You have legal options that can allow you to successfully resolve charges for driving under the influence (DUI). After an arrest, you can turn to an experienced Santa Clarita misdemeanor DUI lawyer for help building a personalized defense if you face misdemeanor charges.
A Santa Clarita DUI lawyer can protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and ensure you understand the steps you need to take when facing charges for drunk driving.
Our team can help you get in contact with a lawyer who will put you first and assist with any challenges you face after an arrest. We have decades of experience and stay available around the clock, so reach out now.
Why Hire a Misdemeanor DUI Lawyer in Santa Clarita, CA?
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer after an arrest for a misdemeanor DUI means you’ll have someone who puts you first and understands the legal system on your side. You can immediately improve your chances of successfully handling a drunk driving charge by getting help from a professional legal team.
California treats most CA Vehicle Code 23152 (a) – Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol allegations as misdemeanor-level offenses. A lawyer can review the specifics of the charges you face and immediately start working on a personalized defense designed to meet your needs.
Your lawyer will also take the time to explain what happens with a misdemeanor DUI, so you understand what to expect throughout the legal process.
Get Legal Help Before Discussing DUI Charges
It’s critical that you reach out to a criminal defense attorney for help before you say anything to the prosecution or the police after a DUI arrest. These individuals do not want to help you; they just want to secure convictions.
You should exercise your Constitutional rights to legal representation immediately after an arrest. A lawyer can protect you during questioning, since the prosecution and law enforcement officers can use everything you say against you.
How Do Lawyers Handle Misdemeanor DUI Charges?
A misdemeanor DUI attorney in Santa Clarita, CA, can explore multiple options to successfully handle these allegations. Based on your situation, your lawyer may consider:
Pushing the Court to Drop the Charges
A judge may drop (or dismiss) misdemeanor DUI charges if your lawyer can establish that the prosecution has a weak case with little evidence to establish guilt. The court could also dismiss DUI charges if a lawyer shows that the police violated your rights during the legal process.
Getting Your Charges Reduced
In some cases, the prosecution will offer you a plea deal to reduce the misdemeanor DUI charges you face. For example, they may say that if you plead guilty to reckless driving, they will reduce the penalties you face.
A lawyer will need to review the plea deal you receive to determine if it represents your best option before you sign any paperwork. You can learn more about plea bargaining from your attorney.
Representing You in Court
Finally, an attorney can provide the representation you need if your case goes all the way to court. For example, a lawyer can explore several defense strategies and could argue that:
- The police stopped you without any reason
- Police officers did not follow correct procedures when performing a blood alcohol content (BAC) test
- The lab responsible for your BAC test mishandled your samples
It’s essential that you get help quickly after an arrest so your lawyer can carefully consider the strategies that will work to handle your misdemeanor drunk driving charges.
An Attorney Can Help at Your DMV Hearing
You will face challenges that go beyond a criminal trial after an arrest for a misdemeanor DUI. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can automatically suspend your driver’s license after this type of arrest.
Fortunately, you can request a hearing that could prevent this suspension. However, you only have 10 days from the date of your arrest to request this hearing.
Your attorney can explain the process of requesting the hearing and represent you in front of the DMV representatives, improving your chances of maintaining your driving privileges.
Attorneys Take Misdemeanor DUI Allegations Seriously
Legal professionals in Santa Clarita understand the serious consequences of a misdemeanor DUI conviction. A conviction can result in:
- Fines
- Time spent in a county jail
- Orders to attend alcohol treatment programs
- Restrictions on your license
California instituted an ignition interlock device (IID) program that applies to most drivers convicted of drunk driving. Under the terms of this program, most drivers will have to install an IID on any vehicle they plan to drive after a DUI conviction.
You will have to pay to have the IID installed and maintained. Additionally, you’ll have to use the IID, which functions as a personal breathalyzer, each time you want to drive.
Get Legal Help for a Misdemeanor DUI in Santa Clarita, CA
You can turn to a Santa Clarita misdemeanor DUI lawyer for professional help understanding the charges you face and building a successful defense. An attorney can stand by you throughout each stage of the legal process, ensuring you never feel alone.
Our team can help you get in contact with an attorney who has the experience, training, and resources to resolve your charges. We’re here to help 24/7, so reach out now.
