Jail or Prison Time
More than 100,000 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs (including marijuana) take place in California each year. In Riverside, DUI is one of the most common reasons for a person to be arrested. If you have been arrested on suspicion of DUI, an experienced Riverside DUI lawyer can provide information about the legal process and provide services aimed at assisting you with defending yourself against the charges.
In California, if an individual is arrested at a DUI checkpoint or after an accident or traffic stop on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they are usually charged with violating two California state laws:
It is important to note that DUI convictions can result in heavy fines, loss of driving privileges, incarceration, and more. Additionally, because the penalties increase if the driver has committed more than one alcohol-related driving offense, having an attorney to assist you in defending yourself in court is crucial.
In California, as with most states in the U.S., drivers over the age of 21—who are not operating on a commercial driver’s license (CDL)—can operate a vehicle after drinking as long as their BAC is below the legal impairment limit and the consumption of alcohol (or drugs) has not resulted in mental impairment that is so severe that the individual is unable to safely operate a motor vehicle. This is important to understand, as alcohol tends to affect people uniquely, meaning some individuals will be too drunk to drive long before they reach the legal impairment limit.
In Riverside, the penalties for DUI are as follows:
Alejandro handled my criminal case. I was looking at a lot of time and he fought for me for over a year and a half and got me the best possible outcome. He was always honest and upfront about everything. Even after my criminal case was over he would still check on me just to see how I was doing. ( still does ) He was an absolute godsend and always encouraged me to not give up and keep going. Couldn’t ask for a better lawyer.
It is important that you call an experienced Riverside DUI attorney as soon as possible after being arrested or charged for DUI. This allows your attorney the best opportunity to protect your rights by ensuring that the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, chemical tests, and other procedures were done according to the police department’s standard procedure and did not violate your civil rights.
An experienced attorney will also investigate the claim to ensure that the tests that were given were accurate. If you are facing a likely conviction, your attorney can help negotiate a plea deal that could allow you to plead guilty to a lesser charge or accept the charge given but with less severe consequences.
If you have been arrested or charged with a DUI, let our experienced Riverside DUI lawyer help you understand the criminal legal process and the services we can provide to assist you in protecting your finances, freedom, and future from the unpleasant consequences of a DUI. Call today for a free consultation.
The accused is taken into custody. Police will ask basic discovery questions like name and address to identify a person, then pivot to more specific questions related to the incident.
You have the right to remain silent to avoid disclosing evidence that could potentially be self-incriminating, as well as the right to an attorney to defend you in court.
The police will take you in for booking — Police will fingerprint you and get and updated photograph for their records. After, you’ll be given a chance to contact your criminal defense lawyer.
The arraignment is the final date for you to decide how you’re going to plea. If you plead guilty, the case is set for a sentencing date. If you plead not guilty, your attorney will prepare for trial.
In the discovery stage, you’ll get to see exactly what evidence the prosecution has against you. This is when your attorney can make additional requests for evidence if need be and strengthen your defense.
Accepting the plea bargain is the last chance to plead guilty before the trial. Reduced charges may be presented to quickly settle the case and avoid trial.
The prosecutor presents the case to the jury. Any evidence or witness statements are shared at at this time. Afterward, it’s your lawyers turn to take the stands and share your side of the story. The jury will make a final verdict.
At sentencing, the Judge must decide the appropriate legal penalty for the crime you were found guilty of. Decisions are based on the advised penalties for the specific charges in question.
Jail or Prison Time
Substantial Fines
Lengthy Probation
License Suspension
Mandatory Education
Yes. A lawyer is able to find administrative or procedural errors involved in the traffic stop or arrest that can result in a dismissal of the case. If a dismissal is not possible, your DUI defense attorney can provide guidance regarding plea negotiations or can gather evidence to show that you have been wrongfully accused.
If you are not able to mitigate the charges against you, a DUI can leave you with a criminal record and result in a loss of your freedoms through revocation of your driving privileges and incarceration. Additionally, both felony and misdemeanor DUI offenses appear on your driving record, resulting in increased consequences for further infractions as well as difficulty obtaining employment that involves driving. Furthermore, you can expect to pay more for your car insurance for several years after a DUI conviction.
Depending on your legal status, it may make you deportable or excludable, and it may affect any future attempts of naturalization pursuant to the laws of the United States.
Being convicted of a DUI in California is extremely serious. The conviction will remain on your driving record for 10 years and can also appear on criminal background checks performed by colleges, employers, and even landlords. If you are a commercial driver, you can lose your CDL. If you are convicted of felony DUI, you can also lose your ability to own or purchase firearms.
The district attorney is building their case against you right now. The Prosecutor will not take your charges lightly — Will you?