At the beginning of 2022, the law regarding DUI diversion changed. DUIs are no longer eligible for
diversion in California. Please contact our office with any questions. Email us at abortellaw@gmail.com OR Call us at: (415) 523-7878
We Are Open 24/7 And Offer Free In Person And Virtual Consultations.
Arrested for a DUI and don’t know what to do? Let’s help you navigate the justice system and protect your rights.
Each DUI case is unique. The circumstances surrounding the stop and arrest are always different, and so is how the police conduct their investigations. This is why you might face surprises or unexpected charges, even if this isn’t your first time interacting with DUI law.
Unfortunately, being stopped for a DUI is only the beginning of your challenges. Your choices can worsen the situation, potentially increasing your sentence or making it difficult for your DUI lawyer to defend you successfully.
Understanding how to conduct yourself and knowing what to do and not do is essential. At The Law Office of Aaron Bortel, we do more than help our clients fight DUI charges. We also provide you with the information you need in case you are stopped by the police in the future.
With over 32 years of experience and having handled thousands of DUI cases, we know how to approach even the most challenging cases. Our personalized and assertive approach ensures we work towards the best outcome possible for each client.
What To Do And Not Do During A DUI Arrest in Napa County, CA
The DUI arrest is an extremely sensitive time for your case. Usually, most clients don’t know what to do, which ends up making matters worse and increasing their charge sheet. Some of the things you should not do during a DUI arrest in Napa County, CA, include:
Do not make any admissions to the officers or anybody else handling the case.
Do not panic during the arrest.
Do not try to explain the law or defend yourself during the stop.
Do not submit to field sobriety tests. Respectfully decline the tests.
Do not submit to the roadside breathalyzer test.
On the other hand, there are things you can do that would help improve the chances of a good outcome in negotiations and in court:
Call the DMV right away:
A DUI arrest in California triggers two cases: A criminal case and the DMB administrative Per Se case. For the latter, you have to actively request a hearing from the DMV within 10 days.
Consult an experienced DUI attorney:
Many of the questions you have after a DUI arrest can be answered by your DUI attorney. The attorney will also advise you on the next steps you should take for the best results.
Treat the officers with respect:
Do not be rude or physical with the officers handling the case. However, you should also avoid being chatty with them. Be respectful, even when declining tests and searches.
DUI cases are different. Some are more serious than others, even when it is a first-time offense. This is why securing a DUI defense attorney as soon as possible is vital for your case. The attorney can look at the factors surrounding the case and advise you on just how serious the charges are.
Some of the factors that could increase your DUI sentence if convicted include:
Someone was injured or killed: If your DUI resulted in the injury or death of another person, you could be facing far more serious misdemeanor or felony charges.
Prior felony DUI conviction: If you have a previous felony DUI conviction, subsequent DUIs can be charged as felonies, even if no one was injured. You could face up to three years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.
4th DUI penalty:
If this is your fourth DUI conviction in 10 years, you could be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances surrounding the case.
When facing a DUI charge, you shouldn’t assume that the outcome will be the same as a previous incident, even if the circumstances are similar. It’s always best to work with attorneys for DUI charges to understand the charge fully.
The Law Office Of Aaron Bortel: Standing With Our Clients in Napa County, CA
We fight as hard as you would fight for yourself in every DUI charge.
Choosing to find a DUI attorney near me in Napa County, CA, is one of the best decisions you can make for your DUI charge.
With over 30 years of experience in DUI Law, Aaron Bortel can help you navigate the challenges of any DUI case, no matter how complicated it seems. Get yourself the defense you need by calling us today at (415) 523-7878. We are available round the clock so that you can reach us at any time.
