Although the hazards of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol are well-known and extensively documented, many people still climb behind the wheel after having a few drinks. Since alcohol tends to impair one’s ability to assess risks, those who have indulged in a drink or two may not think clearly about the safety of their decision to drive while intoxicated. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 37 people in the United States die in drunk-driving accidents every day (which amounts to roughly one fatality every 39 minutes). In order to dissuade people from driving while intoxicated, California imposes significant penalties on DUI crimes. In addition to potential jail time, costly fines, and the suspension of your driver’s license, a DUI conviction can negatively impact your relationships, job and housing opportunities, financial security, and other areas of your life. If you are facing DUI charges in Palmdale or Lancaster, you need effective and reliable legal defense as soon as possible to ensure that your rights remain protected at every stage of the criminal justice process. FORMER DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY and FORMER JUDGE PRO TEM David M. Wallin has over 35 years of experience helping clients just like you defend their legal rights and secure the best possible outcome. Reach out to our office today to arrange a free consultation with a certified criminal law specialist who will work hard to help you obtain the best possible outcome, given the specifics of your case.
Understanding DUI Charges in Southern California
First, it’s helpful to understand how California handles DUI offenses. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest and whether you have any previous DUI-related convictions on your record, the type of DUI charge you may face could be either a misdemeanor or felony offense. Most first-time DUI offenders can expect to face penalties including three to five years of probation, fines of up to $1,800, mandatory jail time of 48 hours, participation in a court-approved DUI school, and a driver’s license suspension of six months. Any driver whose blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher may be arrested for a DUI offense. However, those under 21, people with a commercial driver’s license, and individuals currently on probation may be arrested if their BAC is 0.04 percent or higher. Additionally, those with prior DUI convictions on their record or whose incidents involved serious injuries will face weightier penalties for subsequent DUI offenses, such as imprisonment in county jail or state prison, steep fines, and years of license suspension. While some people believe that they can fight these charges on their own, working with an experienced and knowledgeable Palmdale DUI defense attorney is the best way to maximize your chances of obtaining the most favorable outcome.
How DUI Convictions Affect Your Future
Many people are surprised to learn how extensive and lasting the consequences of a DUI conviction can be. Even if the court sentences you to probation, you will face several restrictions on your freedom and future. For instance, you are prohibited from driving with any measurable amount of alcohol in your blood, and you cannot refuse to submit to a chemical test of your blood or breath if you are pulled over for another DUI offense. Additionally, the court may order you to participate in Alcoholics Anonymous or another substance abuse program, and you may be required to pay some form of restitution to any victims harmed or impacted by your DUI. Unfortunately, even if you have served the terms of your sentence, your criminal record will haunt you and create several barriers that impact the quality of your future. For example, having a DUI conviction on your record may severely limit your ability to find employment and housing. If you are a parent, your criminal record may affect your custody and visitation rights. Your car insurance premiums will likely skyrocket, which can lead to financial instability and increased stress. There is so much at risk when facing a DUI charge in Southern California, so reach out to FORMER DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY and FORMER JUDGE PRO TEM David M. Wallin right away to start preparing the most robust legal defense strategy to protect your freedom and future as much as possible.
How a Skilled DUI Defense Attorney Can Help
If you are facing a DUI charge in Palmdale or Lancaster, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and concerned about how this incident will affect your future. Your first step should be to call the Law Offices of David M. Wallin for a free consultation. Your attorney will assess the details of your case and identify the most strategic path forward. It’s possible for your lawyer to highlight any violations of your legal rights at the time of your arrest (such as the officer’s failure to recite your Miranda rights) in order to undermine the validity of your arrest. In other cases, your attorney may succeed in having the charges against you reduced, meaning you will face less severe penalties. Even if you are convicted of a DUI, you may be eligible to apply for an expungement at the end of your probation term. Whatever the specifics of your case may be, FORMER DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY and FORMER JUDGE PRO TEM David M. Wallin is ready to help you secure the most favorable outcome that keeps your future bright.
If you are facing DUI charges in Palmdale or Lancaster, you need reliable and effective legal representation as soon as possible. FORMER DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY and FORMER JUDGE PRO TEM David M. Wallin has over 35 years of experience helping clients just like you defend their legal rights and secure the best possible outcome. Call the Law Offices of David M. Wallin today at (661) 267-1313 to schedule your free consultation with a certified criminal law specialist. We offer flexible payment plans, so get in touch with us right away to get started.