Being arrested for a DUI in Santa Clarita can be overwhelming and stressful, especially when you are facing license suspension, fines, and the possibility of jail time.
Fortunately, a Santa Clarita DUI lawyer can help you understand your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and guide you through every step of the legal process while working to protect your freedom, driving privileges, and future.
At Simmrin Law Group, our Santa Clarita criminal defense lawyers have decades of experience handling DUI charges. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and to learn how we can help.
What to Do If You’re Facing DUI Charges in Santa Clarita, CA
Facing DUI charges in Santa Clarita can be stressful and confusing, especially when your driver’s license, freedom, and future are at risk, but taking the right steps early can strengthen your DUI defense and protect your rights.
- Remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement: Be polite during the stop, but remember you are not required to answer incriminating questions or explain your alcohol consumption.
- Understand the risk to your driver’s license: A DUI arrest can trigger an automatic license suspension unless you request a DMV hearing within the required timeframe.
- Avoid discussing your case publicly: Statements made to friends, family, or on social media can be used against you in criminal charges.
- Document everything you remember: Write down details about the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and any breath or blood testing, including your blood alcohol concentration if provided.
- Speak with a Santa Clarita DUI lawyer as soon as possible: A DUI lawyer serving Santa Clarita can explain your options, begin building defense strategies, and represent you at the DMV hearing.
- Call an experienced DUI attorney: A DUI attorney or criminal defense lawyer can challenge evidence, question testing procedures, and protect your rights throughout the criminal defense process.
- Request a free consultation: A free consultation with a criminal defense attorney allows you to understand potential outcomes and determine the best path forward for your case.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Santa Clarita, call (310) 896-2723
Do You Really Need a Lawyer for a DUI Charge?
Some drivers think about trying to handle DUI charges alone. However, when your future is at stake, it isn‘t wise to try to take on the justice system without some help. The challenges associated with a DUI defense can be enormous.
If you have been arrested and are in need of a drunk driving lawyer, legal representation is important. You may feel like you don’t have options, especially if you failed a blood alcohol content (BAC) test.
California follows most states by accepting the rule that you can face DUI charges if your blood alcohol level is 0.08% or higher while driving a motor vehicle. Our team of Santa Clarita DUI attorneys can help you even in these situations.
Santa Clarita DUI Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Why Not Just Work With a Public Defender?
The court provides legal assistance if you cannot afford an attorney. Public defenders, like criminal lawyers, generally work very hard at their jobs. However, they don’t have the resources of a criminal defense lawyer.
Because public defenders handle so many cases simultaneously, they cannot devote personalized attention to your defense. Instead of relying on a public defender and hoping for the best, take steps to protect your future by working with a DUI attorney serving Santa Clarita.
Our team provides dedicated service to each client we take on, staying with you throughout your legal case. When your future is on the line, you want an experienced DUI lawyer who has the time and resources to fight for your rights.
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How a Santa Clarita DUI Attorney Can Help
A DUI charge can ruin your life and your career. California takes all DUI charges seriously, even a first-time offense. When you hire a DUI attorney, we can work to mitigate your penalties.
When you need a DUI attorney, it’s essential to find legal professionals who understand the law. Our team has a strong track record that the courts respect. While every case is different, here are some of the ways we may be able to help:
Protect Your Rights
We understand the strategies prosecutors and police officers use when questioning drivers accused of a DUI. Our team protects your rights and advises which questions you should answer.
Assist With Your Arraignment
You can expect an arraignment hearing after a DUI arrest. During your arraignment hearing, you’ll have a chance to enter a plea. We’ll help you understand your charges and choose a plea with the potential for the best possible outcome.
Handle Your DMV Hearing
Ten days from the time of your arrest, you have to contact the DMV to set up a hearing regarding your driver’s license, or the DMV will enforce automatic license suspension. Our team knows how to handle DMV hearings and can represent your interests.
Investigate Your Case
Our team monitors police officers as they investigate your case. In some cases, we can show that the police made an illegitimate arrest, leading to the dismissal of your charges.
We also go over the results of any BAC tests you took. We may show that:
- The police officers administered the field sobriety tests incorrectly
- The lab mishandled your BAC tests
- The test provided a false positive result
We may investigate inconsistencies in the evidence against you. For example, police officers may give conflicting statements.
Get Your Criminal Charges Dismissed
While this isn’t always possible, in some cases, a Santa Clarita DUI attorney can focus on having your charges dismissed. The court may dismiss your charges if a lawyer shows the police stopped you without cause or if the prosecution cannot present enough evidence.
Negotiate With Prosecutors
In some cases, prosecutors offer plea bargains for DUI cases. These deals require you to plead guilty to a different charge in exchange for reduced penalties. We recommend that you allow a DUI lawyer to go over any plea bargain before you accept it.
Plea bargains may work out in your best interests, but they can also leave you facing penalties like fines and points on your license. Discuss these deals in more detail with a Santa Clarita criminal defense attorney focused on your needs.
Represent You in Court
Some DUI cases in Santa Clarita end up going all the way to court. In this situation, our team stands up for you. We present arguments to defend you in front of a judge and jury. We also counter the strategies used by prosecutors.
Present Alternative Sentencing Options
Your lawyer can help even if a judge finds you guilty of driving while impaired. For example, your lawyer could suggest alternatives to jail time, such as community service or probation. We may also recommend installing an IID instead of suspending your license.
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Get a Free Consultation With Our Santa Clarita DUI Attorneys Today
A DUI conviction can lead to time in jail or prison, serious fines, and restrictions on your driver’s license. California considers DUI charges priorable, meaning that the penalties increase each time you face a conviction.
After an arrest, you can expect the police to bring you to jail. Make sure you minimize your discussions with law enforcement officers and prosecutors. They can use everything you say against you, so politely decline to answer their questions and request a lawyer.
Our Santa Clarita DUI lawyers can handle all aspects of your case. We understand the legal system in Santa Clarita and are ready to fight for your rights. Contact Simmrin Law Group today for a free case evaluation and to learn more about how we can help. Visit our FAQ page.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form