Individuals may face driving under the influence (DUI) charges if their blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds the legal limit set by California. The charges for a DUI will grow more serious every time the court convicts you of it. California takes these charges seriously.
If law enforcement officers cited or arrested you for DUI or you face charges in criminal court, you do not have to navigate this process and defend your rights on your own. Our attorneys could help you get a positive outcome in your case. We know how to develop defense strategies that allow our clients to face less jail time, avoid jail entirely, or get other desired outcomes in their cases.
Understanding DUI Charges in Escondido, CA
In addition to driving under the influence of alcohol, you may also face other specific charges, such as:
- Under 21 drinking and driving
- Causing a car accident by DUI
- DUI of drugs
- Refusing a chemical test
Note that charges for refusing a chemical test can be complex. You are legally entitled to refuse chemical tests in certain specific circumstances. However, you will face harsh penalties if you refuse a test:
- While under 21
- While on DUI probation
- While legally arrested
Refusing to comply with a legal chemical test can worsen the charges against you after a DUI accusation. You could face charges for both DUI and refusing the test.
DUI for drugs, especially marijuana, is not uncommon. The possible consequences are like a DUI for alcohol use. Marijuana for recreational use is legal in California, although there are strict rules to follow. One of those rules is not driving after use.
Other charges on this list may be even more serious than a DUI alone. For example, if you cause an accident while intoxicated and someone else suffers serious injuries, the consequences could be severe. You might even face felony charges, where a conviction could come with significant time behind bars in state prison.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Escondido, call (310) 896-2723
Handling a DMV Hearing in Escondido after a DUI
DUIs involve more than just the case against you in criminal court. You may have to face a criminal trial and a hearing in front of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV can suspend your license for a DUI arrest, and you must defend yourself from the suspension during a hearing. You should know that the DMV will suspend your license automatically if you do not request a hearing within ten days of a DUI charge.
It is important to realize that this administrative suspension of your license may occur even if you never face criminal charges or if the court dismisses your criminal case. What happens in (or out of) criminal court does not affect the administrative license suspension.
The risk to your license makes it important to contact our defense lawyers in Escondido as quickly as possible after your stop and arrest. We can file your request for a DMV hearing within the allotted time if we know about your case in time. We will also fight aggressively to ensure that the hearing ends in your favor and that you do not lose your license.
Escondido DUI Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Our Lawyers Know What It Takes to Fight DUI Charges in San Diego County
You may feel like you must accept a DUI conviction. Police officers and prosecutors may tell you the case against you is open and shut. Here at Simmrin Law Group, we believe that no one should automatically accept a DUI charge and the consequences of a conviction.
Our team has experience fighting DUI charges and winning cases for our clients. We may be able to:
Argue Test Results
Breathalyzers and other chemical or blood tests are not infallible. In fact, many BAC tests have a reputation for giving inaccurate results. We know how these tests work, what it takes to calibrate them, and how quickly police officers must test you to get accurate results. We will review the facts of your case to determine if there was a mishandling of your tests or results.
Argue the Validity of Your Traffic Stop
Police officers sometimes carry out unlawful traffic stops that end in DUI charges. Police officers must also follow specific procedures when carrying out DUI tests. If we can prove that your arresting officer violated their duty, we may be able to win your case. This could lead to never facing charges or having your charges dropped.
Reducing the Charges
It may be possible for your attorney to work with the prosecutors to get reduced charges against you. For example, a potential DUI might become a misdemeanor traffic infraction such as reckless driving instead. While you might still receive penalties, these are likely to be less invasive than a DUI conviction.
Under California Vehicle Code 23103, you might receive up to three months in jail, fines, and probation. However, you might avoid jail time entirely and keep your license if your attorney negotiates a certain deal on your behalf.
Negotiating a Reduced Sentence
In some cases, the best option is to agree to enter a guilty plea in exchange for lessened penalties. Your attorney may work on a deal that allows you to minimize the jail sentence and fines you face and focus on probation and rehabilitation instead. While this would still put a conviction on your record, it is a good option if you may face a conviction based on the evidence anyway.
Your attorney will help you develop a strategy that works for you based on the facts and circumstances of your case. You should take any DUI charge seriously. Your Escondido DUI lawyer will have the best chance of successfully representing you if you get help immediately after an arrest. We can fight aggressively for your freedom, but only after you contact us for assistance.
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Contact Us for a Free Legal Consultation
You don’t have to try to resolve DUI charges on your own. Simmrin Law Group can provide you with the legal representation, advice, and help you need to handle your criminal trial and DMV hearing. You can reach out to our Escondido DUI lawyer today by calling or completing our online contact form.
Find out what we can do to protect your future with a free consultation.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form