DUI / DWI
DUI & DWI Accident Lawyer in Southern California
Accident Defense in the San Gorgonio Pass
Facing a DUI or DWI charge can be a daunting experience, but at The Law Offices of Shaffer Cormell, you don’t have to face it alone. Our knowledgeable legal team is dedicated to providing comprehensive defense strategies to those accused of driving under the influence. With in-depth experience in California DUI law, we are skilled at identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, from improperly administered field sobriety tests to inaccurate breathalyzer and blood test results.
Whether it’s your first DUI offense or you have prior convictions, we are committed to safeguarding your rights and minimizing the potential penalties, which can include hefty fines, license suspension, or jail time. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case, either through reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or outright dismissal.
What to Do After a DUI/DWI Accident
If you have been involved in an accident where you were arrested for DUI/DWI, you should not make any statements to the police. Anything you say may be used against you in court. You should not sign any documents without consulting with a criminal defense attorney first. You may be able to challenge the results of the breath or blood test if you have a valid medical reason for your blood alcohol content (BAC) level being above the legal limit. You may also be able to challenge the accuracy of the breath or blood test equipment if it was not properly maintained.
If you were not arrested for DUI/DWI, but you feel that you were treated unfairly by the police, you may want to consult with an attorney about filing a claim for damages. You may be able to recover for any injuries you sustained and for the damage to your vehicle, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
What is Considered DUI/DWI in California?
You may be charged with DUI/DWI if you were driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You can also be charged with DUI/DWI if you were in “actual physical control” of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Actual physical control can include being stopped in traffic, waiting in a parking space, or being asleep in the driver’s seat of a parked vehicle. You can also be charged with DUI/DWI if you were operating an off-road vehicle or a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In California, a DUI/DWI can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the case. If you have had three or more DUI/DWI convictions within the past 10 years, you can be charged with a felony DUI/DWI. You can also be charged with a felony if you caused bodily injury to another person while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if you caused the death of another person while driving under the influence.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI/DWI Conviction?
The penalties for a DUI/DWI conviction will depend on the circumstances of your case. The penalties may include:
A driver’s license suspension
Jail time
Mandatory alcohol education classes
Probation
Fines
You may be able to get a DUI/DWI conviction reduced to a reckless driving charge if you have no prior DUI/DWI convictions within the past 10 years and you do not cause an accident that results in injury or death. A reckless driving conviction will result in the same driver’s license suspension, fines, and jail time as a DUI/DWI conviction, but will not result in a permanent criminal record.
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Contact a DUI/DWI Accident Attorney in Banning
If you have been charged with DUI/DWI, you need a criminal defense attorney in Banning who will aggressively fight to protect your rights and get you the best possible results in your case. At The law Office of Shaffer Cormell– Criminal Defense Attorneys, we have been defending clients throughout Banning for more than 20 years. We are familiar with the courts and the prosecutors, and we know how to use this knowledge to get the best possible results for our clients.
Contact a DUI/DWI accident attorney in Banning from The Law Offices of Shaffer Cormell – Criminal Defense Attorneys 24 hours a day at (442) 263-7422. We will get started on your case immediately.