A person can be considered an accomplice to a DUI in California. In this instance, an individual can face the same punishment as the drunk driver. If an individual is charged as an accomplice to a DUI in Los Angeles, it can be beneficial to hire an attorney.
By partnering with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer, an individual is well-equipped to contest any charges related to being an accomplice to a drunk driver. The lawyer can help this individual craft a viable DUI legal strategy. Plus, the attorney can answer common questions surrounding if a person can be an accomplice to a DUI.
What Is Considered a DUI in California?
California defines a DUI as an instance in which a person is found with alcohol or other substances in their system while driving. A person can have their driver’s license revoked and face other charges in a DUI case. Anyone who assists or aids the drunk driver is subject to violations as well.
Penal Code 31 relates to aiding and abetting and the consequences associated with it. If a person encourages or supports someone who is committing a criminal act, this individual can be punished. In this scenario, the individual who encourages or supports the crime faces a misdemeanor or felony.
If someone is charged with being an accomplice to a DUI in Los Angeles, legal help is available. Hiring a DUI attorney in Los Angeles represents a great starting point. This lawyer can take a look at any charges against this individual and help this individual determine the best course of action to contest them.
What Are the Penalties for Being an Accomplice to a DUI in California?
A person who receives a DUI for the first time can receive jail time of up to six months and fines of up to $3,600. Meanwhile, an accomplice to a DUI can receive the same penalties. This is true regardless of how much an accomplice helps the drunk driver.
The penalties associated with a DUI increase in severity based on the number of times a person has been found guilty. For example, a third-offense DUI can result in up to one year in jail or 16 months in prison and fines up to $18,000. A DUI accomplice faces the same penalties.
A Los Angeles DUI lawyer knows the ins and outs of the California legal system. The attorney can teach anyone charged with being an accomplice to a DUI about any associated penalties. This lawyer can offer insights into how a defendant can dispute any charges.
What Is the Best Way to Defend Against a Charge of Being an Accomplice to a DUI in California?
The ideal legal strategy for defending against a charge of being an accomplice to a DUI in California varies based on the case. Common legal strategies used in DUI cases include:
A Defendant Did Not Encourage or Support the Crime
In a DUI case, a prosecutor must provide evidence to show that a defendant helped a drunk driver. A DUI attorney can dispute the validity of this evidence. By doing so, the lawyer can raise concerns about the credibility of a prosecutor’s argument.
A Defendant Was Unaware that a Crime Was Being Committed
It may be difficult to tell that a driver was operating under the influence of alcohol. Thus, a person charged with being an accomplice to a crime may have been unaware that a crime was being committed. As a result, this individual may be able to get their charge dismissed.
A Defendant Was Falsely Accused of a Crime
There can be times when a defendant is falsely accused of being an accomplice to a DUI. The defendant may have been falsely accused of the crime by someone who intentionally wanted to get this individual in trouble with the law. If the false accusation is validated, a defendant can move past their case without facing any penalties.
For those dealing with a charge of being an accomplice to a DUI, seek legal assistance. A DUI attorney can offer legal tips and insights. The lawyer can help a defendant get an accomplice to a DUI charge lowered or removed.
Can a Defendant Settle a Charge of Being an Accomplice to a DUI in California Out of Court?
A plea bargain is one of many options to resolve a charge of being an accomplice to a DUI in California. With a plea bargain, a defendant accepts a lesser charge. In return, this individual may be able to avoid jail or prison time and a fine.
In a Los Angeles DUI case, an attorney can help a defendant craft a plea bargain. The lawyer works in lockstep with a defendant to determine how to present a plea bargain to a prosecutor. This increases the likelihood that the prosecutor will accept the agreement.
If a Los Angeles DUI attorney proposes a plea bargain, a prosecutor will review it. The prosecutor may find the plea bargain meets their expectations and approve it. Or, the prosecutor may continue to work with the DUI lawyer in Los Angeles to find common ground.
What Should You Do if You Face a Charge of Being an Accomplice to a DUI in California?
Do not wait to respond to a charge of being an accomplice to a DUI in California. Look for a DUI attorney who understands how to contest this charge. The attorney can review the charge and offer legal guidance on how to dispute it.
A DUI attorney communicates and collaborates with a defendant. The lawyer responds to the defendant’s concerns and questions. That way, the defendant receives comprehensive legal support.
In addition, continue to maintain open and honest communication with a DUI lawyer. The defendant and their attorney can work together throughout their case. This helps the defendant accomplish the optimal result.
Where Can I Find a DUI Attorney?
We can put you in touch with a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles. This allows you to get legal help with any charges relating to a DUI. For more information, please get in touch with us today.
