A California driving under the influence (DUI) charge is serious because a conviction can affect your life for years. Repercussions include jail time, heavy fines, license suspension, and a criminal record.
A Long Beach DUI lawyer from Simmrin Law Group can help you fight the criminal charge and protect your rights. We have been defending clients for over 20 years and can help you move past this experience and move forward with your life.
Right now, you’re probably worried about losing your license, going to jail, or what this means for your job and family. Those concerns are valid. But you have options, and our Long Beach criminal defense lawyers can help you understand them.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest
When you’re arrested for driving under the influence, two separate processes start immediately. The criminal case moves through criminal court, while the DMV starts its own process to suspend your driver’s license.
You only have 10 days to request a DMV hearing after your arrest. Miss that deadline, and your license gets suspended automatically. This is separate from anything that happens in criminal court, and it requires immediate action.
You’ll face charges based on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). California law sets the legal limit at 0.08% for most drivers, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.01% for anyone under 21. But a BAC above these limits doesn’t guarantee a conviction. The prosecution still has to prove its case, and there are many ways to challenge that evidence.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Long Beach, call (310) 896-2723
You Need Experienced Legal Representation
DUI cases are their own category of criminal defense. They involve breath test technology, blood alcohol concentration science, field sobriety protocols, and DMV proceedings that require a level of specific knowledge that general criminal law experience alone does not provide.
Our Long Beach DUI attorneys have handled DUI charges for years. We know the local courts, the prosecutors, and the judges, and that familiarity translates into a clearer picture of how your case is likely to develop and where the opportunities for a better outcome tend to exist.
The science matters too. We understand how breathalyzers function, what variables can affect a blood alcohol reading, and how to identify weaknesses in the testing methods the prosecution relies on. That technical foundation is what makes a DUI defense genuinely effective rather than just procedurally correct.
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Common DUI Defenses That Work
Every DUI case is different, but you may be able to fight a DUI charge. Certain defense strategies come up repeatedly because they work.
Challenging the Traffic Stop
Law enforcement needs a valid reason to pull you over. If the officer didn’t have reasonable suspicion that you violated a traffic law, the entire stop might be illegal. Everything that happened after an illegal stop, including breath tests and field sobriety tests, could get thrown out.
Questioning Breathalyzer Accuracy
Breathalyzers aren’t perfect. These machines require regular calibration and proper maintenance. If the device wasn’t calibrated correctly or the officer didn’t follow proper testing procedures, the results become unreliable. We subpoena maintenance records and challenge faulty test results regularly.
Medical Conditions and False Readings
Certain medical conditions can affect breath test results. Acid reflux, diabetes, and even some diets can create false positives on breath measurement devices like breathalyzers. Blood tests have their own issues, like improper storage, contamination, or mistakes at the lab, that can all affect accuracy.
Field Sobriety Test Problems
Field sobriety tests are subjective. Officers make judgment calls about your performance, but factors like nervousness, physical injuries, uneven pavement, or poor lighting can affect how you perform. These tests weren’t designed to be perfect, and we know how to challenge them.
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What a DUI Conviction Actually Costs You
The legal penalties for a DUI are serious, but they’re just the beginning. A conviction affects your life in ways most people don’t realize until it’s too late.
If you refused a breath or blood test, you face automatic penalties from the DMV, including license suspension and additional fines. California has implied consent laws, meaning you agreed to chemical testing when you got your driver’s license.
First Offense DUI
For a first-time offense, you’re looking at fines up to $1,800, possible jail time up to six months, license suspension for up to six months, and mandatory DUI programs. You might also need an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle.
Second Offense DUI
Second and third offenses carry progressively harsher penalties, including longer jail sentences, extended license suspensions, and mandatory alcohol classes. The stakes get higher with each charge.
Real Life Costs of A DUI
But the real costs go beyond that. Your insurance rates will skyrocket, sometimes doubling or tripling. Many jobs require a clean driving record, and a DUI conviction could get you fired or prevent you from getting hired. Professional licenses can be suspended. Some careers become completely off-limits.
A DUI Lawyer serving Long Beach can work to defend your rights and minimize these impacts on your life.
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What Happens at Your Free Consultation
When you contact us, we’ll sit down and talk about what happened. We want to hear your entire story. We’ll explain the charges you’re facing, the potential penalties, and your defense options. We’ll discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your case honestly.
If we think pretrial diversion is possible, we’ll explain how that works. If we believe taking your case to trial is the best strategy, we’ll tell you why.
You’ll leave the consultation understanding what happens next and how we can help. There’s no pressure and no obligation, just straight answers about your situation.
Contact Our Long Beach DUI Lawyers Today
A DUI arrest is serious, but it is not the final word on what happens next. The outcome of your case depends heavily on how it is handled, and having an attorney who knows DUI defense inside and out can make a real difference.
Turn to us for help with fighting the charges, reducing the penalties, or finding an alternative path that protects your record and your future.
Time matters here. The earlier we get involved, the more we can do. If you’re still wondering if you need a lawyer for a DUI, reach out to Simmrin Law Group today for a free consultation. We will take a hard look at your case, answer your questions honestly, and get to work.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form