Driving under the influence is unacceptable under any circumstances. Regardless, you received a DUI charge in spite of the fact that you were operating your vehicle in accordance with California’s laws. If this happens to you, get legal assistance from an Irwindale DUI lawyer, and they can dispute your charge.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer will help you keep your freedom — and your driver’s license. Partner with an attorney who has served thousands of clients and has decades of legal experience, and they can prepare a compelling argument on your behalf. Hire a lawyer to represent you in your driving under the influence case.
What Will Happen if You Get a DUI?
A police officer pulls you over while you are driving your car and suspects you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The officer may ask you to conduct a DUI breath test, which you can refuse. Even if you consent to this test, the officer can still arrest you, and the following things can happen:
Police Will Handcuff and Book You
If police officers say you are intoxicated, you cannot continue to drive. These officers will bring you to a police station or jail, and you will be photographed and fingerprinted. From here, you may be released on your own recognizance, held until your case goes to trial, or allowed to post bail.
Your Driver’s License Is Suspended
A DUI lawyer serving Irwindale can explain how long your license will be suspended if you are convicted. Depending on your prior DUI convictions, your driver’s license could be suspended anywhere from one to five years. To appeal, request a Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) hearing within 10 days of receiving a license suspension or revocation order.
You Will Have to Appear in Court
During your court appearance, you have the opportunity to argue your case. It is best to let an attorney represent you since they will advocate for you and help you make informed decisions during your legal proceedings. In addition, your lawyer can look for ways to prove to the court that the charge against you should be reduced or dismissed.
You Could Be Convicted of a Misdemeanor or Felony
A misdemeanor is less severe than a felony, but both charges come with penalties. You face jail or prison time, fines, and other penalties if you are convicted. Your lawyer can gather proof and identify witnesses who could help you contest your charge.
It can be overwhelming to consider the consequences of a DUI conviction. An Irwindale DUI attorney will teach you about the ramifications that come with a conviction and offer tips and insights on how to avoid them. They will work with you throughout your litigation, developing an argument that makes it clear to the court that you do not deserve to be punished.
Legal Strategies to Beat an Irwindale DUI Charge
Many DUI strategies are available. Your DUI attorney serving Irwindale will review the facts of your charge carefully and look at how a prosecutor will argue their case against you. They may consider several legal defenses, such as:
You Were Not Actually Driving a Car at the Time of Your Arrest
A police officer finds you intoxicated and asleep in your car and arrests you. Or, someone tells the police that you were driving erratically, prompting the police to come to your home and arrest you for a DUI. In these and other situations, your lawyer could argue that the police did not see you driving while intoxicated, which could make it difficult for the prosecution to get a conviction.
The Police Did Not Read Your Miranda Rights
After the police arrest you for a DUI, they must issue a Miranda warning. Police officers may choose not to read your Miranda rights or forget to do so, and you answer their questions, giving the prosecution evidence that they can use against you. Your attorney can tell the court that you did not receive your Miranda rights, which could force the court to suppress this evidence.
There Was No Probable Cause
A police officer must have a valid reason to arrest you for a DUI. It is illegal for the police to arrest you randomly or based on a hunch. If your lawyer can prove that there was no probable cause for your arrest, the court could drop your case.
You Were Drinking After Driving
A DUI charge indicates you were intoxicated while you were driving your car. However, your lawyer could show the court that you were legally sober at the time you were driving. To validate this point, your attorney may raise doubts about whether the police officers who arrested you can tell when you started drinking.
Your lawyer will explore every legal avenue to support your case. In some instances, you have the opportunity to accept a plea deal relating to a DUI charge. Your attorney can explain this option in detail, ensuring you are well-equipped to determine if it is in your best interests to approve a plea agreement or argue your case in court.
Choose an Irwindale DUI Lawyer Who Will Guide You Through the Legal Process
Getting charged with driving under the influence can be emotionally taxing. Your charge could lead to a misdemeanor or felony conviction, and you have no idea of how to avoid the worst-case scenario. Fortunately, a DUI lawyer puts your case front and center, making sure you receive plenty of legal help every step of the way.
As soon as you are charged with driving under the influence, ask the Los Angeles DUI Lawyer to help you out. We can connect you with an attorney who understands the legal system, and they will protect your rights as your litigation moves forward. Schedule a case consultation today.