Facing a driving under the influence (DUI) charge in California is costly. While a first-time DUI offense used to be no more than a fine, penalties have become very strict in recent years. A conviction could result in jail time, a license suspension, and other penalties.
You can take steps to get your charges lessened or even, in some cases, dropped altogether by hiring a Lake Forest DUI lawyer after your arrest. A law firm can build your defense, protect your rights, and provide immediate legal advice in Southern California.
When Should You Contact a DUI Lawyer in Lake Forest?
The professionals recommend that you reach out to a criminal defense law office after any DUI arrest. For example, your lawyer can help you deal with criminal charges for:
- Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
- Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs Causing Injury
- Underage DUI with a BAC of 0.05 or Higher
- Cycling Under the Influence
Getting help immediately from a criminal defense attorney means you’ll have someone on your side to protect your rights, explore all defenses that can help you, and answer any questions you have about your criminal charges.
What Defenses Are There for a DUI Charge?
If the police arrest you for a DUI under CA Vehicle Code 23152, there are still ways to reduce or eliminate your charges.
If something about your arrest is off, such as the reason the police officer apprehended you or the way that they tested you, an experienced attorney stands a chance of reducing your charge. Common defenses in a DUI case include:
- Inaccurate use of a breathalyzer or other BAC test
- Improper reason for pulling you over
- No mental impairment
- Misunderstanding of signs of intoxication, i.e., red eyes from allergies, fatigue
A DUI lawyer in Lake Forest will listen to your account and see if they can use your story as a DUI defense against your charges. If there were any inaccuracies in your arrest or violations of your rights, a lawyer may fight your charge in court in Orange County.
How Will Your Lawyer Help?
An experienced Lake Forest DUI lawyer can focus on getting your charges reduced or dismissed. Your attorney can also fight for you in court, disputing the results of your blood alcohol content (BAC) test or the reasons that the police stopped you in Lake Forest.
Lawyers also have the training and experience to help with your administrative hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) after a DUI arrest. The DMV can automatically suspend your license after an arrest in Orange County.
However, you can avoid this suspension by requesting an administrative hearing quickly after your arrest and trusting your lawyer to represent your best interests.
What If You Face a Drug DUI Charge?
Most people assume a DUI charge refers to driving under the influence of alcohol, but this isn’t the only type of DUI. Under California law, it’s illegal to operate a motor vehicle when impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, or medication.
“Drugs” include any substance besides alcohol that impacts your brain, nervous system, or muscles. A drug DUI can be just as serious as an alcohol-related one. The law treats driving under the influence the same way, no matter what the substance is.
You can be charged with a drug DUI even if:
- You were driving under the influence of a legal drug, such as a prescription medication or over-the-counter medicine like Tylenol
- The drug doesn’t impair your driving (if it affects your nervous system or muscles, it can count as a DUI)
- Your driving while using medicinal marijuana, which is legal in California
Whether the DUI results from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a good DUI lawyer will work to help you fight against the charge.
How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost?
The cost of working with a lawyer depends on the experience of the lawyer, the amount of time they must devote to your case, and various other factors. Since every case differs and most DUI attorneys charge by the hour, they can’t provide a specific price upfront.
DUI cases are tough, and you can boost your chances of a better outcome by working with a lawyer who knows how the prosecution thinks and has the time and resources to dive deep into your case.
In almost all cases, facing a DUI charge without a defense lawyer is far riskier. Here’s a breakdown of where typical DUI lawyer fees come from and how you can choose the best attorney for your situation:
Case Complexity
Some cases are fairly simple, while others are more complicated. For example, if you were arrested for DUI but have no prior record and had a BAC not far outside the legal limit, it might be fairly easy for your lawyer to win your case or at least negotiate lighter penalties.
However, in cases where you have other charges on your record, have past convictions, or someone sustained injuries during a DUI crash, your attorney will need to spend more time fighting long and hard for the best outcome for you.
The more complex a case, the more time it typically takes—which will generally increase the overall price.
Experience Level of the Lawyer
You get what you pay for. This rule applies to most things in life, and DUI lawyers are no exception. Good lawyers are going to charge more because they have:
- Strong track records of winning cases (getting their clients off free)
- Years of experience working in DUI cases
- Exclusivity: they primarily take on DUI cases
- Thoughtfulness and professionalism: they’ll treat you with respect, give their full attention to your case, and genuinely care about your outcome
A lawyer with a low hourly rate will be tempting, but chances are it’s because they are less experienced—and these are rarely the legal professionals you’ll want representing you for a DUI charge.
Plus, the hourly rate might seem low, but other hidden fees often make the overall cost high anyway.
Extra Costs (and Perks)
Each DUI lawyer will have different rules for handling additional fees and extra offerings. For example, some will charge separately for certain things, such as a fee for re-testing a blood sample in the lab or getting evidence, which is separate from the hourly fee.
Other times, lawyers will provide certain services at no cost, such as transporting you to court if California suspends your driver’s license.
When you consult with a DUI lawyer, ask about any additional fees or perks not included in their hourly rate. A good DUI lawyer will be upfront about these. And speaking of fees, the consultation should always be FREE.
What Is the Difference Between a DUI and a Wet Reckless?
At some point, you may have heard the term “wet reckless” in relation to a charge for drinking and driving. “Wet reckless” is a term used to describe a reduced charge in a DUI case.
When you get the help of a skilled DUI lawyer, they may be able to reduce your charge to wet or dry reckless. When you meet for a free consultation, they will tell you what they think can be done about your charges and how they will handle your case.
Talk to a DUI Lawyer in Lake Forest Today
Don’t get left without proper legal defense following a DUI. An experienced Lake Forest DUI lawyer will provide your best chance for an ideal outcome—possibly even winning your case altogether.
Contact us today to get a FREE consultation with a local attorney specializing in DUI cases. During your free consultation, you’ll discuss the details of your case and your best options moving forward. Call us or fill out our online contact form to get started as soon as possible.
