California’s criminal justice system can prosecute charges for driving under the influence (DUI) in Bakersfield very harshly. You may face fines, jail time, and restrictions on your driver’s license if convicted of a DUI in California. This can affect many aspects of your life, including your job, social life, education, and more.
You can get help resolving your DUI charge in your favor by contacting the attorneys at Simmrin Law Group. Our team of DUI lawyers in Bakersfield is here to help construct your defense, starting right now. You do not have to navigate this difficult time on your own. We can talk with you more about your case during a free consultation.
A DUI Conviction Affects Many Areas of Your Life
If possible, you want to avoid a DUI conviction. If a conviction seems likely, avoiding the harshest penalties can make it easier to manage how it affects your everyday life. Jail time could cost you your job or force you to drop out of school. Fines could cause financial problems for your family.
A conviction could also cause issues with getting to work or running errands, getting a job, keeping certain occupational licenses, and more. Our team understands how important it is to you to limit the effects of your arrest and possible charges. We are here to help.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Bakersfield, call (310) 896-2723
We Focus on All Aspects of Your DUI Case in Bakersfield
A DUI arrest in Bakersfield often leads to a lengthy legal case full of numerous hurdles. Resolving a DUI charge is not as easy as walking into a California court and sitting through a single day of trial, unless you plead guilty or no contest to your charges. These may be the easiest way to close your case, but they are not usually the best option to get the outcome you are hoping for.
Most drivers accused of a DUI will need to face:
- Questioning by law enforcement officers and prosecutors
- An arraignment hearing where they learn about the criminal charges filed against them
- A bail hearing to find out how much bail they must pay so that they are released from jail
Drivers may proceed to trial if they face DUI charges. However, many DUI cases resolve outside the court through a plea bargain. A plea bargain allows you to admit guilt to a lesser charge to reduce the penalties you’re facing. A criminal defense lawyer in Bakersfield can review any deals prosecutors offer you to make sure they are fair to you.
Our attorney may also work to negotiate plea or sentencing deals or develop another strategy for your defense. Our team knows how the criminal justice system works, how prosecutors will likely approach your case, and what could happen in court. We fight to protect our clients’ rights and get a more positive outcome in their DUI cases.
Bakersfield DUI Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Benefits of Working With Our Bakersfield DUI Lawyer
A legal professional with our team in Bakersfield can help you handle all aspects of your case. A lawyer can protect your rights during questioning by police officers and prosecutors. Remember that they can use everything you say against you and that you can politely decline to answer their questions. With an attorney by your side, they will ensure you do not incriminate yourself during this time.
Your lawyer may also be able to ensure you get a lower bail payment. You must remain in jail unless you can pay bail before your DUI trial in Bakersfield or the court grants you release based on your personal recognizance, which is a written promise to return for trial. Let the team at Simmrin Law Group help you during your bail hearing.
Additionally, we may be able to work to get your charges or sentence reduced to an acceptable level. We may even be able to get your DUI charges dismissed entirely, so you can move forward with your life. Some of our clients who contact us immediately after their arrest never face charges. We can begin building a strong defense strategy based on your case today.
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Results of a DUI Conviction in Bakersfield
It’s important that you get legal assistance if you face charges of DUI in Bakersfield, as the results of a conviction can be very serious. Drivers convicted of a first-time DUI in California may face sentences that include:
- Jail time of up to six months
- Fines of up to $2,000
- Time in DUI school
- Restrictions on their driving privileges
Each time you receive a DUI conviction in Bakersfield, the penalties you face can increase. DUIs are priorable offenses that remain on your record for ten years. Make sure you take a first or subsequent DUI accusation seriously by speaking to a criminal defense lawyer today. You do not want to try to manage this process and protect your rights on your own. Your future depends on a positive outcome in your case.
Do not forget that a DUI can involve drug use instead of alcohol. It can also involve drinking and using drugs, as well.DUI with marijuana is common in California. While recreational marijuana use is legal, driving under the influence of the drug is not. The laws regarding marijuana use behind the wheel—and the penalties—are virtually identical to those that outline drunk driving charges and sentences.
Our team also manages DUIs involving drugs. We are here to help you regardless of the substance the police allege you were using before getting behind the wheel.
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License Restrictions and DUIs in Bakersfield
In 2019, California instituted a statewide program for the use of ignition interlock devices (IIDs) in DUI cases. Many drivers convicted of a DUI must install an IID, even if they regained their license after a suspension. In fact, only some first-time DUI offenders can avoid having to install and use the device.
An IID functions as a personal breathalyzer. You will have to blow into the IID each time you want to start your vehicle. However, as long as your BAC is acceptable, you will then be able to operate your vehicle normally. The device may also require you to blow again after time passes to ensure your BAC still falls into acceptable parameters.
Many drivers find IID installation an improvement over California’s previous laws, which led to a long-term license suspension or revocation after a DUI conviction.
Build a Defense for Bakersfield DUI Charges
You can get help handling a DUI accusation in Bakersfield by contacting Simmrin Law Group today. Our team may be able to argue that you were not operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
We may also be able to show that a law enforcement officer stopped you without reasonable cause. If this occurred, the court may throw out the case. Police officers cannot stop you without reason. If you were not operating your vehicle in a manner that seemed unusual or dangerous or violating another law, stopping you would not be legal.
Another common defense in these cases relates to issues with blood alcohol content (BAC) testing. Breath machines are often difficult to calibrate and may not always give an accurate reading. Even blood testing with a significant delay may be problematic. We know how to challenge testing results when the circumstances support doing so.
Find out more about your legal options by contacting us now.
A Bakersfield DUI Lawyer Can Help You Today
Take charge if you stand accused of a DUI in Bakersfield by contacting the DUI attorneys at Simmrin Law Group. Reach out to our DUI lawyers in Bakersfield immediately by calling us or completing our online contact form.
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Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form