Chino DUI Lawyer

Chino DUI Attorney

The decision to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can have long-lasting consequences, which you may not even consider until it is too late to stop them. A DUI conviction can impact your professional reputation, hurt your social standing, and even tarnish your personal relationships. Driving under the influence can be quite dangerous as well, and someone could get hurt. If you are facing DUI charges, you should reach out to a Chino DUI lawyer for assistance.

Underestimating the negative effects and long-standing penalties of a DUI conviction would be a grave mistake. When you are convicted of a DUI, you end up with a criminal record, and that can be devastating to your life moving forward. A criminal record can cause your friends, family, and coworkers to treat you differently, and it can even hurt your chances of obtaining good housing or a high-paying job. An experienced crash attorney can figure out a plan to defend you against your charges.

Getting a DUI in Chino

While you may assume that a DUI charge results in a slap on the wrist and a brief rehabilitation program, that might not be the case for you. California takes DUI charges very seriously, as the court system wants to discourage future DUIs from ever taking place. To do this, prosecutors may try to make an example out of your case and push for the maximum penalty, which could result in prison time, hefty fines, as well as other penalties unique to your case.

In California, if a breathalyzer test shows your blood alcohol content (BAC) to be at 0.08% or higher when you are pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving, you are going to be considered a drunk driver, and you will be arrested. If you are under the drinking age of 21 or already on probation for a prior DUI conviction, the BAC limit for you is 0.01%. If you are a rideshare driver or operating a commercial vehicle, the BAC limit for you is 0.04%.

A DUI can lead to severe legal consequences for you, regardless of what vehicle you are driving or how old you are at the time of your arrest. Those consequences may be difficult to fully overcome, and you could be dealing with the fallout of your conviction years from now. Your driver’s license will likely be revoked, and additional sentencing will largely depend on the details of your case and the potential presence of any aggravating factors.

Your Rights After an Arrest

Upon your arrest for DUI charges, you should always keep in mind that you are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, regardless of the crime you are being charged with. When you exercise your constitutional rights, you are taking control of your case and refusing to be intimidated into admitting guilt for any alleged wrongdoing. Your rights include your right to remain silent and your right to have a lawyer represent you.

Whatever you do, never forget that you don’t have to say a word to the police if you don’t want to. They may have less evidence against you than you have been led to believe, and they could be relying on your confession to break the case for them. Say nothing, continue to ask for a lawyer, and let your lawyer speak for you when they arrive.

Mounting a Defense Against DUI Charges

Mounting a defense against a potential DUI charge is not going to be easy. When you are arrested for a DUI, you may feel like you’ve already lost. You may be unaware of the various ways you could defend yourself, which is why it is so important to retain the services of an experienced DUI lawyer. They can build a solid defense strategy to reduce or even dismiss the charges against you. Here are some of the possible defenses your attorney may use:

• You Were Not Driving: One of the simplest defenses is the fact that the police and prosecution may be unable to prove that you were ever driving drunk in the first place. If the police found you drunk in a car that was pulled over on the side of the road, that doesn’t necessarily prove you were driving. If they cannot produce any evidence that shows you were drunk behind the wheel, that might end your case entirely.
• Poorly Administered Test: Field sobriety tests are not an exact science. If they are administered incorrectly, they can result in an inaccurate and inconclusive response. These tests are not always easy to perform or read, and it’s entirely possible that the arresting officer misread the results or failed to administer the test correctly. Your lawyer can argue against the officer’s competency in administering the test.
• No Probable Cause: Under the Fourth Amendment, the police must have a certain degree of probable cause to investigate a suspected drunk driver. This probable cause may take the form of swerving, speeding, or other suspicious behavior. If the officer pulled you over based solely on their hunch and had no additional evidence of wrongdoing, that might be enough to have your case dismissed early in the process.

Reach Out to an Experienced Chino DUI Lawyer Today

The last thing you want to do while you are dealing with the legal fallout of a DUI charge is try to handle your case by yourself. You may make mistakes, fail to anticipate surprises and setbacks, and feel unprepared to go up against a seasoned prosecutor. Hiring an experienced Chino DUI lawyer to represent you may be the wisest decision you make during your case.

Having someone by your side who understands what’s at stake for you and can provide you with the kind of help you need can make a difference in your case. The legal team at My SoCal Lawyers can develop your case, determine your defense strategy, and make sure your interests are thoroughly protected. Contact us to speak with a valued member of our team about setting up a consultation.