A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) in California can severely impact your life. You could face fines and jail time for a conviction. You may also have your driving privileges restricted. In some cases, you may need to attend DUI school or install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle.
Many drivers want to avoid these serious penalties. So, can you fight a DUI charge in California? You may successfully resolve DUI charges in some cases. You can even get help from a DUI lawyer. Learn more about handling DUI charges right now.
Consider Methods to “Fight” a DUI in California
There are multiple methods available to resolve a DUI charge in California. Many drivers think first of fighting a courtroom battle after they are pulled over. However, many DUI charges are resolved outside of the courtroom. You may “fight” your DUI by working with a lawyer to:
- Get your charges dismissed.
- Get your charges reduced to an acceptable level.
Some DUI charges go to court in California. You may speak with a legal team about the best way to handle your DUI charges right now.
Getting DUI Charges Dismissed in California
In some cases, you may get DUI charges dismissed in the state of California. Generally, the court only dismisses DUI charges if your lawyer proves the charges against you are weak. A lawyer may investigate and block evidence against you, weakening the prosecution’s case.
In some situations, a lawyer may even show that you were pulled over without a reasonable cause. A police officer should only stop you if you drove in a way that implied you were breaking a law. You cannot be stopped “just because.”
The court could dismiss your charges if you were stopped without due cause. Discuss this option with your DUI lawyer right now.
Focus on Reducing Your DUI Charges Right Now
Your lawyer could help get your DUI charges reduced in California. Reducing your charges generally involves a plea bargain. Plea bargains are deals offered by the prosecution. A plea bargain:
- Requires you to plead guilty to a less serious charge.
- Provides you with less severe penalties for a DUI.
The prosecution may offer you “wet” reckless charges as part of a DUI plea bargain. Wet reckless charges may reduce your fines and time spent in jail. However, wet reckless charges are priorable.
Priorable charges remain on your record. They count against you if you are accused of another DUI. For this reason, some drivers hesitate to take a wet reckless plea bargain. You may get a lawyer to look over a plea bargain you are offered. A lawyer may advise you as to whether or not you should take a plea deal.
You should be aware that plea bargains are used to settle many first-time DUI charges. The prosecution may not offer plea bargains for subsequent DUI accusations in California.
Take Your Case to Court After a DUI in California
Some DUI charges are not resolved outside of court in California. These charges result in a courtroom trial. A lawyer may help you prepare for a trial after a DUI accusation. Your lawyer may work to:
- Demonstrate that you were not impaired at the time of your arrest.
- Work to show that your blood alcohol content (BAC) tests were inaccurate.
- Dispute the validity of your arrest.
A DUI lawyer may handle all aspects of a DUI accusation in California. Note that your lawyer could also help you “fight” at your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) hearing. All drivers accused of a DUI in California may request a DMV hearing. You have 10 days after your arrest to request this hearing.
Failure to request a DMV hearing can result in the automatic suspension of your license. This suspension occurs 30 days after your arrest. A lawyer may stand up for you during the DMV hearing to protect your driving privileges after a DUI arrest. Find out more by contacting a law firm today.
Get Legal Help Fighting a DUI Charge in California
You can fight a DUI accusation in California. A lawyer may help you get your charges dismissed or reduced. A lawyer could also take up your defense in court. Start getting help in your corner now by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. Discuss the best methods to handle your charges right now with a free consultation.
We are ready to help clients in your situation. Complete our online contact form to learn more.