Get ready to defend yourself from charges for driving under the influence (DUI) in Monrovia.
You can get help building a defense for charges of driving under the influence (DUI) in Monrovia. The professionals at the Simmrin Law Group can help you if you are accused of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Our team of DUI lawyers in Monrovia is standing by to assist you immediately after an arrest. Let us take fast steps to get your charges reduced. In some cases, we can even get the charges you are facing dismissed. Get comprehensive help with all aspects of your legal case today.
Monrovia DUIs: The Legal Definition
Understanding California’s legal codes as they relate to DUI charges is important after you are arrested. Drivers may be charged with a DUI if:
- Their blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds the legal limit
- They are operating a vehicle as though they are inebriated
- They got behind the wheel after taking illicit drugs
- They drove after taking some prescription medications
These charges are often prosecuted as misdemeanors in the court system in Monrovia. However, if you have multiple previous convictions for DUIs you could face felony charges. A criminal defense lawyer in Monrovia can help you face these accusations head-on.
Monrovia DUIs: The Importance of BAC
As we mentioned, you could be arrested for a DUI if your BAC exceeds the legal limits set forth by the state. There are actually several limits used to restrict BAC. For example, drivers under 21 must keep their BAC below 0.01%.
Drivers over the age of 21 must keep their BAC below 0.08%. Commercial drivers have to keep their BAC under 0.04%.
A law enforcement officer may always charge you with a DUI if your BAC exceeds these limits. However, you can also face DUI charges in some cases if your BAC is below the legal limit. This is because Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) allows the police to arrest anyone who seems to be inebriated, regardless of their BAC.
Monrovia DUIs: Penalties for a Conviction
If you are convicted of a DUI, it can have serious impacts on the rest of your life. You can face a number of penalties, including:
- Jail time of up to six months
- Fines of up to $2,000
- License suspension of up to one year
These are penalties for a first-time DUI conviction in Monrovia. Drivers who are convicted of subsequent offenses can face more severe repercussions. Let’s review the results of a second DUI conviction to demonstrate this effect:
- Jail time of up to one year
- Fines of up to $2,500
- License suspension of up to two years
Make sure you take all DUI charges seriously by contacting a traffic violations lawyer in Monrovia as soon as you are arrested. Getting help quickly can improve your odds of successfully resolving a DUI accusation.
Monrovia DUIs: License Suspensions
You could have your driver’s license suspended by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) after you are arrested for a DUI. In fact, the DMV can automatically suspend your license unless you request a hearing with them within 10 days of your arrest.
Note that this hearing exists apart from your criminal trial. You need to get legal help handling both your criminal charges and your DMV hearing to protect your right to operate a motor vehicle.
You should also be aware that you may be able to keep your license on a restricted basis, even if your charges stand. If you agree to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle, you may be able to continue operating your vehicle.
Monrovia DUIs: Your Legal Options
You have a number of legal options if you are arrested for a DUI in Monrovia. Your lawyer may:
- Investigate your situation and gather evidence
- Negotiate with prosecutors and advise you to accept a plea bargain
- Work to get your charges dismissed entirely
- Take your case to court to fight for a not-guilty verdict
Building a defense to DUI charges in Monrovia often involves disputing evidence from chemical tests, like the breathalyzer. Your DUI lawyer may also work to show that you were stopped illegally by a law enforcement officer, which could result in the dismissal of your charges.
Speak to a Monrovia DUI Lawyer Immediately
Take control of your future if you are accused of a DUI in Monrovia. Contact the Simmrin Law Group to get a FREE initial case evaluation from our professional DUI lawyers in Monrovia. We understand what it takes to build a defense for clients in your situation.
Start working to resolve DUI charges today by calling (310) 997-4688 or completing our online contact form.