A DUI has many legal and non-legal consequences that can have a seriously negative impact on your life.
In California, the police and the legislature are cracking down on drunk driving. Governor Jerry Brown recently signed a new bill that would make ignition interlock devices mandatory even for first-time DUI offenders. This is a sure signal that the state takes this offense incredibly seriously — and that they want harsh punishments to deter people from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If you’re convicted of DUI in California, you may be sentenced to community service, a license suspension, probation, fines, DUI school, an ignition interlock device and even jail time. The specific penalty will depend on the facts of the case, including whether or not someone was hurt by your drunk driving and if this was a first-time offense. A DUI conviction is also part of your criminal record, which can lead to many other consequences. That is why it is so important to hire a top Upland DUI attorney as soon as possible after you are arrested. With a seasoned DUI defense lawyer to defend you, you can fight back against the charges — and possibly even get them reduced or dismissed.
Consequences of a DUI
A DUI conviction in California can lead to severe penalties issued by the judge. It may even include a stint in jail, or fines that can place your financial health in jeopardy. A DUI can also have a number of other collateral consequences on your life that could possibly be worse than those handed out by the judge.
It starts immediately after your arrest. The California DMV will automatically suspend your license — if you do not request an administrative hearing within 10 days. If you ask for a hearing, you can be represented by an Upland DUI attorney, who can present evidence, cross examine witnesses and challenge the state’s case. If you win, your license will not automatically be suspended. If you lose, you will have a chance to prove your innocence in court. But if you do not request a hearing, the DMV will suspend your license automatically. While you may be able to get a restricted license to drive to school or work, you may be limited in your ability to earn money or finish your education. This is particularly true if you work in a field where you are required to be licensed by the state, or if you drive for a living.
A DUI conviction can also impact your ability to travel — even to Canada. While there are ways to obtain a visa with a conviction on your record, it can be difficult and expensive. If you need to travel for work or just want to go on a vacation, having a DUI conviction on your record can make it difficult or even impossible.
An Upland DUI Attorney Can Help
When you hire a knowledgable DUI attorney to defend you, you will be increasing the likelihood of getting a favorable outcome to your case. A DUI lawyer will analyze the facts of your case to see if there are any factual or legal defenses to the charges. Your attorney can file motions seeking to suppress or limit the evidence that the state can introduce at trial. He or she can then negotiate with the prosecutor. By pointing out the strength of your case or the weakness of the state’s case, your lawyer might even be able to have your charges dismissed or reduced. If you have to go to trial, a DUI defense attorney will aggressively defend you against the charges.
If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Upland or the surrounding areas, you can’t afford to NOT hire one of the best DUI defense law firms in Southern California. The Chambers Law Firm will defend you against DUI charges and will fight to protect your legal rights and your freedom. Contact our office today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com for a free consultation.
