Eastern Sierra Law offers DUI legal services in Bishop and Mammoth Lakes.
DUI cases in California are complex, but they’re not hopeless. Sophie Bidet has represented hundreds of individuals arrested for DUIs, with some being dismissed for lack of evidence or reduced to a lesser included offense, such as “wet reckless” or “dry reckless.”
We carefully review the evidence and reports and provide a candid opinion regarding the likelihood of prevailing in court.
As a local public defender, we’re familiar with the various law enforcement agencies, we have a daily rapport with the local District Attorney’s Office in Mammoth Lakes, and we practice law on a daily basis before the judges of Inyo County.
How DUI Cases Usually Work
Most arrests begin with a traffic stop. The officer either pulls you over for an alleged violation of the vehicle code or because they allegedly observed signs of impaired driving. In some instances, the stop is unlawful, and we can determine whether a motion to suppress has merit.
Assessing Your Intoxication
The law enforcement officer asks you to perform field sobriety tests and then asks that you blow into a handheld breathalyzer.
After the arrest, the officer will ask you whether you want to undergo a blood or breath test at the police station, jail, or hospital. Refusing to undergo the chemical test may result in additional charges and may result in tougher penalties and consequences.
Appearing in Court
In most misdemeanor DUI arrests, you’ll receive a citation to appear in court and a pink colored temporary license. You must contact the DMV within 10 days of your arrest to demand a hearing. Failure to do so will cause you to forfeit your right to a hearing before the DMV and your license automatically goes into suspension after 30 days.
Most people whose blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds 0.08% get charged with two separate offenses, Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) and Vehicle Code Section 23152(b). If your BAC was over a 0.15%, you may be charged with Vehicle Code Section 23578.
If You Don’t Live in Mammoth Lakes or Bishop
At the initial arraignment, Eastern Sierra Law can appear on your behalf as your DUI lawyer, enter not guilty pleas, and undertake the task of collecting evidence, drafting and arguing motions, negotiating with the District Attorney and Judge seeking a dismissal or a reduction in the charges.
If a settlement can be reached, we can enter the plea without you needing to travel to Inyo or Mono County. If a resolution is not reached, the DUI case will get set for jury trial or court trial.
Get in touch with us for a consultation regarding your DUI matter.