The first step after a DUI arrest is the hiring of a DUI attorney in San Bernardino. This is because dealing with a charge of driving under the influence can be difficult to deal with all alone. The charges are difficult enough, even if a conviction is never made. The allegations can cause a person to lose their job and even cause damage to their reputation.
Proper representation can make the process run smoother and can even reduce the charges, if not use the law to eliminate them in some cases. This goes along with the myth that everyone who is accused of this crime is guilty of it. There are individuals that may submit to breath analysis, which uses an infrared-based machine. An experienced practitioner knows that these machines are not always accurate and can use this to the advantage of the defense.
Another defense strategy that is used in a DUI case is the fact that some cases are based upon the opinion of the arresting officer. The courts are not looking for an opinion but are looking for hard proof that the offense was committed. If there is any doubt that the arrest was warranted, the charges may be dismissed.
It is unfortunate, however, that individuals who represent themselves may not know strategies that they can use. This is usually due to a lack of understanding about every inch of the law. Sometimes, those representing themselves will take a guilty plea in order to ensure the process is ended quickly.
Even if an individual is guilty, it is possible for the charges to be reduced. This means that a felony could turn into a misdemeanor. An attorney is even knowledgeable of the conviction rates of some jurisdictions within California, which can be as low as 20 percent.
Those representing themselves also do not realize that a DUI case is not like other types of offenses. A car is considered a weapon if the operator is being careless behind the wheel. Everyone encountering a drunk driver is at risk of being injured or killed in an accident. As a result, multiple charges can result and this can make the penalties more severe.
The DUI has its own set of statutes that dictate what kind of jail time a person is subject to and the dollar amount of the fines that they pay. A single incident can fall into a number of these statutes, resulting in multiple charges. These charges must be addressed by someone experienced with California law.
The experience comes through the expertise of a DUI attorney in San Bernardino. The DUI attorney in San Bernardino knows the law, knows the strategies that can be used, knows what jurisdictions have the lowest conviction rates and which ones have the highest, and can challenge the opinion of an officer or the results of breath analysis. These are tasks that can be difficult for an individual defending their own well being.
The Result Of Using A DUI Attorney In San Bernardino