Glendale DUI Defense Lawyer

Glendale DUI Defense Lawyer

Getting arrested for a DUI in Glendale can be a scary and overwhelming experience. As a major city in Los Angeles County, Glendale has a busy court system and prosecutors who aggressively pursue DUI convictions. Fortunately, the right DUI defense lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

In this article, we’ll walk through key considerations in building an effective drunk driving defense in Glendale. We’ll look at common mistakes to avoid, potential defenses to explore, and how an experienced DUI attorney can be your best asset if facing impaired driving charges.

Understanding Glendale DUI Laws

Like everywhere in California, it’s illegal in Glendale to operate a vehicle if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the limit is even lower at 0.04% BAC. You can face DUI charges even if you’re under the legal limit, however, if officers determine you were driving while impaired.

Potential penalties for a first-time DUI conviction include:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• Fines up to $1000
• Driver’s license suspension up to 10 months
• 3-9 months of DUI classes
• Ignition interlock device required

Penalties increase for repeat offenses within 10 years. And if you refused chemical testing, caused injury, or had a minor in the vehicle, you’ll face additional consequences.

It’s critical to understand these laws and penalties so you know what’s at stake. An experienced Glendale DUI lawyer can walk you through the specifics for your charges.

Avoiding Common Mistakes After a DUI Arrest

The actions you take immediately after getting arrested can impact your case down the road. Here are some key mistakes to avoid:

• Refusing the chemical test – Declining a breath or blood test will trigger harsher penalties and license suspension in addition to your DUI charges.
• Admitting guilt – Anything you say to police can be used against you, so don’t admit you were driving impaired or otherwise incriminate yourself.
• Failing to gather evidence – Make sure to get witness details, photos or videos of the scene, and any other evidence that could help dispute the DUI charges.
• Delaying getting a lawyer – The sooner you engage a skilled DUI attorney, the more effectively they can start building your defense.

Avoiding these pitfalls early on will put you in a much stronger position as your case progresses through the system.

Common Defenses Against Glendale DUI Charges

While every case is unique, some of the most effective arguments Glendale DUI lawyers use to fight charges include:

Challenging the traffic stop

If police didn’t have valid reasons to pull you over in the first place, evidence obtained after that point could be inadmissible. An attorney can argue there was no probable cause for the stop.

Disputing signs of impairment

There may be explanations for your appearance, conduct, or performance on field sobriety tests besides alcohol impairment. Certain medical conditions could also cause failed sobriety tests.

Questioning the chemical test

Breathalyzers and blood tests aren’t foolproof. Procedural errors, faulty calibration, or other issues could call BAC results into question. An attorney can request re-testing.

Arguing rising BAC

It’s possible your BAC was actually below 0.08% while driving but rose later before testing. A DUI lawyer can make a rising blood alcohol argument with expert testimony.

An experienced attorney will thoroughly examine the facts of your case to spot potential defenses to pursue. The stronger your defense, the better your chances of reduced charges or a not guilty verdict.

Why Hire a Glendale DUI Lawyer?

Trying to handle a California DUI case alone is extremely difficult, especially against seasoned prosecutors. An attorney levels the playing field and serves as your advocate through the legal process. Benefits of hiring a Glendale DUI lawyer include:

• Knowledge of local courts and prosecutors
• Access to expert witnesses like toxicologists
• Ability to negotiate with the prosecution
• Resources to thoroughly examine evidence
• Experience identifying defenses and weaknesses
• Understanding of regulations for DMV hearings

In addition, most lawyers offer free consultations so you can discuss your case at no risk. Compare multiple attorneys to find the right fit for you.

How to Choose the Best DUI Lawyer in Glendale

With so much on the line, it’s critical to have the best legal representation possible for a Glendale DUI case. Here are top factors to consider when researching and choosing an attorney:

• Specialization – Look for a lawyer focused specifically on DUI/DWI defense, not general criminal law.
• Experience – Ask about years of practice and number of DUI cases handled in Glendale courts.
• Results – Ask for case results and client reviews to understand the lawyer’s track record.
• Resources – Choose a firm with access to investigators, forensic experts, and other resources to build a strong defense.
• Communication – Find an attorney who is responsive, understanding, and keeps you informed through the process.

Don’t rush this important decision or just choose the cheapest lawyer. Vet options thoroughly to find the right DUI defense attorney for your needs.

Get Help from a Glendale DUI Lawyer Today

Being arrested for drunk driving in Glendale can derail your life. These charges deserve powerful legal representation to protect your future. The sooner you contact a DUI defense lawyer, the faster you can start fighting the case against you.

We hope this overview has helped you understand the Glendale DUI defense process and what to look for in an attorney. With the right lawyer on your side, you can move forward with confidence and achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.