Riverside is home to an increasing number of drunk driving arrests each year. The laws in California are only getting more strict. Trying to fight a DUI charge without a defense attorney can be very difficult and can result in you getting some of the harshest penalties available by law. The Riverside County District Attorney can utilize the full power of the state to convict you of all charges. Hiring a qualified Riverside DUI lawyer is the best way to get a successful outcome in your case.
Facing Drinking and Driving Charges in Riverside
Receiving a DUI can be one of the most difficult experiences of your lifetime. Driving under the influence is a serious offense that carries with it hefty fines, license suspension and potential jail time. No matter what the circumstances of your drunk driving offense, the first call you should make is to a qualified Riverside attorney. Whether you have a first offense DUI or a felony fourth offense, you should hire a qualified drunk driving defense lawyer who dedicates their practice to DUI defense and will assist you in getting the best possible outcome in your case.
It is important to remember that there are two unique actions that begin once you are arrested for drinking and driving out of Riverside County. The first is the criminal court process. In a misdemeanor case, you will be issued a citation upon release from arrest which gives your first appearance date, known as an arraignment. The arraignment date is mandatory in a DUI case, but if you hire an experienced drunk driving lawyer prior to the court date they can appear on your behalf. In all felony DUI offenses, it is mandatory that you appear at all court dates.
The second action that begins upon arrest for a DUI is through the Department of Motor Vehicles. The California DMV can suspend a license for a minimum of four months on a first offense DUI. Once you are arrested for driving under the influence, the arresting officer will confiscate your driver’s license and issue a temporary license which lasts for 30 days. On this pink temporary license you are given ten calendar days to contact the Driver’s Safety Branch nearest to your place of arrest in order to request a hearing and place a stay on the automatic suspension of your license. Failure to contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles within ten calendar days will result in the automatic suspension of your license. If you hire a local attorney within ten days, they can contact the DMV on your behalf and request your DUI hearing.
Contacting a Riverside Drunk Driving Attorney
Which Riverside DUI lawyer you hire is probably one of the most important decisions you will make. It is important to take your time and choose a lawyer who you are comfortable with and who is available to you at all times. Make sure when you choose an attorney to represent you that they are local to Riverside County. If they do not know the Riverside Superior Court judges and district attorneys they may not be able to get you the best possible outcome in your case. Also, you want to make sure that they have an affordable retainer and that you understand everything that the retainer includes. A DUI can be financially burdensome, understanding what you will be charged and when is imperative. Finally, you want to make sure that the attorney you hire dedicates their practice to driving under the influence defense.
Our team of qualified attorneys will not hesitate to take your case to trial if the circumstances warrant. We are open, honest lawyers who will fight hard to get you the best possible outcome in your case. We offer a free online case evaluation.