Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is an offense taken seriously in the state of California. Convictions can result in thousands of dollars in fines, months or even years of jail time, mandatory use of an ignition interlock device, license suspension, and more. While these penalties may seem daunting, a Tehama County DUI lawyer may be able to help you get your charge reduced or even dismissed. Read on and reach out to a knowledgeable attorney to learn more about your legal rights and options today.
Can My DUI Charge Be Reduced or Dismissed?
Yes, if you are facing DUI charges in California there is a chance that your charges can be reduced or dismissed. The outcome of your case depends on the details of the situation.
There is always the possibility of a dismissal in any criminal case. If there is a lack of evidence, evidence was illegally obtained, there was no probable cause for the arrest, or the traffic stop was unlawful, a judge may determine that the situation should not proceed to trial.
You could also have your charges reduced to a lesser offense through a plea deal. When you are facing criminal charges your attorney may be able to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecution. This process requires you to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence and penalties. If you can work with the prosecutor your charges could be reduced to wet or dry reckless driving.
Wet reckless driving is a reckless driving charge that involves alcohol. It is a misdemeanor and is considered less severe than an outright DUI. You could also be charged with dry or standard reckless driving if you were arrested because of impairment but your BAC was less than .08.
What Will My Penalties Be?
If your charges are dismissed then you will not face any penalties. The case will have been thrown out and you will not be found guilty so you cannot be issued any legal consequences. However, if your charges were reduced then you can still face a variety of repercussions for dry or wet reckless driving including the following.
- 90 days in jail
- Fines ranging from $145 to $1,000
- 2 points on your license
- A period of probation
- Mandatory drunk driving education courses
- Priorable offense on your record
While you can still face serious consequences even after your charges have been reduced, they are much less severe than a DUI conviction. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence and want to explore your legal rights and options, reach out to an experienced defense attorney for more information and skilled representation.
