Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most distressing and overwhelming experiences a person can face. California, in particular, is a state that takes DUI charges very seriously, and they hand down severe punishments for convictions. In the aftermath or an arrest, it’s essential to comply with the terms of your license suspension, obey all laws, and avoid any additional legal trouble. Taking the right steps early on, and with proper DUI criminal defense representation, can help protect your future and give you the best possible chance of a favorable outcome.
If are facing DUI charges, continue reading to learn about common mistakes to avoid after a DUI arrest in California:
Being Uninformed About the DUI Process and Facing It Alone Without Support
Many people make the mistake to not learn enough about the legal process. It is essential to first understand what follows after a DUI arrest in order so you follow appropriate conduct. A DUI arrest can certainly be traumatic; however, an arrest is just the beginning of a complex legal process that involves two separate proceedings (administrative and criminal) each with serious consequences. In order to get through it, it’s essential to remove any toxic influences or individuals engaged in illegal behavior from your life, and instead, surround yourself with positive, supportive people who genuinely want to see you to move forward in a heatlhy, constructive way. Just as important, your primary legal support will come from your criminal defense team. They will work closely with you to understand the facts of your case, protect your rights, and develop the strongest possible defense strategy to help you navigate the legal system and pursue the best outcome.
Failure to Comply With License Suspension
Immediately after a DUI arrest, your driver’s license will be subject to an automatic suspension. To contest this, you must request a DMV administrative hearing within a limited timeframe. This hearing is entirely separate from the criminal court process and focuses solely on your driving privileges. In the meantime, it’s essential to comply with the terms of your license suspension or revocation until your hearing and avoid any additional legal trouble. While you may need to get to work, pick up children, and want to move abut freely, getting caught driving (even while sober) can be detrimental to your case. The legal consequences simply aren’t worth the risk. If you have access to support from family, friends, co-workers, public transportation, or services like Uber or Lyft, it’s crucial that you rely on those alternatives. Doing everything possible to avoid driving during this time shows responsibility and protects your case.
Make Sure You Do Not Go Through The Legal Proceedings Without a Lawyer!
While you are not required to have a lawyer, having adequate representation can make all the difference to your DUI case. In criminal court, the first step is the arraignment. During this formal proceeding, the state will present the charges against you, and you will be required to enter a plea- typically either guilty or not guilty. From there, the case will proceed through the criminal justice system, potentially leading to a criminal trial. It’s critical that you do not face this process alone. Hiring an experienced DUI attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. A skilled lawyer can:
- Represent you at both the DMV administrative hearing and in criminal court
- Examine the circumstances of your arrest to determine whether your rights were violated
- Work to reduce or dismiss the charges where possible
- Advocate for reduced penalties and help preserve your driving privileges
Taking the right steps early on, with proper legal representation, can help protect your future and give you the best possible chance of a favorable outcome.
Contact The Law Office of Nicolai Cocis to Prepare a Strong DUI Defense
If you’ve been arrested for DUI, you will need to defend yourself both in court and at a DMV hearing, each with serious consequences for your future. At The Law Office of Nicolai Cocis, we provide aggressive and strategic DUI defense throughout Riverside County, California and the surrounding areas. Don’t face this alone! Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced DUI attorney with a proven track record of success.
