Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious crime in California. If you are convicted of DUI, you could face severe penalties, including fines, jail time, and the suspension of your driver's license. However, if you are charged with aggravated DUI, the penalties can be even more severe.
Aggravated DUI is a more serious form of DUI that involves additional factors, such as prior convictions or causing serious injury or death while driving under the influence. In this blog post, we will discuss what you should do if you are charged with aggravated DUI in California.
What to Do if You’re Arrested for Aggravated DUI in California
The following are tips detailing what you should do if you’re charged with aggravated DUI in California:
- Hire an experienced DUI defense attorney: If you are facing aggravated DUI charges in California, you need to hire an experienced DUI defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can provide you with legal advice, represent you in court, and potentially help you avoid or reduce the penalties associated with a conviction. Your attorney can investigate the circumstances of your case, challenge the evidence against you, and negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf.
- Take the charges seriously: Aggravated DUI charges are serious, and they can have long-lasting consequences. If you are convicted, you could face fines, jail time, mandatory alcohol education classes, a suspended driver's license, and other penalties. In addition, a DUI conviction can also affect your future job prospects and even your ability to travel abroad. Therefore, it is crucial that you take these charges seriously and work with an attorney to build a strong defense.
- Be proactive: If you have been charged with aggravated DUI, it is important to be proactive in managing your case. This means attending all court hearings, complying with any court orders, and taking any required alcohol education classes or other programs. You may also want to consider entering into a plea bargain, which can potentially reduce your charges or penalties.
- Consider your options: In some cases, a plea bargain may not be the best option for your case. You and your attorney may want to explore other options, such as filing a motion to suppress evidence or challenging the validity of the charges. Alternatively, you may want to go to trial and fight the charges against you.
- Learn from your mistake: Finally, if you are convicted of aggravated DUI, it is essential that you learn from your mistake and take steps to prevent it from happening again. This may mean getting help for an alcohol addiction, attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, or simply making a commitment to never drive after drinking again.
Being charged with aggravated DUI can be a life-changing experience. However, with the help of an experienced DUI attorney, you can build a strong defense and potentially avoid or reduce the penalties associated with a conviction. By taking these charges seriously, being proactive in your case, considering your options, and learning from your mistake, you can move on from this experience and get back to living your life.
Facing aggravated DUI charges in Fresno? Give The Law Office of Brian C. Andritch a call at (559) 484-2112 or contact us online today for a free consultation with our experienced aggravated DUI defense attorney.