Were you accused of driving under the influence (DUI) in California? If so, you may wonder what a DUI lawyer can do for you. A legal representative who specializes in DUI cases may be able to:
- Offer you legal advice and protection.
- Get your charges dismissed.
- Reduce your charges to an acceptable level.
- Handle your court case.
- Build your defense to help you avoid legal penalties.
- Help with your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) hearing.
Let’s focus further on the help offered by DUI lawyers in California right now.
Get Legal Advice Right Away from a DUI Lawyer
A California DUI lawyer may start helping you immediately after a DUI arrest. Your lawyer may represent you during questioning by police officers and prosecutors. You do not have to answer questions about your case without a lawyer present.
A qualified lawyer will understand exactly what your legal rights are after a DUI arrest. Working with a lawyer may ensure that you do not say anything to weaken your defense.
Work to Get DUI Charges Dismissed in California
Not all DUI charges in California are resolved in front of a judge and jury. Sometimes, the court dismisses a DUI charge. A lawyer may have to show that there is not enough evidence to convict you of a DUI to get your charges dismissed.
Your lawyer may work to show that you were not driving in a way indicative of drunk driving at the time of your arrest. A lawyer may also work to discredit the results of a blood alcohol content (BAC) test — this could weaken the prosecution’s case against you. In some cases, a lawyer may undermine the case enough to have your charges dismissed.
Allow a Lawyer to Take Care of a Plea Bargain
In some cases, you may resolve a DUI charge by accepting a plea bargain from the prosecution. A plea bargain:
- Requires you to plead guilty to a less-severe charge.
- Allows you to avoid more serious penalties for a DUI.
However, not all plea bargains are fair to you. Allow a lawyer to review all plea bargains offered by the prosecution. Only accept a deal if your lawyer approves.
Let a Lawyer Build Your Defense and Go to Court
Many DUI charges in California are resolved outside of court. However, some charges go before a judge and jury. Your lawyer may investigate your case to prepare your defense. A lawyer may focus on showing that you did not break any rules of the road before your arrest.
Your lawyer may support you both in and out of the courtroom. A lawyer could work to show that BAC tests often return false-positive results. Your lawyer may also demonstrate that you were operating your vehicle in a safe and reasonable manner.
A lawyer could help you secure a not-guilty verdict after a DUI arrest in California — this allows you to avoid penalties like fines, jail time, probation, and restrictions on your driver’s license. Discuss the best way to handle your DUI charges with a lawyer right now.
Get Help with Your DMV Hearing in California
The DMV may also step in if you are accused of a DUI in California. The DMV has the right to suspend your license automatically 30 days after your arrest. You must request a DMV hearing within 10 days to prevent an automatic suspension.
A lawyer may help you handle your DMV hearing. This hearing may even serve as a precursor to your criminal trial. Successfully resolving your hearing may allow you to keep your driving privileges after a DUI arrest in California.
Note that you may also maintain your driving privileges by installing an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle. These devices measure your BAC each time you want to drive. The DMV may allow you to continue driving if you have an IID installed.
Find Out What a DUI Lawyer Can Do for You in California
A DUI lawyer can do many things for you in California. Your lawyer may investigate your case, build your defense, and help with your DMV hearing and your criminal trial. Get comprehensive help now by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. Reach us easily for help. Speak with a member of our legal team. You may also fill out our online contact form.
We are prepared to offer you a free consultation right now.