Driving under the influence (DUI) can result in hefty fines and disrupt your life for years. Drivers accused of a DUI can face a criminal trial and a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), leading to a tough legal battle that should be fought with the help of an Alhambra DUI lawyer.
You can increase the odds of beating the DUI charges you are facing by reaching out to an experienced Alhambra criminal defense lawyer. The Simmrin Law Group has experience handling DUI cases, and we’re ready to start working on your defense today.
Why Do I Need a DUI Lawyer?
There are several important reasons why you should consider hiring a qualified attorney if you have been charged with driving under the influence:
Protect Your Rights
DUI laws are complex, and the legal process can be confusing for someone without legal training. A knowledgeable DUI attorney understands your rights and can ensure you are protected throughout the proceedings, from challenging the initial traffic stop to cross-examining the prosecution’s evidence.
Challenge the Evidence
DUI cases often rely heavily on technical evidence, such as breathalyzer or blood test results, field sobriety tests, and police observations. An experienced DUI lawyer knows how to scrutinize and potentially challenge the validity of this evidence, which could lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges.
Explore Legal Defenses
There are numerous potential legal defenses available in DUI cases, such as challenging the probable cause for the traffic stop, questioning the accuracy of chemical tests, or asserting your constitutional rights were violated.
A DUI doesn’t mean you are a criminal. A skilled DUI attorney in Alhambra can evaluate your case and determine the best legal strategies to pursue.
Mitigate Consequences
Even if a criminal conviction cannot be avoided, a DUI lawyer can often negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, plea deals, or sentencing alternatives, such as probation, community service, or participation in an alcohol education program.
This can help minimize the long-term impact of a DUI conviction on your life.
Representation in DMV Proceedings
In addition to criminal charges, a DUI arrest can also trigger administrative proceedings with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to suspend or revoke your driver’s license.
A DUI lawyer can represent you in these separate DMV hearings to potentially save your driving privileges.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Alhambra, call (310) 896-2723
Specific Legal Advice
DUI laws and proceedings are highly specialized areas of law. An attorney who focuses their practice on DUI defense will have in-depth knowledge and experience that a general practitioner may lack, increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.
While hiring a DUI lawyer may seem costly upfront, the potential consequences of a DUI conviction–including jail time, fines, a criminal record, and loss of driving privileges–can have far-reaching negative impacts on your life, career, and future.
An Alhambra DUI attorney could end up saving you significantly in the long run.
Alhambra DUI Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Understanding DUI Traffic Stops
You may be charged with a DUI after an accident, or a police officer pulls you over. A police officer may ask you to:
- Complete a chemical test
- Complete field sobriety tests
Some drivers are technically allowed to refuse these tests. However, you must comply with the tests if:
- You are legally arrested
- You are under 21
- You are on DUI probation
You can face criminal charges if you refuse a legally required test, so caution is recommended when facing a DUI traffic stop. You should contact a DUI defense lawyer in Alhambra as quickly as possible to protect yourself from these charges.
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Penalties for a DUI Conviction
DUI convictions often result in severe penalties and thousands of dollars in fines. These penalties grow more severe each time you are convicted of driving under the influence. Depending on your situation, you could be subjected to:
DUI Fines:
- 1st DUI Offense: Up to $2,000
- 2nd DUI Offense: Up to $2,500
- 3rd DUI Offense: Up to $3,000
DUI Jail Time:
- 1st DUI Offense: Up to 6 Months
- 2nd DUI Offense: Up to 1 Year
- 3rd DUI Offense: Up to 1 Year
DUI License Suspension:
- 1st DUI Offense: Up to 1 Year
- 2nd DUI Offense: Up to 2 Years
- 3rd DUI Offense: Up to 3 Years
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can suspend your license after a DUI charge, even if you beat the criminal charges you are facing. You must request a hearing with the DMV within 10 days of your arrest.
Increased Auto Insurance Rates
When you are convicted of a DUI, you can also expect to be required to complete an SR–22 insurance form. Here, you can expect your insurance rates to be dramatically increased due to your DUI conviction.
Generally, those who are required to submit SR–22 insurance forms will need to do so for three years. In some instances, this can increase the amount of your auto insurance so much that you can no longer afford the costs. If you cannot afford to insure your car, it may be difficult or impossible for you to continue providing for yourself and your family.
Completion of a Drug or Alcohol Treatment Program
As part of the DUI sentencing you receive, the court also has the authority to order that you complete a drug or alcohol treatment program. You may be able to participate in an inpatient or outpatient program based on the specific details of your case and whether you have prior DUI convictions on your record.
Those who complete the terms of their alcohol or drug treatment program may have the opportunity to get the charges against them reduced or dismissed entirely.
Ignition Interlock Devices (IID)
You may be able to avoid a license suspension by accepting an ignition interlock device (IID) restricted license. Cars with an IID will not start if your BAC is too high. You can contact a DUI lawyer in Alhambra to learn more about your legal options after an arrest.
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Get Professional Help for a Drunk Driving Offense Today
Trying to beat a DUI charge alone can give prosecutors exactly what they want. You can boost your odds of successfully resolving your case by reaching out to an Alhambra DUI attorney. The Simmrin Law Group can:
- Investigate your case
- Work to get evidence thrown out
- Fight to get your charges reduced or your case dismissed
Contact an Alhambra DUI Lawyer Now
Driving under the influence (DUI) charges can have a lasting impact on your life. You can immediately increase your chances of beating the charges against you by contacting Simmrin Law Group today.
Start focusing on your future by completing our online contact form or calling to get the legal answers you need now. Contact our experienced team for a free, confidential consultation to learn how we can help.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form