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Being charged with a DUI can be an overwhelming experience. Unlike speeding infractions or parking tickets that can be solved by paying a fine, DUIs are criminal charges with severe penalties. Even first-time DUI offenders could face a license suspension, probation, mandatory DUI school, and more.

The best way to protect your freedom and your future when charged with a DUI is to hire a team of experienced DUI defense attorneys. At the DUI Defense Group, we focus solely on cases involving DUIs or traffic-related violations, so we have the experience and the knowledge to help you with your case. To receive a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist you, contact our law office by calling 866-927-3295 today.

What is a DMV Hearing?

After you are arrested and charged with a DUI, officers will send a notice of your arrest to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A DMV hearing officer will review your case to determine whether your license should be suspended. In most cases, individuals charged with a DUI have their licenses suspended after they are arrested.

If you would like to have your regular license reinstated, you can request a DMV hearing within ten days of your arrest. You can also apply for a temporary license that lets you drive to and from work and school while your normal license is suspended. If you win your DMV hearing, your license will be reinstated. If you lose the hearing or do not request one in time, your license will remain suspended.

The DMV hearings process is different from your criminal proceedings. Once your DMV hearing is over, our team will begin preparing your legal defense strategy. We can negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf to determine if a plea bargain is in your best interest. If not, we will begin preparing your case for trial.

How Do You Defend Against DUI Charges?

Our team of Thousand Oaks DUI lawyers will create a custom defense strategy built for your case. However, there are some common defense strategies that our team uses often.

Below are the main defense strategies for a DUI charge:

  • The police did not have probable cause to make a traffic stop
  • The police did not have probable cause to make an arrest
  • You have medical conditions that affect your blood alcohol content levels
  • You have a medical condition that can be confused with intoxication

What Are the Potential Penalties of a DUI Conviction?

The penalties for your DUI charge will depend on the severity of your charges and your criminal history. Generally, DUIs that only involve property damage are classified as misdemeanor charges. However, you could be charged with a felony DUI if your charges involve bodily injury to another person or the death of another person.

The most common penalties for a DUI conviction include the following:

  • Three to five years of probation
  • Mandatory ignition interlock device (IID) installation
  • Expensive fines and court fees
  • Six months driver’s license suspension
  • Required drug or alcohol education program

In most cases, first-time DUI offenders do not serve jail time. If you have multiple prior DUIs on your record or you are being charged with a felony DUI, you may be facing a mandatory prison sentence.

DUI convictions can also impact your future, as they stay on your criminal record for life. Having a conviction on your record can make it more difficult to get a job or secure housing in the future, as your conviction will appear on any background check.

How Can a Thousand Oaks DUI Attorney Help Me?

Whether it is your first offense or you already have a criminal history, being charged with a DUI can be frightening. A license suspension, fines, mandatory DUI school, and jail time are all real possibilities after a DUI arrest. Fortunately, you can protect yourself by working with a team of experienced DUI attorneys.

Our team at the DUI Defense Group has extensive experience defending clients in DUI cases. We are confident that we can use our background and DUI defense lawyers’ knowledge to assist you. To receive a free consultation from a member of our team, call our law office today at 866-927-3295.