Helping Reduce or Remove the DUI Penalties You Are Facing
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal in California and most other states. If law enforcement officers pull you over for intoxicated driving, you will likely be charged with a DUI. DUI offenders can see penalties like jail time, fines, and a driver’s license suspension, even if it is their first criminal conviction.
The best way to protect yourself from these harsh penalties is by working with a team of experienced DUI defense attorneys. Our lawyers at the DUI Defense Group have years of experience assisting clients with criminal DUI charges. We are confident that we can help you reduce or remove the penalties you are facing. To learn more about our services and receive a free consultation, contact our law office by calling 866-927-3295 today.
Will My License be Suspended Automatically After a DUI Charge?
When you are arrested for a DUI, law enforcement officers will send a notice of your arrest to the DMV. A DMV hearing officer will review the charges against you and the nature of your arrest to determine whether to suspend your license. In most cases, your license will be suspended automatically after a DUI arrest.
Fortunately, you can request a DMV hearing to reinstate your license. If you request this hearing within ten days of your arrest, a member of our team can present evidence on your behalf to prove that you were not driving under the influence or that your arrest was unlawful. Winning the DMV hearing means that your license is reinstated while losing the hearing means your license remains suspended.
Your license will remain suspended if you do not request a DMV hearing within ten days of your arrest. You can work with a member of our team to request a restricted license to drive to and from work or school.
What Are the Other Potential Consequences of a DUI Conviction?
Your penalties for a DUI conviction depend on the circumstances of your arrest and the nature of your charges. In most cases, first-time DUIs are classified as misdemeanor charges. However, if your DUI involved bodily injury or death, your charges could be increased to the felony level.
Below are the most common penalties that people face for a DUI conviction:
- Three to five years of probation
- Mandatory drug or alcohol education program
- Driver’s license suspension
- Mandatory ignition interlock device (IID) installation
- Thousands of dollars in fines and fees
If you have multiple DUI convictions on your record already, your penalties will likely be more severe. Courts are typically less lenient on repeat offenders and will often give out the maximum penalties to dissuade offenders from offending again. If you have been charged with multiple DUIs or you are facing felony DUI charges, reach out to our team for representation immediately.
What Are the Most Common Defense Strategies for a DUI Charge?
Your specific DUI defense strategy will depend on the nature of your charges and your criminal history. However, there are some DUI defenses that our team uses often.
Below are the most common ways our team can defend you from DUI charges:
- Lack of probable cause. Police must have reasonable suspicion to make a traffic stop or arrest.
- Error in police procedure. Law enforcement officers must follow strict legal procedures to avoid violating your rights.
- Faulty test equipment. Breathalyzers must be calibrated correctly to give accurate blood alcohol content (BAC) results.
- Medical conditions. Certain medical conditions can impact your chemical test results.
How Can a DUI Defense Attorney Help Me?
Defending yourself from DUI penalties can be a long and arduous process. Negotiating with prosecutors, requesting a DMV hearing, and going to criminal court are all overwhelming for someone without a legal background. The best way to protect yourself and avoid severe penalties is to work with an experienced team of DUI attorneys.
At the DUI Defense Group, we are committed to fighting for our clients in and out of court to get them the outcomes they deserve. We are confident that with our extensive experience, we can assist you. Contact us today by calling 866-927-3295.