A DUI in Santa Ana is a serious charge that comes with hefty repercussions. If you get arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you might worry there is nowhere to turn, or that seeking help is pointless. However, many people do not realize that DUI evidence is rarely as rock-solid as it seems.
DUI tests and officer testimony are prone to error, and an experienced DUI lawyer will be able to recognize any weak spots. If you are facing DUI charges, it is time to talk to a Santa Ana DUI attorney who can help. Our team is available 24/7 to set up a free initial consultation for you.
DUI charges consist of fees, a suspended license, and possibly jail time. But by hiring a lawyer, these can be reduced. Contact Los Angeles DUI Attorney today and join the countless clients who have had successful outcomes with us.
Is it Possible to Win a DUI Case With the Help of a Santa Ana Lawyer?
Many people accused of a DUI assume there is no hope for winning and that things cannot get better. While DUI cases are undoubtedly hard to fight, they are winnable, sometimes even if the evidence against you is strong.
Every day, DUI lawyers in Santa Ana are successful in defending cases. Some possible scenarios include:
- Something that might be considered strong proof, such as the results from a breathalyzer test, does not always hold up in court. If evidence is not admissible in court, you may have a chance of walking away scot-free.
- The prosecutors are too busy to take on the case.
- Your lawyer is a strong negotiator and gets your case dismissed.
- Your criminal charges are changed from “DUI” to pleading guilty to “reckless driving,” resulting in much lighter penalties.
- Your rights may have been violated in the course of the drunk driving arrest, which a DUI lawyer can bring to light.
Any of these scenarios can lead to dropped or reduced charges, you being acquitted (found “not guilty”), or the case being dismissed entirely. Of course, making this happen requires an experienced Santa Ana DUI defense attorney who knows California laws and can improve your odds.
Penalties for a First DUI Offense in California
If you were pulled over and arrested for a DUI and this is your first offense, assuming no one was hurt or killed, the minimum penalties you will be facing are:
- A minimum of 48 hours of county jail time that can be waived, but waiving will increase your license suspension to 90 days
- A license suspension of 120 days, but it could be as much as a year or more
- Fines of about $1,800
- Completion of a mandatory $500 three-month alcohol treatment program
Maximum penalties for a first criminal offense are $3,600 in total fees, six months in jail, and a longer suspension of your license paired with a treatment program. Your car may also be impounded for 30 days, and you will be required to install an ignition interlock device.
Other Consequences of a Santa Ana DUI Conviction
The criminal penalties you will face if you are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol are often severe. However, you should not assume that once you have completed the terms of your sentence, your life will return to normal.
On the contrary, your life will likely be forever changed by your DUI conviction in Santa Ana. It is not uncommon for anyone with a DUI criminal conviction to have trouble finding a job, safe housing, or other opportunities to further their lives.
If you are convicted of a DUI, it will remain on your criminal record indefinitely until or unless you are eligible for expungement. Again, DUI expungements are no guarantee. In addition to these consequences, you may also find yourself facing other types of legal issues, including losing rights like:
- Child custody rights
- Child visitation rights
- The right to vote
- The right to carry a firearm
- The right to federal student aid
- The right to obtain a green card or United States citizenship
These are just a few examples of how your life could be significantly impacted if you are ultimately found guilty of a DUI. With help from your lawyer, you can defend your name at trial or secure a plea agreement so you can put this experience behind you and move forward with your life.
Navigating DUI Charges With the Help of an Experienced Attorney
When you’re arrested for DUI in Southern California, the role of police officers and the evidence they collect, such as your blood alcohol concentration, becomes central to your case.
Facing a DUI charge requires the knowledge of an experienced attorney, particularly a defense attorney who has experience in DUI cases.
Understanding the Severity of DUI Charges
DUI charges in California can range from misdemeanor charges for first-time offenses to felony charges for more serious incidents or repeat drunk driving offenses. The harsh penalties associated with these charges can include time in county jail, hefty fines, and a lasting impact on your criminal record.
A felony conviction, in particular, can have severe long-term consequences, affecting everything from employment opportunities to civil rights.
The Role of Your Defense Attorney in Santa Ana
An experienced Santa Ana DUI attorney will scrutinize the details of your drunken driving arrest, including the actions of the police officers involved. They will examine the procedures used to determine your blood alcohol concentration, ensuring that your rights were not violated and that the bit of evidence against you is valid.
In cases of drunk driving charges, attorneys often focus on creating reasonable doubt about the legality of the stop or the accuracy of the blood alcohol tests.
Building Strong Defenses
Strong defenses are crucial in DUI cases, especially when facing the possibility of a felony conviction. Your attorney will explore every avenue to challenge the prosecution’s case. This could involve questioning the reliability of field sobriety tests, the calibration and administration of breathalyzers during breath testing, or the conduct of the arresting officers.
First-Time DUI Conviction Considerations
For those facing a first-time DUI conviction, the stakes are high. While the penalties may be less severe than for repeat offenders, the impact on your life can still be significant. Your attorney will work to mitigate these consequences, possibly arguing for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options that avoid jail time.
Legal Consultation and Competent Representation
It’s essential to seek legal consultation immediately after your arrest. Legal representation is not just about defending you in court; it’s about providing legal advice that can significantly alter the outcome of your case.
An attorney with a strong track record in handling DUI cases can make a substantial difference in the resolution of your case, whether it’s negotiating plea deals or representing you in court.
Motor Vehicles and DUI
The impact of a DUI on your ability to operate motor vehicles cannot be understated. A DUI conviction often leads to license suspension or revocation, which can hamper your ability to work and maintain your daily life. Your attorney will also address these concerns, seeking solutions that maintain your mobility whenever possible.
Facing DUI charges is a serious matter, but with the right legal defense team, you have a fighting chance. An experienced defense attorney can provide the strong defense, legal advice, and representation you need to navigate your DUI case.
Don’t let a DUI conviction define your future; seek the legal help you need today.
Speak With a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Santa Ana Today
Do not assume your DUI case is hopeless or that you cannot improve your outcome. Many people are surprised at just how shaky their case is once they have worked with a good defense firm.
Our team will connect you with a high-quality criminal defense attorney for your specific case, including a free case evaluation with them to start. Do not delay getting the support you need now. Contact Attorney Michael Simmrin to get matched with an experienced Santa Ana DUI lawyer.
