days, regardless of the decision of the court. Therefore, it’s essential that you contact a lawyer quickly for help.
How Will a Lawyer Resolve DUI Charges in Hidden Hills?
You have multiple options to resolve a DUI accusation. Your DUI lawyer will review the facts surrounding your arrest and may focus on the following:
Getting the Court to Drop Your DUI Charges
An attorney may push the judge to dismiss your DUI charges in some cases. The court may set aside your charges if a law firm shows that the police stopped you without reasonable cause or if the prosecution doesn’t have enough evidence to prove their case.
Getting Your DUI Charges Reduced
In some cases, lawyers work to reduce DUI charges through a plea bargain. The prosecution may offer a plea deal, where you agree to a lesser charge, and they reduce the penalties you face.
However, the charges offered in a plea deal still go on your record. Therefore, you should allow a lawyer to review the deal and determine if it’s in your best interests before you accept.
Representing You in Court
Finally, you can rely on your lawyer to fight your DUI charges in court when necessary. Lawyers understand the defenses that work after a DUI arrest and can provide personalized care based on your unique situation.
A lawyer may use a variety of defenses, including the:
- “No Driving” Defense
- GERD, Heartburn, and Acid Reflux Defense
- Rising BAC Defense
- Mouth Alcohol Defense
You can discuss the options that work best for your circumstances with a criminal defense law firm.
Can You Get a DUI Conviction Off of Your Record?
In some cases, an attorney can help you file for the expungement of a DUI conviction. The expungement can remove information about a conviction from your record in some cases, which could make it easier for you to get a job, apply for school, or secure housing.
However, expungement does not entirely remove all traces of a DUI. These charges remain priorable for 10 years after an arrest. If you face a subsequent DUI arrest, even after an expungement, you’ll end up with harsher penalties.
Therefore, the professionals recommend facing DUI charges head-on and dealing with them before a conviction. Additionally, not all DUI charges qualify for expungement.
Take Charge with Help from a Lawyer After a DUI Arrest
You can get professional help after an arrest from a Hidden Hills DUI lawyer. A legal professional can help you protect your future and get back your peace of mind after an arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
When you call or complete our online contact form, we can help you find a firm to handle your case.
