You think the first time you are charged with driving under the influence (DUI) is not a big deal. Ultimately, it is in your best interests to take your charge seriously. If you don’t, you could face jail time, a fine, and other penalties. Talk with an Inglewood first offense DUI lawyer. From here, your attorney can help you get your DUI charge reduced or dropped.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer has decades of combined experience in driving under the influence cases. If you are on the lookout for an Inglewood DUI lawyer as you deal with the aftermath of a first offense driving under the influence arrest, we can help you find an attorney who meets your expectations.
What Does a First Offense DUI Lawyer Do?
Your Inglewood first offense DUI attorney knows the ins and outs of California’s legal system. They can teach you about the state’s driving under the influence laws and how they apply to your case. In addition, your lawyer can discuss scenarios in which a first offense DUI can be dismissed.
Just because you face California’s DUI penalties doesn’t mean that you will be punished to the full extent of the law. Your attorney answers any questions you have about the consequences of a driving under the influence conviction. They can build an argument to disprove the prosecution’s case or negotiate a plea deal on your behalf.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer has proudly served thousands of clients. If you have been charged with a first offense DUI, we can put you in contact with an attorney who will explain your legal options and help you make informed decisions throughout your litigation.
What to Expect if You Receive an Inglewood First Offense DUI Conviction
California has rules in place for those convicted of driving under the influence. Your first offense DUI lawyer serving Inglewood reviews the facts of your case. They can provide insights into the penalties you will face if the court convicts you of a DUI. If your first offense DUI is a misdemeanor, you are subject to various penalties, such as:
- Probation of three to five years
- Enrollment in DUI school for up to nine months
- A fine of up to $2,000
- Suspension of your driver’s license for six months
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in your car for six months
- A jail sentence of up to six months
There are times when a first offense DUI is treated as a felony. For example, you are arrested for driving under the influence for the first time, and the police claim you are liable for causing an accident in which people are badly hurt. Based on CA Vehicle Code 23153, you can be convicted of a felony DUI and receive a prison sentence and other harsh penalties.
How to Dispute a First Offense DUI Charge
Get help from a first offense DUI attorney serving Inglewood within days of your driving under the influence arrest. Your lawyer can request a DMV hearing after you receive your DUI charge. On top of that, they can start preparing your legal strategy. Common legal defenses used in first offense DUI cases include:
Raising Doubts About Your Traffic Stop
The police say they had a valid reason for stopping your car and arresting you for driving under the influence. Regardless, they must prove their point. Otherwise, if the court has concerns about the legality of your traffic stop, the prosecution will likely struggle to get a conviction.
Questioning the Results of Your Field Sobriety Test (FST)
A one-leg-stand and other field sobriety tests are subjective. If police officers arrest you and use the results of your FST as justification for doing so, your lawyer can question the administration and interpretation of your test. As part of their efforts, your attorney can highlight to the court how the test instructions were unclear or other factors that led to inaccurate results.
Showing That Your Legal Rights Were Violated at the Time of Your Arrest
It is reasonable to expect to have your Miranda rights read to you if you have been arrested for driving under the influence and are about to be questioned by the police. However, if you never received your Miranda warning, your lawyer can argue to the court that your legal rights were violated.
Depending on your case, you could receive a DUI plea bargain if you have been arrested for driving under the influence for the first time. Your lawyer can discuss plea deals with the prosecution. If a prosecutor offers a plea bargain, your attorney can help you weigh the pros and cons of the proposal. Or, if you don’t get a plea deal, your lawyer gets your case ready for trial.
Partner With an Inglewood, CA First Offense DUI Lawyer
What you do following a first offense DUI arrest has long-lasting implications. If you do nothing, the prosecutor in your case will work hard to ensure that you are punished. Alternatively, if you hire an Inglewood, CA first offense DUI attorney, you can get the legal help you need to avoid a conviction.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer wants those who have been charged with driving under the influence for the first time to protect themselves and make the right decisions for their future. We encourage you to connect with a DUI attorney who truly cares about you and your case. With this lawyer on your side, you have a legitimate chance to beat your DUI charge.
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