You can take charge after an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. A Vernon DUI lawyer can help you with misdemeanor or felony charges, assisting with all aspects of your legal case.
You can trust an attorney to collect evidence, protect your rights, and answer any questions you have about the legal process. An experienced DUI lawyer can help you avoid fines, time in county jail, and restrictions on your license.
Find out more about the benefits of hiring a lawyer by calling or completing our online contact form.
When do You Need a DUI Lawyer in Vernon, CA?
It’s a good idea to contact an attorney for help immediately after an arrest for any DUI charges. Waiting to get legal help on your side can weaken your defense, especially if you discuss your charges with the prosecution or a police officer.
You can reach out to a criminal defense law firm if you face charges under CA Vehicle Code 23152 (a) – Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. Attorneys in Vernon can also help if you face charges for other severe charges, including:
- An under-21 DUI
- A commercial vehicle DUI
- Driving under the influence of drugs
- Cycling under the influence
An experienced attorney can take on misdemeanor and felony charges, helping you feel confident as you navigate the legal system. Lawyers understand the severe penalties associated with a DUI conviction, which may include:
- Fines
- Jail time
- Community service
- Probation
- Time in DUI treatment programs
Additionally, you may lose your driving privileges after a conviction. Many drivers convicted of a DUI have to participate in California’s statewide ignition interlock device (IID) pilot program.
What Services Will Your DUI Lawyer Provide?
A DUI attorney will address all your legal concerns following an arrest. You can count on your lawyer during your arraignment hearing. Attorneys also help during bail hearings, when they occur during DUI cases.
A criminal defense lawyer can monitor the actions of police officers to ensure they respect your rights when investigating a DUI charge. An attorney can even request a sample of your blood test to perform additional blood alcohol content (BAC) testing.
Depending on your circumstances, an attorney can focus on:
Reducing Your DUI Charges
Lawyers sometimes pursue DUI plea bargains as a way to resolve charges for clients. These deals can reduce the penalties you face after an arrest, but they require you to plead guilty to a less serious charge.
Make sure you review all your available options before taking a plea bargain from the prosecution.
Dismissing Your DUI Charges
Your attorney may file a motion with the court to dismiss your DUI allegations. In some cases, the court will set aside charges because the prosecution can’t present enough evidence to move forward.
The court may also dismiss the charges you face if the police violated your rights before, during, or after your arrest. It’s essential that you tell your lawyer everything about your DUI charges so they can protect your rights.
Representing You in Court
Finally, you can count on a Vernon DUI lawyer to stand up for you if your charges go to court. You can rely on an attorney to help with all pre-trial hearings, present evidence, and question witnesses for you.
Get a Lawyer’s Help With Your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Hearing
You can request a DMV administrative hearing after a DUI arrest in Vernon. You only have a few days to request this hearing after your arrest. If you do not request an administrative hearing, the DMV will automatically suspend your license 30 days after your arrest.
The California DMV automatically gives administrative suspensions after a DUI arrest in an effort to prevent additional DUIs.
A lawyer can help you request this hearing and present your case in front of the DMV. Taking these steps can help you avoid the loss of your license. Keep in mind that the DMV can suspend your license even if the court doesn’t convict you of a DUI.
What Defenses Work for DUI Charges in Vernon?
Several defenses work well to successfully resolve DUI accusations. Your attorney will review the specifics of your situation and may then argue that:
- You did not operate a vehicle after drinking alcohol
- You have acid reflux or heartburn, and it affected your BAC test
- The police failed to complete a BAC test in a timely fashion, leading to incorrect results
- The lab that handled your test failed to follow proper procedures
Your lawyer will quickly gather information about what happened at your DUI stop to build a solid defense.
DUIs Get More Serious for Subsequent Arrests
California treats DUIs as priorable offenses. Therefore, the penalties you can face increase after each conviction. DUIs stay on your record and can affect future charges for 10 years.
A lawyer can request the expungement of some DUI charges. Expungement partially removes DUI convictions. However, these charges remain priorable even after the expungement process.
Therefore, the experts recommend that you handle DUI accusations before a conviction, if at all possible, with help from a criminal defense lawyer.
How Long do DUI Charges Take to Resolve?
The time it takes to handle your DUI defense will vary. Your lawyer will get to work as quickly as possible, and the Constitution promises you a timely hearing of your charges. However, the other cases moving through the court can impact the timeline for resolving your case.
You can get more personalized information about the timeframe to handle your charges by reaching out to a criminal defense law firm for help.
Talk to a Lawyer About Handling DUI Charges in Vernon
You can work with a Vernon DUI lawyer to construct a solid defense after an arrest. Getting professional help can help you avoid jail time, fines, and other penalties for a first, second, or subsequent DUI offense.
You can call or fill out our online contact form when you’re ready to find a lawyer to represent your best interests.
