Drivers who operate motor vehicles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Carlsbad, CA. DUI charges can have harsh consequences for your life. A conviction can leave you with:
- A Suspended Driver’s License
- High Fines to Pay
- A Jail Sentence
Fortunately, you can get legal help handling a DUI charge by working with our Carlsbad DUI lawyer. The professionals at Simmrin Law Group can start going over your charges today. Let us begin working on your defense now.
Criminal Charges for DUIs in Carlsbad
DUIs are considered a traffic violation in Carlsbad. They are also treated as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on:
- Your Previous Record for DUI Convictions
- Whether or Not Anyone Was Hurt in a DUI Accident
The state of California uses several criminal charges to prosecute individuals charged with a DUI. Depending on the specifics of your situation, you could face charges under:
- California Vehicle Code Section 21200.5: Riding A Bicycle Under The Influence
- California Vehicle Code Section 23140: Under 21 DUI With Blood Alcohol Content Between 0.05-0.07 Percent
- California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a): Driving Under The Influence Of Alcohol
- California Vehicle Code Section 23152(b): Driving With A Blood Alcohol Content Of 0.08 Percent Or Higher
- California Vehicle Code Section 23152(f): Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
- California Vehicle Code Section 23153: DUI Causing Injury
A criminal defense lawyer in Carlsbad can help you review the specifics of each of these charges so you are ready to build a strong defense for your day in court.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Carlsbad, call (310) 896-2723
Penalties for a DUI Criminal Conviction in Carlsbad
As we mentioned, there are many different charges used to prosecute DUIs in Carslbad. However, the court system uses similar penalties for many of these charges. Generally, you could expect a DUI conviction to lead to:
- Fines
- Jail Time
- A License Suspension
You should be aware that DUIs are considered “priorable” offenses. This means that if you are convicted of a second or subsequent DUI, the penalties you face will increase. You should take every DUI charge seriously.
Carlsbad DUI Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
DUI Charges and the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
The criminal charges associated with a DUI can be difficult to handle on your own. Many drivers don’t realize they must also deal with a hearing in front of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) after they are charged with a DUI.
You will need to request your DMV hearing within 10 days of a DUI charge. If you do not request a hearing in time, the DMV can automatically suspend your license.
The professionals at Simmrin Law Group can help you deal with your DMV hearing the right way. Protect your driver’s license by getting legal advice on your side quickly after you are arrested for a DUI in Carlsbad.
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Ways a DUI Lawyer in San Diego County Can Help You
We’ve discussed the penalties and legal hurdles you can face after a DUI charge in Carlsbad. While these challenges may seem overwhelming, you can start working to resolve them in your favor by reaching out to a DUI lawyer now.
Simmrin Law Group may be able to:
- Weaken the Evidence Against You. Many DUI tests – such as the breathalyzer – are known for their unreliability. Sometimes, these tests turn in false positives. They may be disproven in a court of law.
- Prove You Should Not Have Been Stopped. You should only be pulled over if a police officer has reasonable cause. If you were stopped without good reason, a DUI lawyer may be able to build your defense.
- Protect Your Driver’s License. Getting legal help with your DMV hearing can increase the odds that your license will not be suspended. A lawyer can also review your options for installing an ignition interlock device (IID). Sometimes installing this device can allow you to maintain your driving privileges in Carlsbad.
Let us go over your specific legal situation today. We may be able to help you go over plea bargains for a DUI accusation. We can also help fight for you in the court system here in Carlsbad.
A Lawyer Can Help Even if You Did Not Submit to a BAC Test
When you are pulled over because a police officer believed you were driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you are required by law to submit to blood alcohol content (BAC) testing. According to Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) guidelines, chemical tests have replaced urine tests since 1999.
If you refused to submit to a chemical analysis of your blood, you could face the following consequences:
- Your driver’s license will be suspended for a first-time DUI
- Your driver’s license will be revoked for two years for a second DUI
- Your driver’s license will be revoked for three years for all subsequent DUIs
If you were a minor when arrested for DUI, you will face similar consequences. A suspended or revoked license can make transportation impossible and pose a risk to your employment.
A DUI lawyer can help you understand the penalties you face if convicted. He can also help you understand the possible defenses for non-compliance and explain your right to refuse a blood test in favor of a urine test.
A Lawyer Can Help if Your Rights Were Violated in Any Way
If you or someone you love was arrested on suspicion of DUI, you have rights that must be protected. At the time of your arrest, you were entitled to be informed of the following Miranda rights:
- The right to remain silent
- The right to notice that anything you say could be used against you
- The right to an attorney, even if you cannot afford one
Police cannot question or interview you without an attorney once you have requested one. When you choose a criminal defense attorney to represent you, he will explain your rights in detail. Your lawyer will also explore any violations of your rights and explain their legal repercussions.
If your rights were violated in any way, your lawyer may be able to use the details of the violation to make a plea agreement for a lower charge, lighter penalty, or both. He might also be able to have the charges against you dismissed.
DUI Arrest and Conviction Can Have Costly Consequences
In addition to criminal penalties, a DUI arrest can have financial consequences. You can incur fees for:
- Various court fines
- BAC testing fees
- Loss of income
- Bail or bond fees
- Increased insurance rates
- License reinstatement fees
- Towing and impounding fees
- Ignition Interlock Device fee
If your job or career depends on your having a valid driver’s license, a DUI conviction can be even more costly. It will also make a negative impact on subsequent background checks and your criminal record. Because DUI penalties increase with each offense, you should consider hiring a lawyer who will help you minimize this type of damage.
In addition to its financial impact, a DUI can have societal costs. It can damage your personal and professional reputation. It will also prevent you from getting yourself and your family to work and school.
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Get Legal Support from a Carlsbad DUI Lawyer
Strengthen your defense case by contacting Simmrin Law Group now. Our professional DUI lawyers in Carlsbad can begin working on your criminal defense and DMV hearing right now. Speak with us for a FREE consultation.
You can get help handling DUI accusations by completing our online contact form or calling one of our DUI defense team members today.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form