Individuals charged with driving under the influence (DUI) often face a complicated legal battle in South Gate. A conviction for a DUI can result in incarceration and high fines. Luckily, you do not have to face these charges on your own.
A South Gate DUI lawyer can take on your case today so you can move forward with your life.
The Simmrin Law Group has experience defending clients accused of a DUI. So we’re ready to apply strategies that work in court to address your needs
Why Work With Our South Gate DUI Lawyers
Our team of South Gate DUI attorneys has the experience and legal knowledge you can count on after an arrest. We put our focus on addressing your unique needs and providing responsive answers to your questions when you reach out to us.
We have years of experience defending clients in and out of the courtroom. Our team can focus on protecting your rights, advising you during legal questioning, and taking steps to block evidence used by the prosecution.
How South Gate DUI Attorneys Make a Difference for Your Case
A South Gate DUI lawyer can change the course of your case. Lawyers who understand the legal system and experience successfully resolving accusations can stand up for you. Our team focuses on your needs as we:
- Challenge the results of blood alcohol content (BAC) tests
- Look for inconsistencies in reports filed by police officers
- Take steps to stop police officers from violating your rights
- Negotiate with the prosecution for a plea bargain in your favor
We focus on proven techniques that work with DUI accusations. Find out more about how we can help by reaching out to us today.
How Do Lawyers Resolve South Gate DUI Charges?
South Gate DUI attorneys have a few methods available to resolve your charges. Depending upon your situation, a lawyer may focus on:
Having Your Charges Dismissed
Judges in South Gate can dismiss DUI charges in some cases. Generally, the court dismisses charges if they have insufficient evidence to move forward or due to police misconduct.
Getting Your Charges Reduced
Your lawyer may also focus on reducing the charges you face. Reducing your charges allows you to mitigate the penalties you face. However, you’ll still end up with a charge on your record if you reduce your charges with a plea bargain.
Standing Up for You in Court
Our team can put our experience to work if your case goes to court in South Gate. We focus on securing a verdict in your favor or arguing for reduced penalties in the event of a conviction.
What Counts As Driving Under the Influence in South Gate?
The state of California determines whether or not someone is driving under the influence by measuring their blood alcohol content (BAC). There are different legal levels for other groups of drivers, including:
- Drivers Under 21: .01% BAC
- Drivers Over 21: .08% BAC
- Commercial Drivers Over 21: .04% BAC
Generally, police officers try to determine if you are driving under the influence by asking you to complete field sobriety tests or chemical tests.
Field sobriety tests could involve touching your finger to your nose or walking in a straight line. These tests can be difficult for sober people to complete, often leading to false assumptions about your level of intoxication. Chemical tests directly measure your BAC.
You are legally allowed to refuse to complete these tests before an arrest IF:
- You Are Over 21
- You Are Not on DUI Probation
If you face a legal arrest, you MUST comply with any test the police ask of you. If you refuse the tests while on DUI probation, if you are under 21, or if the police arrested you, you will face additional criminal charges.
What Can You Expect From South Gate DUI Charges?
A South Gate DUI lawyer can help you review the general steps in handling DUI charges. Generally, DUI cases begin with an arrest. Police officers can arrest you after pulling you over or at DUI checkpoints.
You may end up spending the night in jail after a DUI arrest before getting released on bail. Our team can step in to help with your bail hearing. We also help with:
Your DMV Hearing
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) plays a significant role in all DUI cases in South Gate. You have ten days after an arrest to request a formal hearing with the DMV. The DMV can automatically suspend your license if you fail to request the hearing.
Your Arraignment Hearing
You need to attend an arraignment hearing after a DUI arrest in South Gate. During the arraignment hearing, the court lists the charges that you face, and you have a chance to enter your plea. You may plead:
- Guilty
- No contest
- Not guilty
Having a lawyer on your side can provide you with the confidence to get through this hearing. In most cases, South Gate DUI lawyers advise you to plead guilty. Once you plead guilty or no contest, your case ends, and the court can hand down penalties.
Your Court Trial
In some cases, DUI cases in South Gate end up going to trial. In this situation, your lawyer represents you before a judge and jury. However, you should know that we resolve many DUI cases before they ever end up in court.
What Are the Penalties for DUI Charges in South Gate?
You can end up in serious legal trouble if convicted of a DUI. A first-time DUI conviction can lead to $2,000 in fines, up to 6 months in jail, and a 1-year long license suspension. The penalties will grow more severe with each conviction.
Getting help right away can increase your odds of winning your case. You can focus on building a solid defense by contacting a skilled criminal defense lawyer in South Gate today. The Simmrin Law Group can start fighting for you right away.
Let a South Gate DUI Lawyer Help You
Drivers who try to fight DUI charges on their own typically end up heavily fined and incarcerated. Working with a DUI lawyer in South Gate can boost your odds of beating a traffic violation charge.
Our team at the Simmrin Law Group can start going over your case immediately with a FREE consultation about your situation. Take charge of your future by completing our online contact form or calling us.