The court system in Hermosa Beach considers driving under the influence (DUI) to be a serious criminal offense. You can face misdemeanor or even felony charges if you are arrested for a DUI. These charges could lead to you needing a DUI lawyer in Hermosa Beach, CA, especially if you face:
- Fines
- The suspension of your driver’s license
- Time in jail
A skilled Los Angeles DUI lawyer can help you face these charges head-on. The team at the Simmrin Law Group can begin building your defense right now. Let us take steps to get your charges reduced. In some cases, we can even ensure your DUI charges are dismissed.
DUI Charges in Hermosa Beach, California
Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to DUI charges in Hermosa Beach. The court system uses several different charges to prosecute DUIs. Depending upon your situation, you could be charged under:
- California Vehicle Code §23152(a): Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
- California Vehicle Code §23152(d): Driving a Commercial Vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content of 0.04 Percent or Higher
- California Vehicle Code §23152(g): Driving Under the Combined Influence of Alcohol and Drugs
- California Vehicle Code §23152(f): Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
These are examples of some of the charges used to handle DUI accusations under criminal defense law. All these charges can have a tremendous impact on your life, so make sure you reach out to a Hermosa Beach DUI lawyer as soon as you are arrested.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Hermosa Beach, call (310) 896-2723
Results of DUI Convictions in Hermosa Beach
DUIs are generally punished very harshly by the court system in California. DUI charges are also priorable, which means that subsequent convictions are punished more harshly than a first-time offense. Review examples of DUI penalties right here:
Fines for a Hermosa Beach DUI:
- First DUI: Up to $2,000
- Second DUI: Up to $2,500
- Third DUI: Up to $3,000
Jail time for a Hermosa Beach DUI:
- First DUI: Up to six months
- Second and Third DUI: Up to one year
License suspension for a Hermosa Beach DUI:
- First DUI: Up to one year
- Second DUI: Up to two years
- Third DUI: Up to three years
Hermosa Beach DUI Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
How a DUI Conviction Changes Your Life
Your life will change instantly if you are convicted of DUI. For this reason alone, you need to consult DUI lawyers at the Simmrin Law Group about your case. A DUI conviction on your record makes it difficult to rent an apartment and secure employment, and you might even lose family and friends who no longer want to interact with you.
It is never a smart idea to represent yourself when faced with criminal charges in California. A DUI attorney in Hermosa Beach, CA, ensures that your rights are protected from the minute you are processed at the police station to the potential dismissal of your case.
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Plea Bargains and DUIs in Hermosa Beach
A prosecutor may offer you a plea bargain after you are charged with a DUI in Hermosa Beach. The prosecution can try to convince you that you should accept this deal right away. However, initial plea bargains are often not in your favor.
You should allow a Hermosa Beach DUI attorney in to review any deals you are offered. Your lawyer can investigate your case, work to dispute evidence against you, and stand up for you. In some situations, your lawyer can reduce your charges to an acceptable level, at which point they might recommend that you accept a plea bargain.
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The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and DUI Charges
You will have 10 days to request a hearing with the DMV after you are arrested for a DUI. You must request this hearing, as the DMV can automatically suspend your license if you do not.
The team at the Simmrin Law Group can ensure your hearing is appropriately scheduled.
We can also defend you during this hearing, protecting your vehicle’s right to continue operating.
Legal Defenses for Hermosa Beach DUIs
Not all DUI accusations in Hermosa Beach can be resolved through a plea bargain. Your lawyer may need to construct a defense to stand up for you in court. Depending upon your situation, your DUI lawyer could work to show that:
You Were Not Legally Under the Influence
Law enforcement officers in Hermosa Beach may measure your blood alcohol content (BAC) to determine if you are driving under the influence. They often use tests like the breathalyzer. However, these tests can return false-positive results that can be disputed to demonstrate that you were not legally intoxicated.
You Were Stopped Illegally by a Police Officer
A law enforcement officer should only stop you if they have reasonable cause to believe you are committing a criminal act. If you were stopped without due cause, any charges you face could be thrown out. This means that your DUI charges could be dismissed entirely.
The Chain of Command Was Not Followed
Another defense often used by drunk driving attorneys in Hermosa Beach, CA, is that the chain of command was not followed when it comes to evidence. This often includes how blood samples are handled by the lab techs. The blood samples must be recorded, logged, and transported properly. If not, your DUI attorney can challenge the chain of command.
Call a Hermosa Beach DUI Lawyer Right Away
Building a defense against DUI charges in Hermosa Beach takes time. Get aggressive assistance by contacting the Simmrin Law Group’s DUI lawyers in Hermosa Beach. Find out how we can help you with a FREE initial case evaluation.
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