Consequences of a DUI in California

Our Inland Empire DUI defense law firm receives many inquiries from individuals who have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) and their family members regarding the need to retain a private attorney.  The answer to this question is highly complex because many people proceed without an attorney or rely on a court appointed attorney.  Because of the complexity of navigating the procedural and evidentiary rules of a criminal proceeding, and developing and presenting effective legal arguments in a DUI case, most self-represented defendants end up pleading guilty.  While public defenders are typically conscientious and skilled, the limits imposed by their massive caseloads and limited resources often lead to a plea bargain early in the process.

Although our private DUI defense attorneys will evaluate a potential plea bargain with our clients, we recognize that a DUI conviction can have a devastating impact on our clients’ futures.  Our DUI attorneys consider the starting point in every case to be carefully gathering and reviewing relevant evidence to identify strategies for obtaining a dismissal or acquittal.  We know that our clients value their clean criminal record, and we value their record too.  

Our Inland Empire DUI lawyers have the experience, resources, legal skill and time to take cases to trial with the goal of obtaining a not guilty verdict.  We are criminal trial attorneys who are prepared to meticulously evaluate the prosecutor’s case and to analyze police procedures as well as field sobriety and chemical testing, so we are prepared to provide an effective defense at trial.  Our success in obtaining favorable plea bargains for our clients stems from our reputation for trial readiness as opposed to posturing for a plea deal.

Facing DUI Charges in San Bernardino or Riverside County

 

Whether you are charged with a first offense DUI, a repeat DUI offense, or felony DUI resulting in serious bodily injury, the consequences of a conviction can have a dramatic impact on your future.  While you might be aware that the immediate consequences include exposure to jail/prison, enormous fines, loss of your driving privileges (i.e., driver’s license suspension/revocation), mandatory participation in alcohol/drug classes and/or treatment programs and more, the penalties formally imposed by a judge only tell part of the story.

The potential long-term consequences of a DUI conviction should give you pause about accepting the quick path to a guilty plea.  If you are convicted of DUI anywhere in Riverside County, San Bernardino County, or other Southern California counties, your DUI conviction can have the following consequences:

• Impact on Employment

A DUI conviction can undoubtedly result in the loss of your job.  At the very least, you will have to deal with the inconvenience of relying on public transportation or getting rides to work because you will be facing a driver’s license suspension.  Further, you might be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on all the vehicles you will be driving depending on the circumstances.  If you have a commercial driver’s license, your entire career could be placed in jeopardy when you face a DUI charge.

Even if you are not a commercial driver, your DUI conviction will be a matter of public record, so employers may discover the DUI conviction with a simple background check that can be conducted by private online companies for a relatively nominal fee.  If a potential employer is considering two otherwise qualified candidates, the discovery of a prior DUI conviction can be the decisive factor in a hiring decision.  Further, your DUI conviction might be discovered if you are undergoing a background investigation for a promotion or security clearance.

 

• Disqualification for Occupational and Professional Licensing

A DUI conviction on your criminal record can disqualify your for many state occupational and professional licenses, significantly narrowing your career options.  Many occupations in California require potential candidates to obtain an occupational license, certificate, or permit from the State of California.  DUI convictions can result in denial of an occupational license or result in your incurring a tougher and more expensive application process.  Similarly, DUI offenses are considered crimes of “moral turpitude,” so they can jeopardize your eligibility for a professional license, such as a law license or medical license.  If you are interested in a career that involves state or professional licensing, you should seek immediate legal advice prior to considering any potential “guilty plea” in a DUI case.

 

• Immigration Status and Privileges

If you are convicted of a DUI related offense, it may impact your immigration status or your access to certain immigration benefits.  Depending on the circumstances, you may find that you are subject to removal from the U.S. and/or a permanent bar to re-entry for certain alcohol and drug related-driving convictions.  Certain impaired driving offenses also can impact your qualification for certain other immigration and naturalization-related benefits, such as the right to become a U.S. citizen, depending on the specific facts and circumstances.

 

• Blemish on Permanent Criminal Record

Because DUI offenses will be part of your permanent criminal record, they may be discovered not only by potential employers doing background checks, but also by potential landlords, creditors, academic institutions and even your children’s school if you are trying to volunteer.  This type of disclosure can be both embarrassing and potentially limiting in terms of these types of opportunities.  DUI related-convictions also can result in expulsion, honor code violations, academic discipline or other adverse consequences if you are seeking admission, or you are currently enrolled in a college or university.  While our law firm might be able to help you expunge your DUI conviction, the better option is to aggressively fight such a conviction in the first place.

Our Inland Empire DUI attorneys are available to answer your questions and defend your rights.  We tenaciously represent those charged with DUI offenses whether you are a first-time or repeat offender.  Our attorneys recognize that you cannot afford to take the consequences of a DUI lightly, and neither do we.  Call us today to learn about your options and potential defense strategies.