Upland DUI Attorney

When many people think of criminal defense law, they think of violent, angry individuals doing terrible things. In reality, most individuals arrested for and accused of a crime are average people who made a poor decision or got into a bad situation. This is especially true in DUI cases. Although no one sets out to commit a drunk driving offense, it is fairly easy to do.

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you need a Upland criminal defense lawyer to help you. With the help of a qualified criminal defense attorney, you can avoid being charged and maintain your freedom and reputation. Without proper legal help, you may face severe consequences, even if you have never been involved in a DUI before.

Fortunately, our Upland DUI attorneys have significant experience in these cases. If you are being accused of driving under the influence, you can trust the team at The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores to represent you.

Daniel P. Flores: Your DUI Lawyer in Upland

At The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores, you will receive the legal counsel that you need following a DUI arrest. We have fought over 2,000 California DUI cases, giving us extensive experience and authority in this area. Whether you are handling a suspended license or a court date, we are ready to ensure that your DUI accusation has as little impact on your life as possible.

Our DUI lawyers understand that a DUI accusation puts you in a vulnerable position. You may feel scared or ashamed, regardless of whether you are guilty or not. We are here to listen to your side of the story without judgment and can fight to make sure that one mistake does not define your entire life. DUI crimes are serious, but an accusation should not mean an end to life as you know it.

Although we are patient and compassionate in our meetings with you, we are ruthless in Upland criminal court. The legal system can easily take advantage of individuals who are new to criminal hearings, and we are here to make sure that does not happen. Our law firm can fight to make sure that your story is heard and that you are not punished unfairly. We take our role extremely seriously.

What Is a DUI Crime?

Driving under the influence, or a DUI in Upland, CA, occurs when an individual gets behind the wheel of a car under the influence of drugs, or with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher. When a driver has consumed a significant amount of alcohol, or any volume of drugs, they are unable to respond to changing situations on the road. This can result in accidents, injuries, and death. A BAC of.01% can result in a DUI charge if the person is under the age of 21 or on probation.

Police officers determine whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs through field sobriety and breathalyzer tests. An officer can perform these tests if they have due cause to pull a driver over and discover signs of intoxication during the traffic stop. If an officer does not have due cause to pull a driver over, anything that they find during the traffic stop cannot be used in court. Traffic stop violations are a major defense against DUI charges.

Why Do I Need an Upland DUI Lawyer?

DUIs are criminal offenses that are handled in criminal court. Unlike civil court, criminal court means that the state or federal government is bringing a case against an individual who broke the law. This is the government’s process for trying and charging individuals who have committed crimes.

Without a criminal defense attorney on your side, you will face the state’s prosecuting attorney alone. These individuals have significant experience in their field and work constantly on state cases. Their experience and understanding of the law means that you will likely lose your case if you do not have a defense attorney to refute the prosecution’s claims.

DUIs can have a significant impact on your life, even if you are a first-time offender. You can be forced to serve time in jail or prison, be subject to paying high fines, encounter issues with the DMV, and more. With so much on the line, it is imperative that you hire an Upland DUI lawyer who can properly represent your case.

California DUI: A “Wobbler” Charge

DUIs and DWIs are considered a “wobbler” charge. This means that, depending on the circumstances, they can be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony. In general, a DUI is a misdemeanor if all the following are true:

• It is the driver’s first, second, or third DUI.
• There were no injuries
• There were no casualties.

Although misdemeanor charges are serious, they carry less weight on a permanent record than a felony charge.

A DUI may be a felony charge if one of the following is true:

• The DUI caused serious injuries.
• The DUI caused a fatality.
• It is the driver’s fourth or more DUI within a ten-year period.

Felony charges remain on your record, which can make it difficult to find a proper job and secure appropriate housing, on top of the punishments that the court mandates.

Penalties for a DUI

The exact penalties will depend upon the circumstances of your situation. However, there are some general sentencing standards that may give you an idea of what your punishment will be if you lose your case.

Punishments for a first DUI include:

• A fine between $390 and $1,000
• Jail time up to 48 hours (alternatives available in some situations)
• Restricted license
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for up to 6 months
• Probation

Punishments for a second DUI include:

• A fine between $390 and $1,000
• Jail time between 96 hours and 1 year (alternatives available in some situations)
• Restricted license
• IID for 12 months or more
• Probation

Punishments for a third DUI include:

• A fine between $390 and $1,000
• Jail time between 30 days and 1 yea
• License suspension
• IID for 2 years or more
• Probation

Punishments for a felony DUI include:

• A fine between $390 and $5,000
• Prison time between 16 months and 4 years (more time can be added for manslaughter or vehicular homicide if applicable)
• License revocation
• Probation

If any of these are aggravated offenses or have extreme factors, punishments can be added. These are simply the general standards in the state of California

Upland Criminal Defense for DUIs FAQs

Q: How Much Do Most Lawyers Charge for a DUI?

A: Many attorneys charge between $1,000 and $5,000 for a DUI case. However, the cost almost always depends upon the length of your case, as many attorneys charge hourly. It is best to discuss finances with any potential attorneys before hiring them. This ensures that you can afford their services, and they are able to represent you throughout your entire case. This gives you a better chance of avoiding charges and subsequent punishments for a DUI accusation.

Q: What Is a DUI Attorney?

A: DUI attorneys represent clients who have been accused of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Their job is to collect information about the situation and evidence from your arrest. They can then create an argument that can clear your name. In many cases, improper police procedure results in dropped charges, while in other cases, faulty tests are to blame. They can develop the appropriate defense and fight on your behalf in court.

Q: Why Do You Need a DUI Lawyer?

A: A DUI lawyer is responsible for knowing and fighting for all your rights in court. Most people are unaware of the minutiae of the law and cannot properly fight for their own rights. A DUI gives you the best possible chance of arguing against the state, clearing your name, and preserving your freedom. Without legal representation, you face jail time, fines, license suspension, and more.

Q: Is a DUI a Civil or Criminal Case?

A: Criminal. In civil cases, one individual brings a case against another individual who harmed them, such as in a personal injury case or a medical malpractice claim. In a criminal case, the state or federal government brings a charge against an individual who they believe has broken the law. A judge and jury then decide whether the individual broke the law or not. In criminal cases, charges are rarely dropped as the government is acting as the prosecution.

Contact The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores

Our team at The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores is experienced in DUI law in California. We have a long history of fighting DUI cases, and we understand the gravity of these situations. No other area law offices fight as diligently or care as much as our team at The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores. Our service is unmatched, and our clients’ satisfaction speaks for itself.

For more information about what we can help you with, our methods, our experience, or how to get started, contact The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores online today.