You can get a DUI in Northridge and have no idea about how to respond to it. Ultimately, you must take your DUI charge seriously. Otherwise, you risk getting a DUI conviction that impacts you long into the future.
Following a DUI arrest, consult with a Northridge DUI lawyer. At this point, your lawyer can learn about your arrest. Next, your attorney can help you determine the best way to contest your DUI charge.
The Likelihood of Getting Arrested for a DUI in Northridge
There are strict rules in place for those found driving under the influence of alcohol or any other illicit substances in California. The penalties for a DUI vary based on whether you are a first-time offender. In most instances, a DUI arrest can lead to a suspension of your driver’s license, along with a fine or jail time.
To get arrested for a DUI, a police officer may check your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), which measures the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream. You can receive a DUI arrest if your BAC falls into any of the following categories:
- .08% or higher: This applies to adults age 21 and older who have a standard driver’s license.
- .04% or higher: This relates to drivers who hold a commercial driver’s license, even if they are not driving a commercial vehicle at the time of a BAC test.
- .04% or higher: This is relevant to anyone that is currently on probation due to a past DUI conviction.
- .01% or higher: This applies to anyone under the age of 21.
A Northridge DUI attorney can teach you about California’s DUI penalties. Even though this attorney cannot change the fact that you were arrested for a DUI, the lawyer can help you explore ways to contest your charge. Plus, your attorney can offer tips and guidance to help you move through the legal process.
Expect Your Driver’s Licensed to Be Suspended After Your Northridge DUI Arrest
A DUI is viewed as a misdemeanor in California. However, your driver’s license will be suspended within 30 days of your DUI arrest. Fortunately, you can request a hearing with the DMV to stop this from happening.
After your arrest, reach out to a DUI lawyer in Northridge right away. Your attorney will make sure your request for a DMV hearing is submitted within 10 days from the date of your arrest. In addition, by submitting a request for the DMV hearing, your attorney will be able to:
- Temporarily delay your license suspension until your hearing date
- Subpoena the arresting officer and request this individual speak at your hearing
- Increase your chances of avoiding a license suspension and getting your DUI charge reduced or dismissed
A DUI attorney in Northridge works diligently to pursue your case to the fullest extent. Once your DMV hearing request is filed, your attorney will help you build an argument designed to help you keep your driver’s license. On top of that, your attorney will explore every legal option to dispute your DUI charge.
Possible Legal Strategies Your Attorney Will Use in Your Northridge DUI Case
Every DUI case is different, and your lawyer works closely with you to identify the ideal legal strategy based on your charge. Your attorney may consider a variety of legal strategies, including:
- No Driving Defense: Your attorney may argue that you were not actually driving your vehicle at the time of your arrest, and as such, cannot be convicted of a DUI.
- Miranda Rights Defense: If the arresting police officer did not read the Miranda warning to you, some of the evidence submitted against you may be inadmissible. This ultimately gives the prosecution less evidence they can use against you, which can improve your chances of getting your DUI charge reduced or dropped.
- Probable Cause: If the arresting officer has no probable cause for pulling you over, all of the evidence in your case may be inadmissible, which can lead to a dismissal of your DUI charge.
Your attorney will work with you to figure out which legal strategy will work best. It is in your best interest to be open and honest with your attorney. This enables your lawyer to find a legal strategy that puts you in the best position to get a favorable ruling.
How a Plea Bargain Works in a Northridge DUI Case
If the prosecution has an overwhelming amount of evidence it can use against you, your attorney may advise you to consider a plea bargain. By proposing a plea bargain, you are asking the prosecution to accept a quick resolution in your case. In return, you agree to lesser charges than those that were originally proposed.
When you propose a plea bargain, here are the potential outcomes:
- The prosecution accepts your plea bargain, and you can close your case.
- The prosecution rejects your plea bargain, and you and your attorney continue to look for ways to strengthen your case.
- The prosecution counters your plea bargain, and you must decide whether to approve, reject, or counter this agreement.
There are advantages and disadvantages in accepting a plea bargain agreement, and your attorney can explain these in detail. Your lawyer will make sure you understand what a plea bargain entails before you propose one to the prosecution. Only if a plea bargain meets your expectations should you accept this agreement.
Why It Pays to Hire a Northridge DUI Lawyer
There are many reasons why people hire a DUI lawyer following an arrest. These include:
- You can get legal help from a professional who knows the ins and outs of the legal system.
- Your attorney can teach you everything you want to know about how to dispute a DUI charge.
- Your lawyer will advocate for you for the duration of your case.
You can meet with a DUI attorney to learn what this legal professional has to offer. After you do, you can see how a DUI lawyer keeps your best interests top of mind. This attorney can help you avoid a DUI conviction or have your DUI charge reduced.
Do Not Wait Any Longer to Hire a DUI Attorney in Northridge
Connect with a DUI lawyer in Northridge. Then, you can have an attorney review your case. To get started, please get in touch with us today.
