California prosecutes most charges for driving under the influence (DUI) as misdemeanors. After an arrest for drunk driving, you can turn to a Lancaster misdemeanor DUI lawyer for professional assistance in building a defense to these allegations.
A Lancaster DUI lawyer can stand up for you, answer your questions, and help you protect your future. You do not have to just accept DUI accusations and the fines, jail time, and license restrictions associated with a conviction.
Our team can put you in touch with an attorney who can provide the dedicated support you deserve. We have decades of combined experience helping drivers like you get the help they need.
Why Hire a Misdemeanor DUI Lawyer in Lancaster, CA?
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer after an arrest for a DUI can improve your chances of successfully handling misdemeanor charges. Trying to handle legal matters on your own makes it easier for the prosecution to secure a conviction, which can have tremendous negative consequences for your life.
A misdemeanor DUI conviction can result in:
- Expensive fines
- Time in jail
- Probation
- Restrictions on your driving privileges
Fortunately, you can immediately reach out for help after your arrest. You have a legal right to representation, and we recommend that you exercise that right before you say anything about the allegations you face.
How Will a Lawyer Help After a DUI Arrest?
Your misdemeanor DUI attorney in Lancaster can provide the personalized support you deserve after an arrest. Depending on your circumstances, you can rely on a lawyer to:
Explain Your Charges
Most arrests under CA Vehicle Code 23152 (a) – Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol result in misdemeanor allegations. An attorney can explain the ins and outs of these allegations and provide more information if the court uses any of California’s other DUI charges against you.
Your attorney can answer all your questions and explain what happens with a misdemeanor DUI.
Support You During Legal Questioning
You do not have to go through questioning by the police or prosecution alone. An attorney can stand by you, protecting your rights and ensuring you understand what information to share after your arrest.
Law enforcement officers can use anything you say against you, so it’s crucial that you get professional help before talking about your drunk driving charges.
Build Your Defense
A criminal defense attorney can immediately get to work on a personalized defense against the misdemeanor charges you face. Depending on your situation, a lawyer may argue that the police stopped your vehicle without cause or that officers improperly administered a blood alcohol content (BAC) test.
The specific defense a lawyer uses will depend on the facts surrounding your arrest.
An Attorney Can Help with Your DMV Hearing
You can face numerous challenges after a DUI arrest, including issues with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV can actually suspend your license automatically after an arrest for a misdemeanor DUI.
You only have a few days from the time of your arrest to request an administrative hearing with the DMV to protest this automatic suspension. An attorney can help you request this hearing and represent you throughout the assessment process to protect your driving privileges.
How Do Lawyers Resolve Misdemeanor DUI Allegations?
Attorneys use several strategies to handle misdemeanor charges for drunk driving. Depending on your circumstances, a lawyer may focus on:
Getting a Misdemeanor Charge Dropped
In some situations, a lawyer can convince the court to drop a misdemeanor DUI charge. Generally, the court only dismisses these allegations if the prosecution has poor evidence or if someone in law enforcement violated your rights during an arrest.
Reducing a Misdemeanor DUI Allegation
Your attorney may focus on getting the prosecution to reduce the severity of the charges you face through a plea bargain. Plea deals require you to admit to another criminal charge, like reckless driving, in exchange for lessened penalties.
The prosecution may offer this type of deal, especially if you have no previous DUI convictions on your record. Plea deals become less likely for subsequent DUI arrests.
Fighting a Misdemeanor Drunk Driving Charge in Court
Finally, a lawyer can aggressively represent you in court when necessary, standing up for you and fighting to secure a verdict in your favor. You do not have to go through the legal process alone, so reach out now for help.
What Makes a DUI Charge a Misdemeanor?
The court system in California treats most DUIs as misdemeanor-level offenses as a default. However, some of these charges may become felony-level offenses, especially if an individual has past DUIs on their record or causes a crash resulting in injuries or a fatality.
You can learn more about the differences between misdemeanor and felony DUIs from your attorney.
Get Help After an Arrest for a Misdemeanor DUI in Lancaster, CA
You can rely on a Lancaster misdemeanor DUI attorney to handle all of your legal needs after an arrest. A lawyer will stand by you, put you first, and ensure you understand all the steps in the legal process.
Our team can help you get in touch with a criminal defense law firm with the resources and training you need. You can reach out to us now to take charge after an arrest.
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