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Defending Clients from DUI Charges

Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both is against the law in California and most other states. Facing DUI charges can be overwhelming, especially if it is your first offense. Unlike other traffic violations, DUIs are criminal charges that carry criminal penalties. If you are convicted, jail time, fines, and a license suspension are all possibilities.

Fortunately, being charged with a DUI does not mean you are automatically guilty. By hiring a team of experienced defense attorneys, you can protect yourself from drunk driving penalties and reduce or remove the charges you are facing. Our team at the DUI Defense Group is here to provide aggressive representation in the face of DUI charges. For more information and to receive a free consultation, contact our office today at 866-927-3295.

What Happens After a Drunk Driving Arrest?

If you are pulled over for a suspected DUI, the police officers will likely test your intoxication levels with a breathalyzer test or field sobriety test. If they determine you are intoxicated, the officers will detain or arrest you and take you to the police station. Once there, a certified lab technician will take your blood to test your blood alcohol content (BAC). If your BAC is 0.08% or higher, you will likely be charged with a DUI.

There are two aspects to a DUI case: the criminal side and the DMV side. The criminal side involves being charged with a crime and going to criminal court. The DMV side consists of a notification of charges being sent to the DMV for review. The DMV may suspend your license for a certain amount of time regardless of whether you are convicted of a DUI.

If you want your license reinstated, you can request a DMV hearing within ten days of your arrest. If you lose the DMV hearing or do not request a DMV hearing, your license will remain in suspension, and you will not be able to drive a vehicle until it is reinstated.

How Do You Defend Against Drunk Driving Charges?

Drunk driving charges are serious, but they can be defended against via negotiations with the prosecution or in court before a judge. Your specific defense strategy will depend on the nature of your charges. However, there are some common defense strategies our team may use.

Below are the most common defense strategies for drunk driving charges:

  • The police did not have probable cause to stop your car
  • The police made a procedural error during your arrest or detainment
  • The breathalyzer or blood test results are skewed or inaccurate
  • You have a condition that mimics the symptoms of intoxication
  • You have a medical condition that affects your BAC results

What Are the Potential Penalties for a DUI Conviction?

The penalties for a DUI charge vary depending on your criminal history and the circumstances of your arrest. However, there are some common penalties you will likely face.

The penalties for a DUI conviction include:

  • Probation
  • Thousands of dollars in fines
  • Three months of a drug or alcohol program
  • Six months driver’s license suspension

You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. An IID requires you to measure your BAC before the vehicle can be started. In some cases, you can drive your vehicle on a restricted license with an IID until your regular license is reinstated.

Most first-time offenders do not serve jail time for a DUI. However, if your DUI led to severe bodily injury or death of another person, you could face a jail sentence. Contact our team today for more information.

Should I Contact a DUI Attorney?

Being charged with a DUI is a serious criminal offense. A DUI conviction stays on your criminal record for life, impacting your ability to find a job and secure housing. If you’d like to avoid these harsh penalties, contacting an experienced defense team is your next step.

Our attorneys at the DUI Defense Group have years of experience defending clients from DUI charges. We know the ins and outs of the criminal and DMV DUI process, and we are confident that we can assist you. For a free consultation, call us today at 866-927-3295.