Defend yourself from charges for driving under the influence (DUI) in La Puente.
A legal professional can help you handle charges for driving under the influence (DUI) in La Puente, CA. You can begin constructing a strong defense as soon as you are arrested by contacting the team at the Simmrin Law Group.
Speak with our DUI lawyers in La Puente today. We can work to dispute evidence against you, including the results of chemical tests like the breathalyzer. We’re ready to take steps to get your charges reduced or even dismissed as we focus on defending you.
Define DUI Charges in La Puente
California defines a DUI as the operation of a motor vehicle by a driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drivers may be charged with a DUI if they are stopped by a law enforcement officer who:
- Believes that they are inebriated
- Tests their blood alcohol content (BAC) and finds that it exceeds the legal limits
- Finds proof that they are under the influence of drugs
DUIs can be prosecuted as misdemeanors or felonies in California. A conviction can have serious effects, so it is important that you speak with a criminal defense lawyer in La Puente quickly once you are arrested.
La Puente DUIs and BAC Levels
Drivers must keep their BAC below specific levels set by the court system in California to avoid most DUI charges. If you are:
- Over 21 your BAC must stay below 0.08%
- Under 21 your BAC must stay below 0.01%
- A commercial driver your BAC must stay below 0.04%
Law enforcement officers can measure BAC using chemical testing, like the breathalyzer. The results of these tests are often used by prosecutors in the La Puente courts.
Results of BAC Tests in La Puente
We mentioned that BAC test results may be used against you if you are accused of a DUI in La Puente. However, you should be aware that the results of these tests may be disputed by a traffic violations lawyer. In fact, your lawyer could be able to show that:
The Test Was Not Completed Properly
Specific steps must be followed in order for a breathalyzer – or another chemical BAC test – to return accurate results. Sometimes, police officers will not perform these steps correctly. In this situation, your lawyer could argue that the results returned from the test cannot be trusted as legitimate.
The Test Returned False-Positive Results
Breathalyzer tests also have a reputation for sometimes returning inaccurate results. Even blood tests used to measure BAC can give false-positive results in some situations. Your lawyer may ask to have a blood test re-done at a third-party testing facility to demonstrate that you were not inebriated when you were pulled over.
Penalties for La Puente DUIs
Building a defense to DUI charges quickly is important in La Puente. Convictions for first-time DUI offenses can result in a number of serious penalties, including:
- Up to a one-year suspension of your driver’s license
- Up to six months of jail time
- Up to $2,000 in fines
You should be aware that the penalties for a DUI in La Puente are not stable. The court increases the penalties you’ll face each time you are convicted. As an example, let’s review the results of a second DUI conviction. You could end up dealing with:
- Up to a two-year suspension of your driver’s license
- Up to one year of jail time
- Up to $2,500 in fines
Fortunately, you do not have to try to deal with DUI charges on your own. Your lawyer can begin working to defend you right now.
Legal Options for DUI Accusations in La Puente
Your lawyer can weaken the prosecution’s case right away after you are arrested. Building your defense can involve disputing evidence, speaking with witnesses, and investigating the facts of your arrest. Your lawyer may work to get your charges reduced.
In some cases, accepting a plea bargain may be the right choice to resolve your DUI charges in La Puente. However, you should never accept a plea bargain without allowing a lawyer to look it over first. These deals sometimes work against your best interests.
Your DUI lawyer may also be able to get your charges dismissed. If you were stopped without reasonable cause, the court may dismiss the charges you are facing. We’re also ready to fight for you in court if your case goes to trial.
Speak to a La Puente DUI Lawyer Today
Get assistance handling DUI charges in La Puente with the professionals at the Simmrin Law Group. You can contact our DUI lawyers in La Puente to begin working on a personalized defense right now. Let us go over your case with a FREE consultation.
Take charge of your future by completing our online contact form or calling (310) 997-4688.