San Bernardino DUI Lawyer

Giving Clients Facing Severe Charges Hope for the Future

Drunk driving charges come with a heavy stigma that can be difficult to overcome. You may face backlash within your community, at work, or even in your own family if you have been placed under DUI arrest. Even if you are charged with a misdemeanor DUI, you could face legal and financial consequences that make life extremely difficult. However, hope is not lost.

With a knowledgeable DUI lawyer by your side, you have much greater chances of defeating your charges. Your San Bernardino DUI attorney can inform you on how the process works, from the DUI arrest to the investigation to your legal options and rights. When you hire the right DUI lawyer, you will also get counsel based on years of experience helping clients with similar problems.

Our San Bernardino DUI lawyers have vast experience helping individuals facing various DUI charges, including first DUI, felony DUI, Watson’s murder, drug-related driving crimes, and more. We promise to address each concern carefully so you get the best possible outcome in your unique case. We also handle other criminal charges, including domestic violence, theft, sex crimes, white-collar crimes, violent crimes, and more.

When you or your loved one is facing charges in the California criminal justice system, you need DUI attorneys you can trust to be honest and aggressive with your representation. Call the legal team at Patrick Silva, Attorneys at Law for knowledgeable, confident lawyers to handle your DUI case. We have spent years helping individuals overcome their criminal charges, and we know how to help you. Call 909-500-4819 to schedule your free consultation.

What Are the DUI Laws in San Bernardino County?

Law enforcement officials in San Bernardino County are notorious for strictly upholding DUI laws. While this may seem appropriate for the safety of citizens on San Bernardino roads, it can also mean that many individuals are punished far beyond what is necessary. In fact, if you are facing DUI charges, a prosecutor has likely already begun building a case against you. Understanding DUI laws is a great first step in taking charge of your case and getting a favorable outcome.

DUI Laws Regulating Drunk Driving

Some DUI laws have to do with what is permitted and what is prohibited among San Bernardino drivers. For example, no one may operate a vehicle while inebriated or under the influence of drugs to the point of being unable to make quick decisions behind the wheel. In California, exceeding 0.08% blood alcohol content is considered illegal. However, you may be pulled over for driving under the influence even if you have a lower BAC.

Some specific groups of citizens face even more stringent laws. Commercial drivers must have below a 0.04% BAC, or they could lose their license and face criminal charges. Minors with any level of alcohol in their system could face license suspension and other legal penalties. Speaking with a DUI defense lawyer is one of the best ways to understand your charges and walk away with minimal penalties.

Laws That Protect Defendants

What many people forget is that law enforcement officers are also subject to the law. If a police officer violates your right to privacy or pulls you over in an illegal traffic stop, you may be able to get your charges lowered or dismissed. You also have other Constitutional rights that must be protected. Contact our San Bernardino criminal lawyers to get help protecting your rights and freedom.

How Will a DUI Conviction Affect My Life?

Facing the possibility of a DUI conviction can be overwhelming and scary. Many people focus on the legal penalties, such as jail time and fines. However, there are additional consequences that can impact you for years following your DUI.

Legal Penalties for DUI

DUI convictions may result in severe penalties. The degree to which you are punished for a conviction depends on the severity of your charges. For example, a misdemeanor DUI will usually have a lighter sentencing than a felony DUI. Most DUIs in San Bernardino County are charged as misdemeanors. In cases of high BAC, repeat DUIs, or where someone causes an accident that injures or kills another person, this may constitute a felony.

Misdemeanor DUIs usually result in time in county jail, such as up to $3,000 in fines, up to six months of jail time, and up to six months of license suspension. A felony may result in years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol recovery school. Contact a trusted San Bernardino DUI attorney for help minimizing your penalties.

Additional Consequences of DUI

Beyond the jail time and fees, a person convicted of DUI may face additional consequences. These include:

• Loss of immigration status
• Loss of child custody
• Loss of driving privileges
• Loss of employment
• Loss of professional licensing

Do I Need an Attorney to Fight My DUI Charges in San Bernardino?

With an attorney on your side, you can construct a powerful defense and avoid the time in jail, hefty fines, and other repercussions of a conviction. An effective DUI defense may include petitioning for a hardship driver’s license so you can continue to get to school or work. You may also be able to fight the results of a breath test since breathalyzer tests are notoriously inaccurate. Some other defense strategies include arguing that you were not the person driving, that the officer made an illegal traffic stop, or that your rights were otherwise violated.

Our San Bernardino DUI lawyers have handled countless DUI cases, making us your ideal allies when confronting San Bernardino County courts. We understand how the law works, and we know what it takes to win. We will study your case carefully to craft a defense that prevents you from getting maximum sentencing. Contact our criminal defense team for help fighting DUI, violent crime, sex crime, drug crime, or other criminal charges.

Should You Hire Our San Bernardino DUI Attorneys?

Choosing a lawyer can seem difficult, but when you need experienced, skilled DUI attorneys, the choice is easy. You can rely on the law offices of Patrick Silva, Attorneys at Law. We will take the time to get to know you and understand the details of your case. Unlike other law firms, we treat each client as a valued individual, not just another case number. We will answer your questions and offer peace of mind as we develop a solid case in your defense.

Please don’t make the mistake of thinking your DUI charges aren’t serious. You could face devastating repercussions without the right legal team in your corner. Call our San Bernardino, CA law firm immediately for help with your DMV hearing. Whether you are facing one charge or multiple offenses, we’ll be by your side to develop effective defense strategies that meet your goals. Call 909-500-4819 to fight your DUI in San Bernardino.