A misdemeanor DUI conviction can create long-lasting consequences that affect your career, reputation, and many other aspects of your life. If you’ve been charged with a DUI offense, you’ll want to hire a Lake Forest misdemeanor DUI lawyer ASAP to get started on your case.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we can connect you with a skilled Lake Forest DUI lawyer who has the experience required to take on your case. We are available 24/7 and prepared to connect you with the resources you need to fight your charges and protect yourself from a damaging misdemeanor DUI conviction.
What Counts as a Misdemeanor DUI in California?
If you’ve been arrested and charged for impaired driving, you might be wondering what counts as a misdemeanor DUI in California. Under California Vehicle Code §§23152(a) and 23152(b), a DUI is generally a misdemeanor when the following statements are true:
- It is your first, second, or third DUI within 10 years.
- No one was seriously injured.
- No one was killed.
- There are no aggravating circumstances that elevate your case to a felony.
A dedicated Lake Forest misdemeanor DUI lawyer can review the details of your case and answer any questions you have about the charges you’re facing. They’ll explain what constitutes a misdemeanor DUI and work hard to build a strong defense for you.
Penalties You Could Face After a Misdemeanor DUI in California
If you are convicted of misdemeanor DUI, you could suffer a variety of consequences. It’s your attorney’s job to educate you on the penalties you’re facing and work hard to protect you from them. That said, if you are found guilty, you could receive several or more of the following penalties:
- Up to 6 months in county jail
- Fines
- DUI school
- Probation
- License suspension
- Required installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle
These are just the legal consequences of a DUI conviction. If you are found guilty, you could also suffer damage to your reputation, have trouble finding employment, and see an increase in your insurance premiums. Hire a skilled misdemeanor DUI lawyer in Lake Forest to get the help you need to avoid these unwanted outcomes.
Steps to Take After a Misdemeanor DUI Arrest
If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving and charged with a misdemeanor DUI, you’re probably worried about your future and unsure what to do next. At this time, it’s important for you not to panic but, instead, take the following steps to protect your rights and strengthen your case after your arrest:
- Hire a skilled Lake Forest misdemeanor DUI attorney.
- Request a DMV hearing within 10 days to prevent automatic license suspension.
- Write down everything you remember about the arrest.
- Only discuss your case with your attorney.
- Gather any relevant paperwork and evidence, and hand it over to your lawyer.
- Follow all court orders.
- Avoid driving under the influence again.
- Avoid posting about the incident on social media.
Taking these steps soon after your arrest will help you down the road. Remember, prosecutors will begin building a case against you soon after your arrest. Hiring an attorney soon will give your representative the time they need to prepare a compelling defense case. Evidence can go missing quickly, and witness memories will fade as time passes.
Getting started on your case early will ensure that these forms of evidence are preserved, giving your case the support it needs to be successful. Contact us today to get connected with a lawyer and get the legal advice you need to make educated decisions throughout the entire legal process.
How a Lake Forest Misdemeanor DUI Lawyer Will Help You
The last thing you want to do after a DUI arrest is represent yourself during hearings, negotiations, and court dates. A lawyer will guide you through the legal process and make sure you don’t say anything that hurts your case. They’ll then work toward an outcome that protects your finances, freedom, and future.
Here’s what a dedicated misdemeanor DUI attorney in Lake Forest will do to help you after an arrest:
- Review the police report for errors
- Analyze video evidence from body-cams and dash-cams
- Challenge breath or blood test results
- Represent you at the DMV hearing
- Negotiate for reduced charges, such as a wet reckless, which can be better than a DUI
- Argue for alternative sentencing
- Help you avoid harsh fines and damaging penalties
- Represent you in court
Meet With a Trusted Lake Forest Misdemeanor DUI Attorney
Getting arrested for impaired driving doesn’t have to change your life forever, but it can result in serious consequences if you don’t find skilled representation. At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we can connect you with a Lake Forest misdemeanor DUI lawyer who can protect your rights and future, no matter how serious your charges are.
Your attorney will advise you on the steps you should take after an arrest, explain your legal options, and build a strong defense case. Whether this is your first drunk driving arrest or if you have a history of DUI convictions, you can count on your lawyer to pursue the best outcome possible. Contact us today to get connected with the right lawyer for your case.
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