Redwood City 1st Time DUI Lawyer
Getting arrested for a DUI offense in Redwood City, CA can lead to significant consequences, including probation, jail time, sizable fines, and losing your driver’s license. California law takes DUI offenses very seriously, and the penalties can be severe.
When confronted with a drunk driving charge, seeking professional advice from an experienced Redwood City criminal defense lawyer is vital to protect your legal rights. Our skilled attorneys can work alongside you to create a solid defense strategy that strengthens your case. With our help, you can confidently fight these criminal charges.
For help with a DUI charge in Redwood City, California, contact Ahmed & Sukaram, Attorneys at Law today. You can schedule a free consultation with an experienced Redwood City first-time DUI lawyer. Contact us at (650) 299-0500.
How Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help If You’re Arrested for a First-Time DUI in Redwood City, CA
The legal team at Ahmed & Sukaram, Attorneys at Law has over three decades of combined experience helping people accused of various crimes. We believe everyone deserves dedicated legal counsel to protect their rights and ensure they’re treated fairly throughout the legal process.
Here’s how our experienced Redwood City criminal defense attorneys can help if you’re arrested for a DUI:
- We will investigate all aspects of your alleged crime by reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, gathering medical records, and obtaining available video footage.
- We will explore any pre-trial options that can help you avoid trial, like diversion programs or plea deals.
- We will file pre-trial motions, like a motion to suppress or a motion to dismiss if appropriate.
- If it comes to it, we will represent you in court at trial.
- We will present mitigating evidence at your sentencing and handle any appeals if you are convicted.
For help with a DUI charge in Redwood City, CA, contact our criminal defense law firm today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Overview of DUI Laws in California
Under California law, it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If your BAC is 0.08% or higher, you can be convicted of a DUI, even if you are driving safely.
Additionally, even if your BAC is under the legal limit, you can still face a DUI charge if your driving is affected by your level of intoxication.
What Are the Penalties for a First-Time DUI Conviction in Redwood City, California?
In California, first-time DUI offenders typically receive informal probation lasting between three and five years and a fine between $390 to $1,000. However, once court costs and other fees are added, total costs may be several thousand dollars more than just the fine.
Other potential penalties for first-time DUI convictions include up to six months in county jail, an alcohol/drug education program lasting three to nine months, and a suspended driver’s license.
You may be able to obtain a restricted driver’s license, allowing driving privileges limited to going to work, school, and court-mandated classes like DUI school.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Accused of DUI in California?
Driving under the influence charges can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for anyone. However, you have rights, and there are valid defenses that can help your case.
Not Driving: Sleeping It Off or No Proof of Driving
One of the most effective defenses against DUI charges is showing that you were not driving the vehicle. This defense is applicable in situations where the police arrived, and you were found asleep in your vehicle with no intention of driving.
To support this defense, gathering evidence demonstrating your lack of control over the vehicle is crucial. This can include witness statements, surveillance footage, or any other relevant information that can corroborate your claim. Remember, the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, so casting reasonable doubt on their case can be enough to secure a favorable outcome.
Not Under the Influence
Another way to contest a DUI charge is to provide evidence that you were not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the incident. This defense strategy focuses on showing evidence that supports your sobriety at the time of the arrest.
Your lawyer can present witness testimony, video footage, or other documents indicating you were not impaired. This strategy can be particularly effective if there were no observed signs of impairment, such as weaving or slurred speech, during the arrest.
Your Redwood City DUI lawyer can also challenge the accuracy of chemical testing results provided by law enforcement if applicable.
Motion to Suppress Evidence: Excluding Unlawful Evidence
Finally, a motion to suppress evidence is a powerful legal tool that can be used to exclude unlawfully obtained evidence from your case. Any evidence collected in violation of your constitutional rights should not be admissible in court.
For a successful motion to suppress, your Redwood City DUI attorney must identify any procedural errors or constitutional violations made by law enforcement during your arrest or investigation. These include improper search and seizure, lack of probable cause for arrest, or failure to administer chemical tests correctly.
By filing a motion to suppress, your attorney can argue that the unlawfully obtained evidence should be excluded from your trial. If the judge agrees with your argument, the prosecution’s case may be severely weakened or even dismissed entirely, depending on the importance of the excluded evidence.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Redwood City 1st Time DUI Attorneys
It’s essential for those facing a DUI charge to understand what they’re up against so they can prepare themselves accordingly. With solid legal representation, individuals facing drunk driving charges have better chances of obtaining favorable outcomes than those who attempt to go through the process alone.
For legal assistance, contact Ahmed & Sukaram, Attorneys at Law to schedule a free consultation with our Redwood City 1st time DUI attorneys.