Experienced Legal Advice for San Diego DUI Cases
Any criminal charge is upsetting, but DUI charges are particularly difficult to deal with. Because there are two components to every DUI case, you need to deal with a criminal trial as well as the problem of having your driver’s license suspended. Not only is it possible that you’ll spend time in jail or on probation if convicted, your entire life is turned upside down when you have no driver’s license. You can’t drive yourself to work, make a quick trip to the store for groceries, or even have fun with your family and friends unless someone else can drive you. These potential consequences are the exact reason you should consult with and hire a San Diego DUI lawyer as soon as you have been arrested for driving under the influence.
San Diego DMV Consequences
Once you’re arrested for driving under the influence, you receive a temporary license that’s only good for ten days. This means that, unless you schedule a hearing on your driving privileges, you’ll lose the right to drive ten days after your DUI arrest. Because not having a driver’s license can make it very difficult to keep your job or meet family obligations, you’ll want to request the hearing and make sure you have a qualified San Diego DUI lawyer to represent you during the hearing. This hearing, and the representation you have during the hearing, can mean the difference between being granted temporary driving privileges and having your driver’s license suspended altogether.
Criminal Penalties
Driving under the influence is considered a crime. In California, it’s a misdemeanor that’s graded based on the number of prior offenses a person has as well as any property damage or bodily injuries caused. If a person has many prior offenses, or seriously injures someone while under the influence, the charges can be made into felony charges, which make a case more serious. During this time, it’s important to work with a San Diego DUI lawyer who is experienced at handling DUI defense and can work to keep you from being convicted.
There are no guarantees that you’ll be found not guilty during your criminal trial, but having a San Diego County DUI lawyer at your side will give you a better chance of winning your case. Don’t make the mistake of trying to represent yourself or work with an inexperienced attorney. Give yourself the benefit of an experienced and knowledgeable San Diego DUI lawyer.