California treats commercial DUI cases seriously. Commercial drivers have a greater duty of care, so if you’re caught driving under the influence, the consequences are often much harsher. That’s why you need a Montebello commercial DUI lawyer.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we have helped thousands of people facing DUI charges. Our team can refer you to an experienced DUI lawyer serving Montebello who will fight your corner and help you make sense of the elaborate legal proceedings that follow this type of allegation.
Get peace of mind now. We’re hyper-focused on DUI cases and making sure you get the support you need.
Legal Support Available from a Montebello Commercial DUI Lawyer
Having a commercial DUI lawyer supporting your case can make all the difference in the outcome. Their local knowledge and experience with the judicial system allow them to offer a more tailored approach to your defense strategy.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Clear communication: An attorney can outline your options with clarity, while also communicating with prosecutors on your behalf.
- Focused evidence review: All the evidence against you will be assessed in detail, including BAC test results, police reports, and bodycam footage. Any inaccuracies will be used to support your legal argument and plea negotiations.
- Challenging the arrest: A DUI lawyer is trained to spot holes in the arresting officer’s testimony. They can also identify areas where your rights may have been violated during the stop and hold the right person accountable.
- Professional negotiations: To settle outside of court, an attorney will use keen negotiation tactics when communicating with the prosecution. They may discuss reduced charges or having your case dismissed altogether.
- Representation throughout legal proceedings: Whether it’s a DMV hearing or a courtroom trial, a commercial DUI lawyer will speak on your behalf. This includes presenting your defense and challenging the prosecution’s case.
A DUI attorney can support you through every step of the legal process while making sure your rights are always protected.
What You Need to Know About Commercial DUIs and California Law
Montebello follows California Vehicle Code § 23152(d) when it comes to commercial DUIs. This law makes it illegal for anyone to operate a commercial vehicle if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is found to be 0.04% or above.
For regular drivers, the limit is slightly higher at 0.08% or above. Because commercial vehicles are so much larger, they’re harder to maneuver. This is why California has much stricter regulations around BAC limits for anyone driving HGVs, buses, delivery trucks, and other similar vehicles.
Driving under the influence of drugs, prescription medication, or a combination of substances is also illegal in California and could lead to a commercial DUI arrest.
CDL Disqualification and Other Commercial DUI Penalties
As a professional driver, one of the main penalties you need to worry about is CDL disqualification. Having your commercial driver’s license suspended can have a major impact on your ability to earn a living.
It will prevent you from commercial driving for as long as the suspension is in place, and could also affect future employment opportunities. This is especially true if you’re found guilty, as the conviction will remain on your driving record for 10 years and on your criminal record indefinitely, unless expunged.
Other Common DUI Repercussions
Depending on the situation and possible prior convictions, other penalties may include the following:
- Personal driver’s license suspension
- Fines between $390 and $1,000
- Three to five years of probation
- Compulsory DUI education programs
- Up to a year in county jail
First offenses usually come with lighter sentences, but a judge will look at any aggravating factors that may impact how your case is handled. For example, refusing a chemical test, causing an accident, reckless driving, and child endangerment could result in harsher sentencing.
What Happens After a Commercial DUI Arrest in Montebello?
Once you’ve been arrested, you will be booked and may be held in custody before being released on bail. The police will likely confiscate your license and swap it for a temporary one. However, you can challenge this at a DMV hearing. You must request this hearing within 10 days of your arrest.
Court proceedings will begin with an arraignment, where a judge will formally read your charges, and you will be allowed to enter your plea. Afterward, negotiations will take place. A commercial DUI attorney serving Montebello will challenge the evidence against you and discuss the potential to reduce charges with the prosecution.
This usually means you can settle before going to court, but if you do proceed to court, you will have to stand trial. Again, an experienced lawyer can represent you and advocate for the best resolution. Sentencing will follow.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer Is Ready to Be Your Legal Resource
We can put you in touch with a Montebello Commercial DUI lawyer who can take you through every stage of the legal process. They’ll look for ways to minimize the charges against you in hopes of reducing the impact on your livelihood.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer can show you how to choose the best DUI lawyer in California. All you have to do is give us a call or fill out our contact form.
We’re available 24/7 and have a team dedicated to connecting you with the right law firm for your commercial DUI case.
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