You can face severe repercussions if you’re charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in West Covina. Many individuals accused of a DUI lose their licenses, are fined, and are even sent to jail. Dealing with a DUI charge effectively requires immediate action.
The Simmrin Law Group understands what you need if you’ve been accused of a DUI. A DUI lawyer in West Covina will have experience helping clients in situations just like yours. Let us take on your case and prepare you for your legal battle.
What to Expect from a DUI Charge in West Covina
Individuals are generally charged with a DUI after a traffic stop or a car accident. California has made it illegal for you to operate a motor vehicle if your blood alcohol content (BAC) 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%
Your BAC can be measured with a chemical test after pulling over. Note that the laws surrounding whether or not you have to 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 you may be arrested 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 you have been arrested. If you refuse to complete these tests once an arrest has been made, you could face severe penalties.
For a free legal consultation with a dui accidents lawyer serving West Covina, call (310) 896-2723
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 1 year in jail and fines of up to $3,000. Your license can also be suspended for a lengthy period after a DUI conviction.
Make sure that you’re ready to face DUI charges by working with a criminal defense lawyer in West Covina 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, not only do you need to worry about the criminal penalties, but the collateral consequences as well. The ways your life will be affected if you are convicted of a DUI are undeniable. Some people find themselves dealing with a probation officer and will be forced 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.
West Covina DUI Accident Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
West Covina’s Traffic Infractions
DUIs are serious offenses that require a lot of work to handle appropriately, and they aren’t the only legal issue you could face while driving in West Covina. You could also be charged with a traffic infraction, a driving mistake that isn’t severe enough to be treated as a criminal act. You are likely familiar with these common traffic infractions:
- Running stop signs
- Misuse of the carpool lane
- Illegal lane changes
- Speeding
Police officers generally give drivers a ticket for traffic infractions. West Covina also uses red light cameras that can ticket you for certain traffic infractions. While it can be easy to dismiss red light cameras, they were found to be constitutional, and you will face severe consequences if you ignore their tickets.
Traffic infractions are generally only punished with a small fine if convicted. However, they also add 1 point to your license. You can have your license suspended if you accrue too many points in a set period, so handling traffic infractions promptly should be a serious concern for any driver.
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Misdemeanor Traffic Violations in West Covina
Traffic infractions may only result in fines and a single point on your license, but there are driving mistakes that can be far more damaging in court. Some acts are treated as criminal misdemeanors in court, including:
- Reckless driving
- Driving on a suspended license
- Driving on a revoked license
You can face severe penalties if you are accused of driving in a reckless way. The court system can consider many acts to be examples of reckless driving, including:
- Driving on the Sidewalk
- Illegal Passing
- Driving the Wrong Way
- Swerving
- Racing
Individuals who drive after their license is suspended or revoked can also face criminal misdemeanor charges. A misdemeanor conviction for reckless driving or driving on an invalid license can result in fines of $1,000 and 6 months of jail time. Additionally, you will have 2 points added to your license for every misdemeanor traffic violation.
Handling a misdemeanor charge can be easier with professional help on your side. A DUI lawyer can help build your case, even if you’re dealing with charges of reckless driving or driving without a valid license.
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Get Help from a DUI Attorney in West Covina
Traffic violations can have a severe impact on your future. You could be incarcerated and fined. You might even have your license suspended.
A West Covina DUI lawyer can take on your case to 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 or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form