You can face severe repercussions if the police arrest you for driving under the influence (DUI). Fortunately, a West Covina DUI lawyer from our team at the Simmrin Law Group can take on your case and prepare you for your legal battle.
We understand what you need to handle DUI charges. A West Covina criminal defense lawyer will have experience helping clients in situations just like yours. Our attorneys have decades of legal experience between them, and we are ready to work toward the dismissal of charges or reduction of sentencing.
You can get legal advice and support from our law firm when you call or complete our online contact form.
When to Call a DUI Lawyer in West Covina, CA
You should secure professional legal representation immediately after an arrest for drunk driving under California Vehicle Code Section 23152(A): Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or other DUI charges.
Getting fast assistance from a criminal lawyer can improve your chances of successfully resolving the charges you face.
Our law office knows how to:
- Protect your legal rights
- Answer any questions you have with a confidential consultation
- Support you during legal questioning from the police or prosecution
- Help during your arraignment hearing
- Stand on your behalf during a bail hearing when necessary
- Work on developing a solid defense
We will be with you throughout the legal process and adapt our services to meet your unique needs. Our firm understands that many individuals accused of DUI lose their driver’s licenses, face hefty fines, and even incur jail time.
Dealing with a DUI charge effectively requires immediate action, and we’re here to help 24/7.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving West Covina, call (310) 896-2723
Explore Potential DUI Defenses with an Experienced Lawyer
Even if you failed a breathalyzer test or your blood alcohol content (BAC) was over the legal limit, that does not automatically mean a DUI conviction is inevitable. There are many potential defenses an experienced West Covina DUI lawyer may raise on your behalf.
An attorney with experience can thoroughly investigate every aspect of your DUI stop and arrest to identify potential violations of your rights or flaws in the prosecution’s case, such as:
Lack of Reasonable Suspicion
Police must have reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing before pulling a driver over. We scrutinize the facts and question whether sufficient cause truly existed for the traffic stop.
Improper Field Sobriety Testing
The standardized field sobriety tests administered during DUI stops must follow strict protocols. Any deviations or external factors could invalidate the test results.
Inaccurate Breath or Blood Tests
Breathalyzers and blood tests can produce inaccurate BAC readings if the police do not calibrate them properly or administer them incorrectly. Therefore, we may challenge the validity of chemical test evidence.
Rising BAC Defense
This defense applies if a person’s BAC continues rising after driving due to alcohol absorption in the body, resulting in a higher reading than the time of driving.
Medical Conditions or Mouth Alcohol
Certain medical issues like acid reflux can produce mouth alcohol and falsely elevated breath test results. So can recent burping or vomiting. Furthermore, certain prescription drugs can trigger inaccurate breathalyzer results.
West Covina DUI Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
How Lawyers Resolve DUI Charges
Our skilled West Covina criminal defense attorneys understand all potential avenues to challenge drunk driving charges. We meticulously investigate every facet of a client’s case, and may focus on:
Getting Your DUI Charges Dismissed
In some cases, we can petition the court to dismiss a DUI charge. If the prosecution has insufficient evidence or if we can show that the police violated your rights, we may secure a complete dismissal of your charges.
Getting Your Charges Reduced
We may recommend that you accept a plea bargain from the prosecution to reduce your charges in some cases. Plea deals may reduce the penalties you face, but they require you to admit guilt for another criminal offense, so our legal team may explore other options to handle drunk driving charges.
Fighting for You in Court
We look for legal defenses that can result in reduced charges. Even if the evidence seems stacked against you, our attorneys possess the legal knowledge and resourcefulness to develop a strong defensive strategy to protect your rights and driving privileges.
You need a lawyer for a DUI to have a better chance of resolving these charges.
Click to contact our West Covina Criminal Defense Lawyers today
What to Expect from a DUI Charge in West Covina
The police often charge drivers with DUIs after traffic stops or car accidents. California has made it illegal for you to operate a motor vehicle if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level exceeds certain limits. Generally, these limits are:
- Drivers over 21: BAC of less than .08%
- Drivers under 21: BAC of less than .01%
- Commercial drivers: BAC of less than .04%
After pulling over, the police can measure your BAC with a chemical test. However, the laws surrounding whether you must take this test can be confusing.
You must take the test even before being arrested if you are under 21 years of age or on DUI probation. You may otherwise refuse prior to an arrest.
Field Sobriety Tests
Police officers sometimes ask you to complete field sobriety tests, as well. These tests can include standing on one leg or following a finger with your eyes.
You are legally allowed to refuse these tests, though the police may arrest you for your refusal. However, refusing generally allows your West Covina DUI lawyer to build a stronger case.
Note that you must complete any chemical test after an arrest. If you refuse to complete these tests once the police make an arrest, you could face severe penalties.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
West Covina DUI Penalties
DUI convictions can lead to fines of $2,000 and 6 months in jail for a first-time conviction. Additional convictions can lead to one year in jail and fines of up to $3,000. The court can suspend your license for a lengthy period after a DUI conviction. If you face felony charges, worse consequences can follow.
Make sure that you’re ready to face DUI charges by working with a criminal defense attorney in West Covina, CA, today. An experienced lawyer can support you in and out of court and help you fight these charges before it’s too late.
Collateral Consequences of a West Covina DUI
If you are found guilty of a DUI in West Covina, you need to worry about the criminal penalties and the collateral consequences. A DUI may affect your life in undeniable ways.
Some people find themselves dealing with a probation officer and will have to agree to random drug testing, a curfew, regular meetings with their probation officer, and other stipulations.
Many people convicted of DUIs find themselves dealing with harsh consequences at work. Your driver’s license could be at risk if you are found guilty of a DUI, and your professional license could be in jeopardy as well. If you hope to avoid the fallout of a conviction, working with a West Covina DUI attorney may be in your best interests.
Get Help from Our Team After a Drunk Driving Arrest
A DUI arrest can have a severe impact on your future. You could be incarcerated and fined. You might even have your license suspended. Whether you are a first-time offender or not, you do not want such a criminal charge on your record. Fortunately, you can fight a DUI charge.
A West Covina DUI lawyer can take on your case and fight for you. Get the help you need with a free consultation from the Simmrin Law Group. We’re available to you when you need us. Call us today for a free initial consultation.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form