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DUI Lawyers in San Bernardino
If you have been arrested for DUI in San Bernardino, it is important to contact a qualified DUI lawyer as soon as possible. A DUI conviction can have serious consequences, including jail time, fines, and the loss of your driver’s license. A DUI lawyer can help you understand your rights and options, and can help you build a strong defense against the charges.
There are many DUI lawyers in San Bernardino to choose from. Here is a list of some of the most experienced and qualified DUI lawyers in the area:
- Law Offices of David A. Green
- Address: 380 N Arrowhead Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92401
- Phone: (909) 884-4777
- Website: https://www.daglawfirm.com/
- Areas of expertise: DUI defense, criminal defense, traffic violations
- Law Offices of John D. Terry
- Address: 424 W Hospitality Ln, Ste 100, San Bernardino, CA 92408
- Phone: (909) 888-8888
- Website: https://www.johnterrylaw.com/
- Areas of expertise: DUI defense, criminal defense, personal injury
- Law Offices of Michael R. Fell
- Address: 330 N D St, San Bernardino, CA 92401
- Phone: (909) 889-4444
- Website: https://www.felllawfirm.com/
- Areas of expertise: DUI defense, criminal defense, family law
When choosing a DUI lawyer, it is important to consider the following factors:
* Experience: The lawyer should have experience handling DUI cases.
* Success rate: The lawyer should have a high success rate in getting DUI charges reduced or dismissed.
* Fees: The lawyer should charge a reasonable fee for their services.
* Personality: You should feel comfortable with the lawyer and trust that they will represent your best interests.
If you have been arrested for DUI in San Bernardino, contact one of the experienced DUI lawyers listed above to discuss your case.
DUI Law in California
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in California. It is defined as driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the point that your ability to drive is impaired.
DUI convictions can have severe consequences, including fines, jail time, and license suspension. The penalties for a DUI conviction depend on several factors, including your BAC, whether you have any prior DUI convictions, and whether you caused an accident while driving under the influence.
Penalties for DUI Convictions
The penalties for a DUI conviction in California can include:
- Fines ranging from $390 to $1,000 for a first offense
- Jail time ranging from 48 hours to six months for a first offense
- License suspension for up to one year for a first offense
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle for up to three years
- Probation for up to five years
The penalties for subsequent DUI convictions are more severe. For example, a second DUI conviction within ten years of a first DUI conviction can result in jail time of up to one year, a fine of up to $2,000, and a license suspension of up to two years.
Legal Process for DUI Cases
The legal process for DUI cases in California begins with your arrest. If you are arrested for DUI, you will be taken to the police station and booked. You will be given a breathalyzer test to determine your BAC. If your BAC is 0.08% or higher, you will be charged with DUI.
After you are charged with DUI, you will be arraigned in court. At your arraignment, you will be informed of the charges against you and your rights. You will also be asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
If you plead guilty or no contest, you will be sentenced by the judge. If you plead not guilty, you will have a trial. At your trial, the prosecution will present evidence to prove that you were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You will have the opportunity to present evidence to defend yourself.
If you are convicted of DUI, you will be sentenced by the judge. The judge will consider several factors when determining your sentence, including your BAC, your driving record, and whether you caused an accident while driving under the influence.
Defending Against DUI Charges
DUI charges can be a serious matter, and it’s important to understand your rights and options if you’ve been accused of driving under the influence. There are a number of common defenses to DUI charges, and an experienced attorney can help you determine which ones may apply to your case.
One common defense to DUI charges is that the driver was not actually under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This can be supported by evidence such as a breathalyzer test that shows a blood alcohol concentration below the legal limit, or by testimony from witnesses who saw the driver before and after the alleged offense and did not observe any signs of impairment.
DUI Sentencing
When a judge sentences a DUI offender, they consider several factors, including the offender’s criminal history, the severity of the offense, and any aggravating or mitigating circumstances.
The following are some of the most common types of sentences that can be imposed for DUI convictions:
- Jail time
- Probation
- Fines
- Community service
- DUI education and treatment programs
In addition to the above, judges may also impose other conditions on DUI offenders, such as:
- Suspending or revoking the offender’s driver’s license
- Requiring the offender to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle
- Prohibiting the offender from consuming alcohol
DUI Probation
DUI probation is a period of supervised release that allows DUI offenders to avoid jail time. During probation, offenders must comply with certain conditions, such as:
- Regularly reporting to a probation officer
- Attending DUI education and treatment programs
- Undergoing random drug and alcohol testing
- Paying fines and court costs
If an offender violates the terms of their probation, they may be sentenced to jail time.
DUI Expungement
DUI expungement is a process that allows DUI offenders to have their criminal records sealed. This means that the DUI conviction will no longer appear on their public record.
To be eligible for DUI expungement, offenders must meet certain requirements, such as:
- Completing DUI probation
- Paying all fines and court costs
- Not having any other criminal convictions
DUI expungement can be a valuable tool for DUI offenders who are trying to rebuild their lives after a DUI conviction.
DUI Prevention
DUI (driving under the influence) is a serious issue in San Bernardino. In 2022, there were over 3,000 DUI arrests in the county. These arrests have devastating consequences for individuals and the community as a whole.
For individuals, a DUI can lead to jail time, fines, license suspension, and increased insurance rates. It can also damage their reputation and make it difficult to find a job or housing. For the community, DUIs can cause accidents, injuries, and deaths. They can also lead to increased traffic congestion and decreased property values.
Tips for Preventing DUI
There are a number of things you can do to prevent DUI. These include:
- Designate a driver. If you plan on drinking, make sure you have a designated driver who will stay sober and drive you home.
- Use a ride-sharing service. There are a number of ride-sharing services available, such as Uber and Lyft. These services can provide you with a safe and affordable way to get home after drinking.
- Call a taxi. Taxis are another option for getting home after drinking. They are more expensive than ride-sharing services, but they are still a safe and reliable way to get home.
- Walk or bike. If you live close to where you are drinking, you can walk or bike home. This is a great way to get some exercise and avoid the risk of a DUI.
Resources for DUI Victims
If you have been the victim of a DUI accident, it is important to know that there are resources available to help you. These resources can provide you with information, support, and assistance in seeking compensation for your injuries.
Here is a list of resources for DUI victims:
Victim Assistance Organizations
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD): 1-800-636-MADD
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): 1-888-327-4236
- National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA): 1-800-FYI-CALL
Legal Aid
If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be able to get free or low-cost legal help from a legal aid organization. Legal aid organizations can provide you with information about your rights and help you file a claim for compensation.
- Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino County: (909) 381-5132
- Inland Counties Legal Services: (909) 481-1705
- California Rural Legal Assistance: (909) 381-0323
Counseling Services
If you are struggling to cope with the emotional trauma of a DUI accident, you may want to consider seeking counseling services. Counseling can help you process your emotions and develop coping mechanisms.
- San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health: (909) 387-3911
- Inland Empire Behavioral Health Services: (909) 880-2500
- Kaiser Permanente Behavioral Health: (909) 806-5000
Your Rights as a DUI Victim
As a DUI victim, you have certain rights, including the right to:
- File a police report
- Seek medical attention
- File a claim for compensation
- Be treated with respect and dignity
How to Seek Compensation
If you have been injured in a DUI accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. You can seek compensation by filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or by filing a lawsuit.
If you are considering filing a claim for compensation, it is important to speak with an attorney to discuss your rights and options.
