Oceanside DUI Lawyer

Protecting Your Rights in DUI Cases

Have you been charged with driving under the influence?  If so, who’s going to protect your rights and make sure that your case goes as smoothly as possible?  Trying to get through a DUI case on your own would be like trying to write your own prescription for an illness or fixing your own car when it needs a major overhaul.  It would be a better decision to hire an Oceanside DUI lawyer so that you have a professional who knows the ins and outs of DUI law and can protect your rights.

DUI Checkpoint & Sobriety Testing Rights

Even though you do need to comply with law enforcement officers when stopped at a DUI checkpoint or after being pulled over, you do have some rights when it comes to DUI stops.  For a DUI checkpoint, there are some guidelines law enforcement officials have to follow.  The checkpoint must be clearly marked and drivers must have an opportunity to turn around or pull off the road in order to avoid the checkpoint.  If you’re pulled over and asked to perform sobriety tests, you actually don’t have to do that.  The tests can be unreliable, especially if you’re in a rocky area where keeping your balance is difficult or if you have a medical condition that makes you feel off balance even if you haven’t been drinking.

DMV & Driving Privileges

One of the major problems with being arrested for driving under the influence is that your license is automatically suspended by the DMV.  Because your trial might take a month or more to take place, that means you can’t even drive during the time leading up to your trial.  You do have the right to request a DMV hearing to see if you can get temporary driving privileges.  If you have an Oceanside DUI lawyer to represent you, you may experience a better outcome from this hearing.

Criminal Trial Rights

You have a right to a jury trial in front of your peers if you have been charged with driving under the influence.  Because a trial can be complicated, you may want to consider hiring an Oceanside DUI lawyer to represent you throughout your case.  Your lawyer can help you avoid common mistakes that can ruin your defense.

If you need someone to protect your rights after you’re charged with DUI, consult with a San Diego County DUI attorney as soon as possible.