Do you need a lawyer if you are charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in California? You may resolve your DUI charges without a lawyer. However, a DUI lawyer could help you while working to:
- Get your charges dismissed.
- Get your charges reduced.
- Defend you in court.
A DUI lawyer may even help with your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) hearing. Find out more about whether or not you need a lawyer right here.
Some Drivers Handle DUI Charges on Their Own
You are legally allowed to handle a DUI charge in California on your own. However, many drivers find the legal process very intimidating. After a DUI arrest, you may face:
- An arraignment hearing where you are told about your charges.
- Questioning by prosecutors and police officers.
- Offers of plea bargains by prosecutors.
- A difficult legal trial.
- A DMV hearing.
You may navigate the legal challenges of a DUI without a lawyer. Some drivers even successfully resolve DUI charges. However, a lawyer may provide you with assistance and a firm understanding of California’s legal codes.
Your Lawyer May Investigate Your Case Right Now
A lawyer may begin investigating your case immediately after your arrest. Your lawyer may also monitor the police as they investigate the charges against you. Some police officers may try to violate your rights during a DUI investigation. A lawyer may keep an eye on their behavior.
Your lawyer may also provide you with guidance when you are questioned by prosecutors. It’s a good idea to speak to a lawyer before you discuss your case. Prosecutors are primarily concerned with securing a conviction in California. They are not your friends. They do not have your best interests at heart.
Focus on Getting Your Charges Reduced or Dismissed
A lawyer may get your charges dismissed after a DUI arrest. Getting your charges dismissed could require a lawyer to show that you were pulled over without reasonable cause. Law enforcement officers should only stop you if they have reason to believe you were breaking the law.
You should face no penalties if the court dismisses your DUI charges. A lawyer may also work to get your charges reduced. This is often accomplished with a plea bargain. A plea bargain requires you to plead guilty to a less serious charge. You then face lessened penalties.
A DUI lawyer may understand the best way to resolve any DUI charge you are facing. You may call a lawyer to get legal help on your side.
Your Lawyer Stands Up for You in Court in California
Your DUI case may go to court in California. A judge and jury would decide your case in this situation, and a lawyer would build your defense for the courtroom. Your lawyer may work to show that you were not driving under the influence.
A lawyer could work to show that your blood alcohol content (BAC) tests were performed improperly. Sometimes, police officers wait too long to administer a BAC test, which could lead to false-positive results. Additionally, there are times when these tests are not stored properly. They may not perform properly in this situation.
Get legal help resolving a DUI case by contacting a law firm right now. A lawyer may work to secure you a not-guilty verdict here in California.
Get Legal Help With Your DMV Hearing
You also need to handle your DMV hearing after a DUI in California. The DMV may suspend your driver’s license if you are accused of a DUI. The DMV can suspend your license automatically 30 days after your arrest.
You may take steps to prevent this automatic suspension by requesting a DMV hearing. You have 10 days to request a hearing from the DMV. The countdown to your hearing starts from the day of your arrest. You may handle the DMV hearing on your own or request the assistance of a lawyer.
Note that you may maintain your driving privileges in California if you install an ignition interlock device (IID) onto your vehicle after an arrest. A lawyer may help you review your options to continue driving right now.
Speak to a Lawyer for a DUI?
Do you need a lawyer for a DUI in California? You may choose to handle a DUI charge on your own. However, you could also work with a lawyer to get legal help on your side. Speak to a team member at the Simmrin Law Group today. You could also complete our online contact form. Get a free consultation now.