You can be charged with a DUI after the fact in California.
In most cases, drivers are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) if they are stopped by a police officer while operating their vehicles. However, this is not always the case in California. Some drivers can even be charged with a DUI after the fact.
Use this article to focus on after the fact charges for a DUI in California. Review your legal options in this situation with the Simmrin Law Group and call (310) 997-4688 to get prompt legal assistance on your side.
After the Fact Charges for a DUI in California
While it may be difficult to believe, the court system in California has one year to prosecute drivers for a misdemeanor DUI offense. The court may charge you with a felony for up to three years after the initial crime. This means that, legally, a law enforcement officer can charge you with a DUI after the fact.
California uses many different charges to prosecute DUIs. You can face any of these DUI charges if you are accused of drinking and driving after the fact. You can even be charged with driving under the influence of drugs after the fact.
Legal Repercussions of After the Fact DUI Charges
An after the fact DUI charge will be handled like any other drunk driving offense in California. This means that you can face a number of harsh penalties if you are convicted. A first-time conviction for a DUI in California can result in:
- Up to $2,000 in fines
- Up to six months in jail
You can also face restrictions on your driver’s license if you are convicted of a DUI in California. Additionally, all DUI charges in California are priorable. This means that the conviction will remain on your license for 10 years. If you are charged with a subsequent DUI in this time period, you will face harsher penalties.
Make sure you take after the fact DUI charges seriously by contacting a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles now at (310) 997-4688.
Special Considerations for After the Fact DUIs
Many DUI cases in California are based on the results of a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) tests or field sobriety tests (FSTs). However, police officers cannot really use these tests if you are accused of an after the fact DUI, as they could not measure your BAC immediately.
After the fact DUI charges are often based on the witness testimony of others. If someone claimed that they saw you drinking and then saw you drive a vehicle, for example, it could lead to after the fact DUI charges. These charges may be bolstered if someone:
- Has pictures of you drinking and driving
- Has video evidence of you drinking and driving
However, some after the fact DUI charges come down to your word against someone else’s.
Get Fast Legal Help with After the Fact DUI Charges
The experts recommend that you get professional help quickly if you are accused of an after the fact DUI. You should not discuss your charges with either police officers or prosecutors before you contact a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles.
You should know that anything you say regarding your charges can be used against you. Additionally, anything you post on social media about the charges could make it easier for prosecutors to secure a conviction. Speak with the Simmrin Law Group now to get legal advice about your case.
Building a Defense to DUI Charges After the Fact
As we mentioned, after the fact DUI charges are often supported by witness testimony, instead of hard evidence that your BAC was above the legal limit. A professional DUI lawyer in Los Angeles could be able to argue that:
- You are being falsely accused of drunk driving
- Witnesses were not aware of how much you actually drank
- You were acting relaxed at the party but were not actually drunk
A legal professional may even be able to dispute a picture or video evidence used by the prosecution. The team at the Simmrin Law Group can focus on getting your charges reduced or even dismissed today. We’re here to stand up for you in and out of the courtroom.
Speak to a Lawyer If You’re Charged with a DUI After the Fact
You can be charged with a DUI after the fact in California. Contact the professionals at the Simmrin Law Group right away in this situation. Get legal advice about the best way to resolve your charges by filling out our online contact form or calling (310) 997-4688.
Focus on constructing a strong defense now with a FREE consultation from our DUI lawyers in Los Angeles.