Ventura DUI Lawyer | Defense Attorney
Getting into a car accident and being accused of a DUI (driving under the influence) charge can be a terrible and overwhelming experience. Regardless of the details surrounding your case, getting indicted for a crime like a DUI in Ventura County, Southern California can be a very stressful situation.
It pays to know more about drunk driving charges and what to do in case you get accused of committing one. A DUI offender can face hefty fines or jail time, depending on the ruling of the judge. Before saying or doing anything after being accused of DUI, you have to contact your Ventura DUI lawyer right away. Our criminal defense attorneys can make sure you get the best defense available and that you don't suffer more than what is necessary.
Facing DUI Charges in Ventura
Getting charged with DUI in Ventura County can be tough. In other counties, one can enter a guilty plea to reduce the charges and get a more favorable ruling. Unfortunately, there are no plea bargains for DUI cases in Ventura County. Getting charged with DUI is a make-or-break situation. This is why you have to employ a reliable lawyer to defend yourself if you happened to be driving over the legal limit.
The following are some of the penalties one may face once convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol in Ventura County:
Fines and fees
Incarceration
Depending on the severity of your DUI, you could face several months to several years in prison if convicted. The court will consider factors like the number of prior convictions, and whether any injuries or property damage occurred as a result of the incident when determining an appropriate sentence for your case.
Probation
In the event of a conviction for DUI, the consequences for a first offense may include probation, potential incarceration or employment release, substantial fines, an Interlock Device, and suspensions and restrictions on motor vehicle use. You may also be asked to provide breath, blood, or urine samples for testing by a police or probation officer.
Driving privilege suspension or license revocation
In California, if you are arrested for driving under the influence, your driver's license will be confiscated by the law enforcement officer and a temporary license will be granted valid for 30 days.
Restrictions on going to recreational venues such as bars
Mandatory enrollment in a driver drinking program or alcohol school
Court-mandated installation of ignition interlock devices on vehicles
These penalties will vary depending on whether you're a first-time offender (criminal record) or not. You may not have to face these penalties if you get a great DUI legal team to handle your case.
What To Do After Getting Arrested for DUI
Getting arrested on a DUI charge can leave you in confusion, especially when you don't have your criminal defense lawyer with you yet. Here are some of the steps you have to take to boost your chances of getting a favorable outcome.
Exercise Your Right To Remain Silent
A police officer can bring you in for questioning and ask questions without stopping unless you explicitly inform them that you want to remain silent and wait for your legal counsel. You may also request a chance to call your attorney, and law enforcement is obliged to allow you to exercise such a right.
Wait for your lawyer before doing anything reckless under the jurisdiction of legal enforcement authorities.
Keep an Account of the Incident
When you get released from police custody, remember everything that happened. If possible, write all the scenarios down or record yourself talking about the incident. This way, you can tell your lawyer everything that happened in the most detailed and accurate manner. The most important detail you have to remember here is what you told the cops after the incident.
Telling your lawyer all the facts can help fortify your case and expedite your acquittal.
Identify Possible Witnesses
You can gather potential witnesses who can testify for you in court. For instance, if you were coming from a friend's house or a restaurant before your arrest, they can talk about what you did before leaving the place. They can tell the court about what you consumed and did not consume for the entire duration you're with them.
Gather Evidence
Aside from witnesses, you must think of evidence that can prove you had nothing to drink during that day. You can have your lawyer request for a copy of a restaurant bill to be admitted as evidence during litigation. You can also request CCTV clips around the area that prove you did not have much or didn't have anything to drink. This will be especially helpful for your lawyer in disputing the claims of the prosecution.
Remember That You Are Not Guilty
A DUI arrest is not equal to a guilty verdict. You have to trust your lawyer. They're well-versed in the technicalities of DUI laws and can defend you in court. In line with this, it would be wise to listen to your lawyer and avoid doing anything that could weaken your case. There are numerous defenses to DUI charges that your lawyer can work around for you.
Other related services:
Auto Accidents
Experiencing auto accidents can be overwhelming and devastating. In the event of personal injury and wrongful death cases stemming from auto accidents, Peck Law Corporation has your back.
Personal Injury
Personal injury can be difficult to handle alone. With many factors to consider, you'll need the assistance of a personal injury lawyer from Peck Law.
Don't hesitate to contact us whenever you need our services. We always value our clients, and we'd love to work with you soon.
Hire a Reliable Ventura DUI Lawyer
Peck Law Corporation is a family-run law firm that consists of a team of experienced DUI and criminal attorneys who can help you with your offense. Our lawyers are seasoned and knowledgeable about all the DUI laws in Ventura County. We provide representation services for clients who have been accused of Driving Under the Influence in Oxnard, Simi Valley, Los Angeles, and other major cities within Southern California. Schedule a consultation with our team today.
You can count on us to offer expert legal advice and defend you well in court.