DUI Defense Attorneys in Calabasas

Protecting the Rights and Freedom of Our Clients

If the police pull you over for driving under the influence, you will likely be charged with a DUI. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal, and a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or more can lead to a DUI arrest. DUI charges are serious, and even first-time offenders can face jail time, probation, a license suspension, and expensive fines.

While DUI charges can be frightening, there are ways to defend against them and reduce or remove the penalties you are facing. The best way to protect yourself and your freedom is by hiring a team of experienced defense attorneys. At the DUI Defense Group, we focus solely on DUI and other traffic-related cases, so we are confident we can assist you. To receive a free consultation from a knowledgeable member of our team, call us today at 866-927-3295.

What Happens if You Are Arrested for a DUI?

Police officers can pull someone over if they are driving erratically or dangerously. Once officers pull you over, they will likely administer a breathalyzer test or a field sobriety test to determine your level of intoxication. If your BAC is 0.08% or higher or you are intoxicated and unable to drive safely, you will likely be detained or arrested. You will then be taken to the police station for a blood test.

Once you have been formally charged, you will go through the criminal process and the DMV process. The criminal process involves negotiating with prosecutors to reduce or remove your charges. It can also include going to court and presenting evidence in your defense.

The DMV process involves requesting a DMV hearing within ten days of your arrest. If you do not request a DMV hearing or you lose this DMV hearing, your license will likely be suspended. Your DMV hearing outcome has no bearing on whether you will be convicted in criminal court, and the DMV can revoke or suspend your license even if you are acquitted.

What Are the Potential Penalties of a DUI Conviction?

The potential penalties for a DUI charge depend on the nature of the charges themselves and your criminal history. Most first-time DUI charges are classified as misdemeanors. However, if your DUI led to severe injury or death of another person, you may be charged with a felony.

The most common penalties for a DUI charge include:

Three to five years of probation
Three months of a drug or alcohol education program
Thousands of dollars in fines and court fees
Six months driver’s license suspension

If this is your first DUI charge, it is unlikely that you will be required to serve a jail sentence. However, if you are charged with a felony, you could face an extended jail sentence or prison time.

The court may also order you to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. If your license is suspended, you may be able to drive your car with an IID on a restricted license. Our team can help you request restricted driving privileges while your license is suspended.

What Are the Most Common Defenses Against DUI Charges?

DUI charges have the potential to impact your life in many ways. However, with help from our team, you can defend yourself and reduce or remove the penalties you are facing.

The most common defense strategies for a DUI case include the following:

Lack of probable cause for a traffic stop
Police procedural error during arrest or detainment
A medical condition that can be confused for intoxication
A medical condition that impacts BAC test results

Can a DUI Attorney Help Me?

DUI charges can have lasting impacts on your life, including leaving you with a permanent criminal record. While it may be tempting to attempt to handle a DUI charge on your own, it is unlikely you will get the outcome you deserve.

Our team at the DUI Defense Group has extensive experience defending clients from DUI charges. We are confident that we can help remove or reduce the penalties you are facing. For a free consultation and to speak to an experienced member of our team, call us at 866-927-3295.