What to Expect When Facing a DUI in Northern California

When a driver has been pulled over on suspicion of DUI they can feel scared and alone. A driver understands that the penalties for a DUI can be serious, but they should also understand that they do have options after a DUI arrest. California law treats most DUIs as a misdemeanor, but they still carry serious penalties.

What can happen after a DUI arrest?

Here’s what a person who has been arrested for a DUI should expect:

• Driver’s license suspension for 30 days unless the defendant requests a hearing with the DMV.
• Criminal proceedings begin with an arraignment where a defendant will enter their plea and may go to trial.
• A defense attorney will try and poke holes in the prosecutor’s case. They can investigate the circumstances surrounding the DUI arrest and undermine the testimony of the arresting officer. A defendant’s rights may have also been violated during the arrest. Any of these situations can result in a plea bargain.
• A DUI conviction carries several severe penalties. These include license suspension, jail, fines, and court costs. The penalties can increase if a defendant has previous drunk driving convictions, if anyone was hurt, and how severe the judge is. A good criminal defense attorney can help reduce the charges their client is facing.

Why and how professional guidance can help

A legal professional who is skilled in DUI defense can help their client who is facing a DUI in Northern California. An attorney understands that a DUI is a serious crime that should not be taken lightly. They can use their comprehensive knowledge of California DUI law to make sure their client’s rights are protected and help minimize the extent of the penalties. They can help their client through every phase of the DUI process and will work to have the DUI charges minimized or even dismissed.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute a client relationship.