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Patrick Silva, Attorneys at Law, San Bernardino County DUI Defense Lawyer
Representing Clients Charged with Driving Under the Influence
If you were pulled over and arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you need legal guidance from a DUI lawyer. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, your sentence could include jail time and fines. If you want a chance to avoid this potential outcome for your case, you need a lawyer who will aggressively fight the charges for you.
The skilled lawyers at Patrick Silva, Attorneys at Law have handled countless DUI cases across San Bernardino County. Our team understands how devastating it is to be accused of a crime that may lead to jail, especially if you’ve never been in legal trouble before. We want you to rest assured we can handle all the legal details of your DUI case so you can look forward to getting the best possible outcome. If you’re ready to review your legal options with a caring DUI defense lawyer in San Bernardino County, call us for a free consultation.
Listen to us on the DUI Trial Lawyers Academy Podcast
Specializing in DUI Defense. . .
20 years of DUI Defense practice!
Even your first DUI can result in jail time and fines. Contact us to learn what your legal steps should be.
If this is your second, third, or fourth DUI, the penalties are severe. Hire us for the legal defense you deserve.
Cases involving marijuana have unique details that set them apart from alcohol DUIs. Call us to learn what this means for you.
Penalties for a felony DUI include time in state prison. Let our lawyers fight your charges to prevent this.
How Can a Skilled Lawyer Fight Your DUI Charges?
Being arrested for a serious crime is often scary, particularly if you know you consumed drugs or alcohol that may have impaired your driving ability. You might feel discouraged as you think about your DUI arrest, wondering if it’s worth fighting the charges when there is evidence against you. But don’t let these feelings prevent you from getting legal advice.
You’d be surprised at the difference an experienced DUI lawyer can make in your case. We know how to strategically contest the prosecutor’s allegations and supposed evidence against our clients, and we make it a point to look for mistakes and unjust actions from the police. We’re not afraid to challenge blood and breath test results, point out when a client’s rights were trampled, and find ways to reduce or dismiss charges. If you’re curious about what legal defense we would use for you, contact us to discuss your DUI case.
PATRICK J. SILVA
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SILVA
- Will I Have to do any Jail Time?
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- Can I Lose My Nursing License Because of a DUI?
- How to Fight Your DUI License Suspension
- How to Get Your Car Released from a 30-Day Impound Hold
- What Happens When I Go to Court?
- How Much Will My Insurance Rates Go Up?
- 7 Mistakes to Avoid if You’ve Been Pulled Over for a DUI
- 10 Ways to Challenge Probable Cause
- Plus, Much More.
What Penalties Can You Expect for a DUI?
When you’re arrested for driving under the influence in Southern California, there is a strong chance you’ll get jail time if you plead guilty without consulting a lawyer first. Even a first or second DUI can result in days or possibly months in county jail. Subsequent DUI offenses and felony DUI charges can lead to several months in state prison.
If convicted of DUI, jail time is just one penalty to expect. You’ll also have to pay thousands of dollars in fines, have your driver’s license suspended, attend DUI school, and more. Simply put, you want to do everything possible to avoid a conviction, and hiring our team can help. If you’re concerned about DUI penalties, rest assured that we’ll work hard to clear your name so you don’t have to worry about jail time and other harsh legal consequences.
Patrick J. Silva
Mr. Silva started representing those accused of DUI over 12 years ago. We like to say we represent the “falsely” accused. He is a member of the CALIFORNIA DUI LAWYERS ASSOCIATION, which is a close-knit membership of DUI Attorneys whose main goal is the representation of those accused of DUI. Patrick J. Silva is also a member of the NATIONAL COLLEGE FOR DUI DEFENSE, which is composed of the “best” DUI attorneys in the nation. Hire a DUI Lawyer from the Best DUI Law Firm and get the DUI facts about the Drunk Driving Myths.
Attorney Patrick J. Silva has focused his law practice on defending those who have been accused of driving under the influence. We represent good folks both in the criminal court system and in the DMV proceedings. Mr. Silva is certified in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST). He has completed 24 hours of intense training under the guidelines set forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It is “only” through this specialized training that allows an attorney to effectively cross-examine a police officer on the stand about how he “screwed” up when he was giving the test. Hire a DUI lawyer from the best DUI law firm and get the DUI facts about the drunk driving myths.
Recently, the California Dui Lawyers Association had its annual meeting in San Francisco, I did not plan on attending this meeting because we were having a birthday party for Jordan that weekend.
About 2 weeks prior to the meeting, I got a few texts from the president saying, “hey you coming to the meeting,” I text back no not this year. A couple of days later he sent another text saying “hey you should really come,” I said hey sorry can’t do it this year. Well the meeting date came and on that particular day I happened to go out earlier in the morning for a training ride because I had a 100 mile race coming up, so I went did about 80 miles. When I got home I took a shower and then was kind of relaxing just trying to let my body recoup a little bit and then my phone started blowing up, I got about 4 or 5 text in a row. Well unbeknownst to me I was awarded what is called the California DUI Lawyer Association President’s Award because of my hard work and dedication to DUI Law Defense. I am both humbled and surprised to receive this prestigious award from my C.D.L.A. President Jeff Boll.
What Kinds of DUI Cases Can We Handle?
We regularly defend clients accused of driving under the influence of alcohol. While many of these charges are first or second DUI offenses, we also take on cases involving third or fourth DUIs. In addition, if you were charged with a marijuana DUI or other non-prescription drug DUI, we can take on your case with confidence due to our years of experience defending DUIs involving drugs.
Some DUIs are charged as felonies or carry enhanced penalties. These include instances where a drunk driver injured or killed someone in an accident or had a child in the car while driving under the influence. If you’re charged with murder DUI or DUI with child endangerment, contact us for help from a skilled DUI defense lawyer in San Bernardino County.
We have experience creating solid legal defenses for a wide variety of DUI charges. Whether you’re facing your first offense or have had prior DUI convictions, we’re here to provide legal guidance. This is also the case if you’re charged with murder DUI, DUI with child endangerment, or similar serious offenses.
For over a decade, our law firm has proudly represented clients facing DUI charges in San Bernardino County and surrounding areas, including Los Angeles and Riverside Counties. No matter where you were arrested for DUI in California, we invite you to contact our law office in Redlands for legal help.
Our DUI lawyer is a member of the California DUI Lawyers Association and the National College for DUI Defense. He’s also certified in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) and has completed training with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), so you can trust that you’re in good hands when you hire our firm.
When you choose our law firm to represent you, you’re hiring a team of professionals who have been carefully evaluated before working on cases with us. We regularly work with two types of expert witnesses who can testify in DUI cases to support our legal defenses. They include Forensic Toxicologists and SFST Experts.
We understand the fear and uncertainty you feel after a DUI arrest, so we work hard to put your mind at ease. We aim to provide you with immediate answers to your questions while we work on an aggressive defense for your case. Rest assured that you have a supportive, skilled team on your side.
You can get a free initial consultation with our law firm before you hire us. This meeting is for you to determine if you’re comfortable with our approach as we get familiar with your DUI case. You have nothing to lose by meeting with us, so we invite you to schedule your consultation.
We have experience creating solid legal defenses for a wide variety of DUI charges. Whether you’re facing your first offense or have had prior DUI convictions, we’re here to provide legal guidance. This is also the case if you’re charged with murder DUI, DUI with child endangerment, or similar serious offenses.
For over a decade, our law firm has proudly represented clients facing DUI charges in San Bernardino County and surrounding areas, including Los Angeles and Riverside Counties. No matter where you were arrested for DUI in California, we invite you to contact our law office in Redlands for legal help.
Our DUI lawyer is a member of the California DUI Lawyers Association and the National College for DUI Defense. He’s also certified in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) and has completed training with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), so you can trust that you’re in good hands when you hire our firm.
When you choose our law firm to represent you, you’re hiring a team of professionals who have been carefully evaluated before working on cases with us. We regularly work with two types of expert witnesses who can testify in DUI cases to support our legal defenses. They include Forensic Toxicologists and SFST Experts.
We understand the fear and uncertainty you feel after a DUI arrest, so we work hard to put your mind at ease. We aim to provide you with immediate answers to your questions while we work on an aggressive defense for your case. Rest assured that you have a supportive, skilled team on your side.
You can get a free initial consultation with our law firm before you hire us. This meeting is for you to determine if you’re comfortable with our approach as we get familiar with your DUI case. You have nothing to lose by meeting with us, so we invite you to schedule your consultation.
What Should You Do After a DUI Arrest?
It might feel like it’s too late to get help when you’re already in handcuffs, but the truth is that your actions immediately following your arrest can determine how your case goes. First, it’s important to cooperate with the police without incriminating yourself. You should follow their directions and remain polite, but don’t volunteer more details than they need to know, such as basic contact information.
Once you’re released from jail, be sure to take any paperwork the police give you, as you need to know your court date and charges. When you get home, start looking for DUI defense lawyers who have successfully handled numerous DUI cases like yours so you have a chance of avoiding jail time. Schedule a free initial consultation with your chosen law firm as soon as possible to discuss your case and avoid missing important court dates.
& Insights
Call Patrick Silva, Attorneys at Law, for Legal Support During Your DUI Case
Our lawyers are passionate about defending clients from criminal charges. We believe everyone deserves an opportunity to tell their story and fight back against the prosecutor’s allegations. If you’re ready to discuss your DUI case with caring attorneys, call us at 909-500-4819 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Patrick Silva, Attorneys at Law, is located off the I-10 highway in downtown Redlands. Ed Hales Park is only 1 minute away from our law office, while Vine Street Community Park and Sylvan Park are about 3 minutes away. San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) is 15 minutes away from our law firm.
Q: Will I get jail time for a DUI in Southern California?
A: Every DUI charge carries the possibility of time in jail, typically anywhere from days to months. The more DUIs on your criminal record, the more jail time you can expect. For example, a first-offense DUI can result in 48 hours to 6 months in jail, while a fourth offense can result in up to 16 months in state prison. If you plead guilty to a DUI charge, you’ll likely spend some time in jail. If you’re hoping to avoid jail time, hire a DUI lawyer to fight the charge.
Q: Can I be arrested for a DUI for driving under the influence of marijuana?
A: You can be charged with a marijuana DUI if the arresting officer believes you’re under the influence of this drug while driving. If convicted, the penalties are the same as they are for a DUI involving alcohol. However, the evidence used in your case may be different since the police can’t give you a breath test to detect marijuana like they can with alcohol. Contact us to learn what to expect from your marijuana DUI case and what legal defenses may work for you.
Q: What are the penalties for driving under the influence with a child in the car?
A: If you’re accused of driving drunk with a minor passenger, the punishment will be harsher than for a regular DUI. The specific penalties will differ depending on your charge. If charged with DUI with a child endangerment enhancement, you’ll be sentenced to 48 hours in jail in addition to jail time from the DUI itself. If you’re charged with child endangerment and DUI separately, you’ll face DUI penalties in addition to up to one year in county jail. If your charge is a felony, you could get up to six years of prison time.
Q: Is a DUI a felony or misdemeanor?
A: In most cases, DUIs are charged as misdemeanors in California. Whether this is your first, second, or third DUI offense, it’s likely a misdemeanor. However, if it’s your fourth DUI in ten years, it could be a felony. Additionally, if you drove under the influence and caused a car accident that led to injuries or death for someone, your DUI will be a felony. The punishment will include prison time and expensive fines, so you owe it to yourself to hire a DUI lawyer to fight this charge.
Q: What happens if I’ve had prior DUI convictions and am arrested for a DUI again?
A: You can expect the penalties to be more severe for every DUI on your record. For example, the maximum jail time for a first offense is six months, while a second DUI offense can result in up to one year in jail. On the other hand, a fourth offense in ten years can result in 16 months in state prison and a felony on your record. So, if this isn’t your first DUI offense, it’s especially important to get legal help for a chance to avoid jail time.
Q: Will I lose my license for a DUI conviction?
A: Most DUI convictions require your driver’s license to be suspended. The length of the suspension will typically depend on how many prior DUIs are on your record. A driver’s license suspension typically lasts four months for a first offense, but it could last one year for a second DUI. If you get three or more DUIs, you could lose your license for a few years, especially if you injured or killed someone while driving under the influence. If you’re concerned about getting to work after a DUI, contact us to learn if you’re eligible for a restricted license.
Q: Will I owe fines for a DUI?
A: DUIs are expensive since the fine for even your first offense could be up to $1,000. You’ll also typically have to pay other fees for requirements that include DUI school, an ignition interlock device, SR-22 insurance, driver’s license reinstatement, and court costs. If you’re charged with injuring or killing someone while driving drunk, your fines could reach $5,000, plus restitution to the victim. This is why it’s worth it to schedule a free consultation to find out how a lawyer can help you avoid conviction.
Q: What if I’m accused of causing a fatal accident when driving under the influence?
A: If you’re charged with causing a fatal accident while driving drunk, expect a felony charge. The exact charge depends on the circumstances surrounding the crash. In most cases, the charge would be vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, which can result in up to ten years in state prison. But in some cases, the prosecutors charge drunk drivers with second-degree murder, also called a Watson murder charge in California. This can result in 15 years to life in prison, so it’s critical that you hire a murder DUI lawyer for legal help.
