You can face severe penalties after an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) in California. A conviction can result in fines, jail time, and restrictions on your driving privileges. Fortunately, you can work with a Rolling Hills DUI lawyer to address all your legal concerns.
An attorney can help you handle police officers and the prosecution. You can rely on a lawyer to review your specific situation and build a defense that addresses your legal concerns. Our team can provide more information about the benefits of working with a criminal defense law firm.
You can discuss your situation when you call or complete our online contact form.
What Charges Can a DUI Lawyer Help You Handle?
You can hire a lawyer for help after an arrest for any DUI offense in California. Examples of charges a law firm can handle include:
- CA Vehicle Code 23152 (a) – Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
- CA Vehicle Code 23103.5 – Wet Reckless Driving
- CA Vehicle Code 21200.5 – Cycling Under the Influence
- CA Vehicle Code 23140 – Underage DUI with a BAC of 0.05 or Higher
California has strict laws around alcohol and drug usage by drivers. Any one of these charges could result in incarceration, fines, and other severe penalties, so it’s essential to contact a lawyer about your situation immediately after an arrest.
Why Hire a DUI Attorney After an Arrest?
A DUI lawyer can assist you with every aspect of the criminal charges you face for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The professionals recommend speaking with a lawyer before answering questions for the prosecution to protect your defense.
An attorney can help with:
Your Arraignment Hearing
The court will inform you of the DUI charges you face at your arraignment hearing and give you a chance to enter your plea. Generally, lawyers recommend pleading not guilty. Pleading guilty or no contest means accepting your charges and the court’s penalties.
Your Bail Hearing (if Applicable)
You may need to pay bail to get out of jail after a DUI arrest. A lawyer can represent you during this hearing and fight to reduce the bail payment.
Build Your Defense
An attorney can immediately begin assessing your situation and building a personalized defense that addresses the specifics of your circumstances. Your attorney can also monitor the actions of the police after an arrest to ensure they respect your rights.
How Can a Rolling Hills DUI Lawyer Resolve Your Charges?
Your DUI lawyer in Rolling Hills may use several strategies to help you beat a charge for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Possible options to resolve a DUI accusation include:
Getting Your Charges Dismissed
The court may dismiss your DUI charges if your lawyer shows the police stopped you without cause or if the prosecution has insufficient evidence to show that you drove while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
DUI lawyers often work to block evidence gathered illegally to weaken the prosecution’s case.
Getting Your DUI Charges Reduced
In some cases, your lawyer may focus on reducing your charges by accepting a plea bargain offered by the prosecution. This process requires you to admit guilt for a less serious charge, like reckless driving (prosecuted under CA Vehicle Code §23103).
The prosecution may agree to a plea bargain more readily for a first-time DUI offense. However, a skilled lawyer may help even if you have prior DUIs on your record.
Representing You in Court
Lawyers often strive to resolve DUI charges outside of court through a dismissal or reduction of charges. However, you can rely on your attorney to represent you in front of a judge and jury.
What Are Common DUI Defenses in Rolling Hills?
DUI attorneys in California use several common defenses for their clients. Based on your circumstances, an attorney may argue that:
- Police officers mishandled your blood alcohol content (BAC) test
- The lab failed to complete BAC testing properly
- You were not impaired while driving
A DUI attorney serving Rolling Hills may dispute the results of a breathalyzer test or field sobriety tests. Your legal team may even argue against blood or urine tests to measure your BAC. These tests can produce false results, especially if officers wait too long to perform them.
What Are the Outcomes of a DUI Conviction?
DUI convictions have serious impacts on a driver’s life in California. In many situations, drivers face months of time in jail, high fines, and a requirement to attend DUI school.
California also has a statewide ignition interlock device (IID) pilot program. This program requires many drivers convicted of DUI to install an IID on their vehicle and use it each time they want to drive anywhere.
Additionally, DUI convictions stay on your driving record for 10 years and count against you if you face subsequent charges. The penalties for a DUI increase each time you face a conviction, so reach out to a lawyer immediately for assistance.
Can You Get a DUI Conviction off Your Record?
A Rolling Hills DUI attorney may help you get a DUI conviction off your criminal record through an expungement after you complete all court-ordered penalties. However, the DUI will remain on your driving record and continue to count against you if you face subsequent DUI arrests.
Therefore, the professionals recommend facing a DUI before a conviction. Allow your attorney to focus on getting your charges reduced or dismissed today.
Speak to a DUI Lawyer in Rolling Hills
You can turn to a Rolling Hills DUI lawyer after an arrest in California. An attorney can advise you during legal questioning, gather evidence to defend you, and ensure the police respect your rights.
You can take advantage of our resources to learn more about your legal situation when you call or complete our online contact form.
