A DUI/DWI Defense Attorney You Can Rely On
Nobody wants the hassle and headache of having to fight a DUI charge. It’s more than just an inconvenience. A conviction can have lasting consequences for your driving privileges, reputation, employment prospects and other opportunities.
After a DUI arrest, you need an ally to protect you in the criminal justice system. You will find an experienced advocate at The Law Offices of Colin A. Hardacre, APC.
I’m the firm’s founder and solo practitioner. As a DUI defense lawyer with more than 15 years of experience, I know what it takes to challenge the prosecution in criminal cases and find strong avenues for a positive result – one that protects your freedom, reputation and future opportunities.
DUI Charges In California
First-time DUI offenses in California are generally misdemeanors. However, they still carry harsh penalties. Certain repeat offenses or aggravated offenses are felonies.
A DUI is defined as either:
- Driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher
- Driving while impaired by any intoxicating substance, including marijuana or THC
There are stricter requirements if you’re under 21 or driving a commercial vehicle.
Protect Your Driving Privileges
A DUI conviction will result in automatic suspension of your driver’s license for at least six months. This suspension will automatically go into effect after your arrest unless you take swift action to challenge it.
I can help you with all aspects of your DUI case, including protecting your license.
Answering Common Questions About California DUI Cases
Answers to these frequently asked questions can help you make informed decisions about your DUI case:
What should I look for when hiring a DUI attorney in California?
When selecting a representative for your case, prioritize experience in DUI defense and a proven success rate. Someone well-versed in the local courts and prosecutors can often use their rapport to help their clients.
Hire an attorney who makes DUI defense a significant part of their practice, and make certain you are comfortable with their approach to defenses and that they have a transparent fee structure.
How can a DUI attorney help me with my case in California?
Aside from familiarity with local courts and procedures, your lawyer assists you by meticulously reviewing the specifics of your arrest. Often, this can point to possible defenses based on police officer violation of your rights.
Depending on what the attorney uncovers in the review, they can serve your best interests in many different ways, including:
- Challenging the accuracy of sobriety tests
- Negotiating on your behalf with the prosecution
- Representing you in court and DMV hearings, if required
- Ensuring you understand the specific DUI charge and its severity
- Helping you make sense of California’s complex DUI laws and penalties
What are the potential consequences of a California DUI? How can an attorney mitigate them?
A DUI conviction can lead to severe repercussions in the Golden State. Conviction will likely impact many parts of your life. Possible consequences include but are not limited to:
- Thousands of dollars in fines
- Suspended or revoked driving privileges
- Potential jail time, depending on circumstances and prior offenses
- Mandatory DUI educational programs (at your expense)
- Possibly restrictive probationary terms
- Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (potentially at your expense)
An experienced DUI attorney can work to reduce these consequences by negotiating plea bargains, challenging evidence and advocating for alternative sentencing options. They may even succeed in having charges reduced or dismissed altogether.
Get Started With A Strong DUI Defense Today
As a seasoned defense attorney, I will work diligently to protect you from the harsh consequences of a DUI conviction. Start securing your defense today by calling 818-303-2211 or sending me an email. Based in Calabasas, I handle DUI cases throughout the Los Angeles area.