All of us have made our fair share of mistakes. Unfortunately, one momentary lapse in judgment can lead to severe consequences and lasting penalties. For example, most of us recognize the risks of getting behind the wheel of a car after having a few drinks. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) can lead to an arrest, conviction, potential jail time, costly fines, a driver’s license suspension, and other significant penalties that dramatically impact your life—both near and long-term. If a law enforcement officer pulled you over and arrested you for an alleged DUI offense, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and options. Your first step should be to contact a skilled and experienced DUI defense attorney who can assess the details of your case and identify the most strategic path forward. FORMER DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND FORMER JUDGE PRO TEM David Wallin has over 35 years of experience defending clients against DUI charges and keeping their futures bright. He is ready to help you fight these charges and obtain the most favorable outcome possible, given the specific circumstances of the case. Whenever possible, he will seek to have the charges against you reduced or even dismissed altogether. Let’s take a look at how DUI cases typically unfold in the Palmdale area and how working with a certified criminal law specialist is the best way to maximize your chances of securing a fair and favorable outcome.
Understanding DUI Charges in Southern California
Like most states, California takes intoxicated driving seriously. Consuming alcohol impairs your cognitive function and can put you at increased risk of colliding with another vehicle, bicyclist, motorcyclist, or pedestrian. Most first-time DUI offenses are considered misdemeanors. If convicted of a first-time misdemeanor offense, you could face between three to five years of probation, fines of up to $1,800, mandatory jail time of up to 48 hours, attendance at a court-approved DUI education program, and a six-month license suspension. If you have previous DUI convictions on your record or the incident caused significant bodily injury to another person, you could face a felony DUI charge. Felony convictions carry more severe and lasting penalties, including imprisonment, costly fines, a lengthy license suspension or revocation, and other limitations on your freedom and future. Regardless of whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony DUI charge, you should contact FORMER DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND FORMER JUDGE PRO TEM David Wallin as soon as possible to start building a solid and effective legal defense strategy.
How a DUI Defense Attorney Can Help You
Now is not the time to gamble with your future. Many people assume that a first-time DUI offense is not a huge deal and that probation or a license suspension will not impact their life in irreparable ways. However, even having an arrest for a DUI violation on your criminal record can limit your employment and housing options. Working with FORMER DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND FORMER JUDGE PRO TEM David Wallin is the best way to keep your future as bright as possible. Below are just a few of the advantages of working with an experienced Palmdale and Lancaster criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate a DUI charge.
Navigating the Criminal Justice System
Many first-time offenders need help navigating the legal process. It’s natural to feel intimidated and unsure of what to expect during each step of the criminal justice process, from the moment an officer pulls you over until the conclusion of your case. With over 35 years of experience advocating for the rights of individuals just like you, attorney David M. Wallin is more than ready to answer your questions, address your concerns, and guide you through every step of the legal process.
Defending Your Legal Rights at Every Turn
The scene of your arrest can be chaotic and confusing. The arresting officer must inform you of your legal rights, including your right to remain silent and your right to seek legal counsel. However, just because an officer reads you these rights down does not mean that they will not attempt to coax a confession out of you or get you to make a statement that could be used against you later on. Reach out to FORMER DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND FORMER JUDGE PRO TEM David Wallin as soon as possible so he can help you understand your legal rights and enforce them at every opportunity.
Seeking to Have the DUI Case Dismissed
Whenever possible, your attorney will seek to have the DUI charge dismissed. Under California law, first-time DUI offenders will likely be sentenced to probation. As long as you adhere to all of the terms of your probation and avoid any other criminal charges, you may be eligible for an expungement. In some cases, your attorney may be able to demonstrate that you were subjected to an unreasonable or even illegal traffic stop at the time of your arrest, which—if proven—could serve as grounds for the court to dismiss your case. Other violations of your legal rights during your arrest can also serve as grounds for the court to dismiss your case. Whatever the specific details of your DUI case may be, you can trust that FORMER DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND FORMER JUDGE PRO TEM David Wallin has the experience and comprehensive legal knowledge necessary to help you secure a fair outcome. If you’re ready to take control of your future, call the Law Offices of David M. Wallin right away to schedule a free consultation. We offer flexible payment plans, so there’s no reason to deny yourself the legal guidance you need.
If you or a loved one is facing DUI charges in Palmdale or Lancaster, you need reliable and effective criminal defense services right away. FORMER DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND FORMER JUDGE PRO TEM David Wallin has over 35 years of experience defending clients against DUI charges and keeping their futures bright. Call the Law Offices of David M. Wallin today at (661) 267-1313 to schedule a free consultation with a certified criminal law specialist who will advocate passionately on your behalf.