A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) in Santa Claria, CA, can significantly impact your life. The court can sentence you to time in jail, fine you, or order you to install an ignition interlock device (IDD) on your vehicle.
Fortunately, a DUI lawyer in Santa Clarita can step in to help you handle these accusations. We can help to reduce or eliminate your charges, saving you from the harshest of punishments. Start building your defense today with our team at the Simmrin Law Group.
What Can Santa Clarita DUI Lawyers Do About Your Charges?
Some drivers think about trying to handle Santa Clarita DUI charges alone. You may feel like you don’t have legal options, especially if you failed a blood alcohol content (BAC) test after a traffic stop or at a DUI checkpoint.
Our DUI attorneys can help you even in these situations. We have experience handling DUI charges, and we understand the legal system in Santa Clarita. When you reach out to us, we can:
- Answer your legal questions
- Stand up for you during questioning by police officers and prosecutors
- Dig into the evidence brought against you
- Exploit weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- Work to resolve your claim quickly
We focus on having your charges reduced or dismissed in many cases. You can also count on us to stand up for you in court.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Santa Clarita, call (310) 928-9347
Santa Clarita DUI Attorneys Handle All Aspects of Your Case
After an arrest for DUI charges, you can expect the police to bring you to jail. Following your arrest, ensure you minimize your discussions with police officers and prosecutors. They can use everything you say against you, so politely decline to answer their questions and request a lawyer.
Your DUI lawyer in Santa Clarita can handle all your legal needs. Our team:
Supports You During Legal Questioning
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.
Assists With Your Arraignment and Bail Hearing
You can expect an arraignment hearing after any Santa Clarita DUI arrest. During your DUI arraignment hearing, you’ll hear your charges and have a chance to enter a plea. You may plead:
- Not guilty
- No contest
- Guilty
Our DUI attorneys generally recommend that you plead not guilty. Pleading guilty or no contest ends your case, allowing the court to issue penalties.
Your lawyer can also assist during your bail hearing, if applicable. Bail represents a payment to the court to allow you to stay out of jail before your trial. Therefore, we focus on helping our clients get the lowest possible bail payment.
Handles Your DMV Hearing
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) plays a role in handling Santa Clarita DUI cases. You have 10 days from the time of your arrest to contact the DMV to set up a hearing regarding your driver’s license.
The DMV automatically suspends your license if you do not set up this administrative hearing. Our team knows how to handle DMV hearings, protecting your driving privileges.
Santa Clarita DUI Lawyer Near Me (310) 928-9347
How do Santa Clarita DUI Lawyers Investigate Your Case?
Our team monitors police officers as they investigate your case. We ensure they respect your rights and even go over the facts of your arrest. 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 tests incorrectly
- The lab mishandled your BAC tests
- The test provided a false positive result
We also look into inconsistencies in the evidence brought against you. For example, police officers may give conflicting statements that we can dig into while building your defense.
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Can a Santa Clarita DUI Attorney Get Your Charges Dismissed?
California follows most states by accepting the rule that you can face DUI charges if your blood alcohol level (BAC) is 0.08% or higher while driving a motor vehicle. According to the DMV, this limit is significantly lower for commercial vehicle drivers (0.04%) and those under the age of 21 (0.01%).
A Santa Clarita DUI attorney can focus on having your charges dismissed after an arrest for any BAC violation. The court may dismiss your charges if a lawyer shows the police stopped you without cause or if the prosecution cannot present enough evidence.
However, focusing on dismissing your case only represents one option available to you. Your lawyer may also:
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 an 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.
Focus on 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, like community service or probation. We may also recommend the installation of an IID instead of a license suspension.
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Can You Work With a Santa Clarita Public Defender?
The court provides legal assistance if you cannot afford an attorney. Public defenders generally work very hard at their jobs. However, they have severely limited time because they handle so many cases at the same time.
Public defenders have limited resources and cannot devote personalized attention to your defense.
Take proactive steps to build a solid defense by working with a DUI attorney in Santa Clarita instead. Our team provides dedicated service to each client we take on, sticking with you throughout your legal case.
What Penalties do You Face for Santa Clarita DUI Convictions?
A Santa Clarita DUI conviction can lead to:
- Time in jail or prison
- Fines
- Restrictions on your driver’s license
California considers all DUI charges prioarable, meaning that the penalties increase each time you face a conviction. Our team takes all DUI charges seriously, even a first-time offense. Let us take steps to help you avoid harsh penalties in Santa Clarita.
Contact Santa Clarita DUI Lawyers Today for Help
A DUI charge can ruin your life and your career. Our team has a strong track record that the courts respect. We have defended every kind of DUI charge in Santa Clarita, and now we want to fight for you!
Call us or fill out the contact form for a free consultation. Start working with a Santa Clarita DUI lawyer from the Simmrin Law Group today.
Call or text (310) 928-9347 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form