Norwalk DUI Lawyer

Norwalk DUI Attorney

Being charged with a DUI can be devastating. The penalties associated with a DUI can have significant negative effects on your life.  Hiring a Norwalk DUI lawyer can help defend your interests in court to negotiate a lighter sentence or to have the charges dropped entirely. In some instances, this can help reduce fines or avoid time spent in jail.

At Gibbons & Gibbons, our DUI defense lawyers have a strong understanding of what a guilty DUI verdict looks like in Norwalk, California. Our nuanced understanding of DUI law helps us spot areas of vulnerability in a prosecution’s case, which helps us craft a compelling defense strategy. From the moment we begin working on your case, we can be your champion inside and outside of the courtroom to help minimize the impact a DUI allegation has on your life.

Defense Strategies For DUI

With so many drunk driving defense strategies available, the only way to identify the most promising defense is to have your case assessed by a DUI criminal defense attorney. They will be able to determine which specific defense can help reduce or dismiss the charges you face. Some of the most common used in these cases include:

• Challenging why you were stopped. The first event a criminal defense attorney will evaluate is the rationale for why you were stopped. Law enforcement is only allowed to perform a traffic stop if they observe specific behaviors that indicate potential illegal activity.For example, if someone ran through a stop sign or was driving outside of the barrier lines on the road, this could be a reason to question the driver. If there is no proof of a legitimate reason to pull you over, this could lead to a dismissal of charges.
• Challenging field sobriety tests. Officers are not allowed to arrest someone for a DUI without evidence. To obtain this evidence, they may conduct a series of field sobriety tests designed to measure a driver’s impairment. Unfortunately, these tests are not always accurate. Their results could be unfairly influenced by a driver’s medical condition, which could suggest they were drinking alcohol even if that was not the case.
• Questioning the breathalyzer results. An individual’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is one of the most important pieces of evidence used to convict someone of a DUI charge. In California, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a BAC level of 0.08% or higher.However, breath tests do not always produce an accurate reading. If the device has not been properly maintained and calibrated, it could produce a BAC reading that is higher than the defendant’s true BAC at the scene.
• Evaluating law enforcement’s conduct. How a police officer behaved during the traffic stop and engaged with the defendant can impact the DUI case. A criminal defense attorney will examine every step the officer took to see if there is any evidence of neglecting their mandatory protocols. If a defense attorney can prove there was a procedural misstep or the officer engaged in unlawful behavior, the charges could be dismissed.
• The influence of medical conditions. There are many different medical conditions that can lead an officer to believe someone is drunk. For example, if someone was driving recklessly on the road, it could be due to an episode caused by a neurological condition.

To make this case, a defense attorney will need to provide evidence of this condition through medical reports and professional testimony.

These are just a few of the defense strategies used in DUI cases. Our team can evaluate your case and provide you with a defense strategy that is tailored to meet your needs.

FAQs

How Much Does a DUI Attorney Cost in CA?

There is no universal price for DUI legal services in Norwalk, CA. Factors that influence costs include the complexity of the case, the amount of time the attorney will need to spend preparing or litigating your case, and the attorney’s experience.

Many lawyers charge by the hour, which is why a complex case that requires more work could be more expensive. During an initial consultation, speak with your attorney about the potential costs you could incur.

Can My DUI Charge Be Dropped in California?

Yes, it is possible for your DUI charge to be dropped in California. Hiring a defense attorney as soon as you are charged could make this more likely. To maximize your chances of a successful outcome, be sure to ask your attorney how many times they were able to achieve positive results for other clients. Experienced defense attorneys will be able to leverage specific vulnerabilities in the prosecution’s case.

Can I Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in California?

While you can refuse to take a breathalyzer test in California, there are some consequences to the decision that you should be aware of. The state imposes an implied consent law, which means that anyone who refuses to take a test when requested by law enforcement will automatically lose their license for up to one year. In court, the act of refusing this test can also be used as evidence against you by the prosecution.

What Should I Do If I Am Pulled Over for a Suspected DUI in California?

If you are pulled over and accused of driving under the influence in California, stay as calm as possible and cooperate with law enforcement. Satisfy their request to provide your driver’s license and vehicle registration information. You have the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present while being questioned. While you can politely decline to take a sobriety test, be aware that you may be arrested.

Contact Gibbons & Gibbons Today

If you have been recently accused of driving under the influence in Norwalk, contact the DUI defense lawyers of Gibbons & Gibbons today. We have spent years defending clients against these allegations and are ready to put our knowledge and experience to work for you. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you develop a strong defense.