Sonora DUI Attorney

California Drunk Driving Penalties

If you have been charged for driving under the influence, all hope is not lost. With the right DUI attorney on your side, you can keep your freedom and your driver’s license. Being charged with driving under the influence can leave you feeling scared. The penalties for a DUI in California include jail time, fines, loss of your driver's license, and a damaged reputation.

At The Law Office of Charles B. Smith, we want to protect your future. We will work closely with you to cover all the details of your arrest, that way we can build the best possible defense. Your future is on the line. Choosing the right defense attorney can make all the difference in your case result. Our firm has successfully handled many DUI cases.

Are you facing drunk driving charges in Tuolumne County? Schedule a consultation with our Sonora DUI lawyers today.

DUI & the DMV

When a person is arrested for a DUI/DWI offense, they are facing challenges with two separate and distinct governmental agencies. The first of these is the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV will issue an automatic driver’s license suspension of a person arrested for DUI/DWI unless the driver requests a hearing to challenge the suspension. The driver has only 10 days (including weekends) to have his attorney contact the DMV. Otherwise, the driver will face a mandatory driver’s license suspension that can last months or up to four years.

First Offense DUI

In California, a first offense DUI conviction is commonly charged as a misdemeanor. The penalties for a first offense DUI can include 3-years of probation, fines, and completion of a 30-hour mandatory alcohol program.

The Law Office of Charles B. Smith is here to help you defend yourself and avoid these otherwise mandatory suspensions. We can also handle your DMV administrative hearing to prevent further suspension of your driver’s license.

The DUI Criminal Court Process

Drivers dealing with DUI also have to be concerned about criminal proceedings. In California, even a first offense DUI/DWI conviction carries a mandatory jail sentence ranging from between two to 62 days, depending on the county and the level of the criminal charges. Additional consequences for DUI charges include fines, driver’s license suspension, community service, and mandatory alcohol education classes.

To prevent the leveling of such severe penalties against you, our Sonora DUI lawyer can pursue every avenue that could lead to the dismissal or reduction of your DUI/DWI charges.

There are a variety of actions that we commonly take in building a defense plan, including:

• Examining initial police dispatch tapes
• Watching field sobriety test videos
• Reviewing witness statements
• Searching breathalyzer maintenance records
• Investigating the reasons behind the officer’s initial stop
• Hiring independent investigators to discover additional evidence

Sonora DUI Defense Strategies

If you are facing DUI/DWI charges, contact The Law Office of Charles B. Smith. We have a proven track record of success helping people fight against serious charges. Our attorneys have been defend our clients successfully for years. Work closely with a legal team that has your concerns as their top priority. Choose a team that cares about you, choose The Law Office of Charles B. Smith.

Contact our Sonora DUI attorney at (209) 231-6506 today to schedule a free consultation, or contact us online.