DUI Lawyer San Francisco, CA
When a police officer’s lights appear in a motorist’s rearview mirror, that driver likely feels his or her stomach instantly drop. A DUI lawyer San Francisco, CA, relies on knows that, even when travelers have not knowingly committed any traffic infractions, the sight of flashing red and blue lights immediately behind them is enough to inspire a sense of dread. No one likes being pulled over. But the experience of being pulled over can rapidly go from inconvenient to anxiety-inducing if an officer suspects that you may have been legally drunk while driving.
It is surprisingly easy to feel sober while legally intoxicated. Everyone metabolizes alcohol a little differently, and many individuals feel fully sober and safe to drive even when their blood alcohol level is slightly above the legal limit. For this reason, many individuals who would never intentionally drink and drive may find themselves in need of a DUI lawyer in San Francisco, CA, to represent them as they fight charges of driving while intoxicated.
Finding the right attorney for your case is critical, primarily because the consequences associated with drunk driving charges may be severe. Even if this infraction is your first or first in many years, you may face a term of incarceration if found guilty. You may also be required to attend driving education classes, enroll in an alcohol rehabilitation program, complete numerous community service hours, forgo driving during a period of license suspension, and pay significant fines. Retaining the services of an experienced and trustworthy DUI lawyer serving San Francisco, CA, like The Morales Law Firm, will better help to ensure that you avoid such consequences when possible.
Researching Your Options
When exploring San Francisco, CA DUI lawyer candidates in your area, there are a few tips you may wish to keep in mind. First, you may want to check out a firm’s website before calling to speak with someone. You can often tell a great deal about a firm’s approach and its values from its website. Is the website a “bulldog” site that seems overly aggressive? If you prefer to work with a smaller or larger firm, does the one you are browsing fit your preferences? Do you like the tone and language used on the site, or does it give you an uneasy feeling in your gut?
Second, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with more than one firm before you commit to a final choice. As the individual who represents you will hold much of your well-being in his or her hands, it is critical that you “shop around” if you do not feel that the first candidate or candidates you meet represent a good “fit” for your situation.
Legal Guidance Is Available
Whenever you find yourself in need of legal guidance, it is vital to seek an experienced, trustworthy, and respectful attorney who will advocate strongly on your behalf. If you have recently been cited for drunk driving, it is advisable to seek the counsel of an experienced DUI lawyer in San Francisco, CA whom you can trust. Following an arrest, it will be critical that you retain their services. Proper legal representation and a sound legal strategy may mean the difference between truly devastating legal consequences and a sincere opportunity to mitigate the risk of being tagged with such penalties. Call The Morales Law Firm today to consult with a DUI lawyer, San Francisco, CA trusts today!
Common DUI Questions Answered
After a DUI charge, you will look to choose a lawyer for DUI case representation. The stress of being pulled over and potentially charged with a DUI can be downright overwhelming. You probably know that a DUI conviction can be incredibly impactful. It’s only natural that you will be searching for the answers to many questions in the coming days. To learn more about how best to proceed and receive the answers to your case-specific questions, contact The Morales Law Firm as soon as possible.
What is the legal limit in California?
In California, the blood alcohol content is the amount of alcohol in your system. If you have a BAC of .08% or higher, you could be pulled over and charged with a DUI. However, be aware that the legal limit may differ depending upon age and the type of license you hold. If you are under the age of 21, any amount of alcohol in your system could result in a DUI. A commercial drivers’ license has a lower BAC of .04%. Also- anything above .15% could result in even more significant charges.
What is a field sobriety test?
If a person is pulled over under the suspicion of driving under the influence, law enforcement may administer a field sobriety test to assess your balance and coordination. These tests may be unreliable, and in the long run, can be used against you.
Can I refuse a field sobriety test?
Field sobriety tests can help law enforcement to build a case against you. Be aware that you do have the ability to refuse a field sobriety test. However, at this point, law enforcement may decide to arrest you. Sometimes, a person could fail a sobriety test even if they are not under the influence. Whether you refuse a field sobriety test or have failed one, you could still be charged with a DUI. This is a primary reason to reach out to our DUI lawyer in San Francisco, CA, for help.
How long after receiving a DUI charge, should I call a lawyer?
You will want to reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible to help fight the charges against you. It’s important that you not hesitate as a lawyer will be able to review your case and possibly even mitigate the consequences. They may pay a key role in helping you keep your license or having the charges reduced or even dismissed altogether.
What is the length of time to resolve my case?
Chances are that you will want to see your case resolve as quickly as possible. The length of time for a DUI can vary depending upon the case specifics. Typically, it can take 3-5 months to reach a resolution, but it could take much longer in some cases.
The far-reaching impacts of a DUI conviction can be something that you may be left to contend with for some time to come. Suddenly, even the most every day activities may be challenging, especially if you lose your license due to a DUI conviction. There are many reasons to choose a lawyer like those with The Morales Law Firm to help. Choose a lawyer to represent you in your DUI case to ensure that you receive the legal support you deserve.