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Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

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Person with handcuffs, needing Los Banos DUI attorney.

There’s no denying that a DUI is a serious criminal offense that can have immediate and long-term consequences, including loss of your driver’s license, steep fines, and even jail time.  It’s normal to feel intimidated when facing these potential penalties and a complex legal process. However, your situation is far from hopeless. An experienced Los Banos DUI attorney can help you exercise your legal rights and potentially significantly impact the outcome of your case.

At the Law Offices of Shawn M. George, APC, we understand the seriousness of a DUI charge and the stress it brings. Attorney Shawn George has spent years representing clients in DUI cases throughout the Central Valley. He is prepared to fight for your rights, minimize your penalties, and help you protect your driving privileges.

Do I Need a Los Banos DUI Lawyer?

Many drivers arrested for DUI assume that there’s no point fighting the charge. This is not the case. Even if you think the evidence against you is overwhelming, or you’re considering pleading guilty to avoid a drawn-out legal process, hiring an attorney is critical to protecting your rights and securing the best possible outcome. 

Hiring a skilled Los Banos DUI attorney ensures you have a knowledgeable advocate guiding you through the process and protecting your future. An attorney can analyze the details of your case, identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.

California DUI laws are complex, and prosecutors take these cases seriously. Without an experienced DUI attorney, you may face harsher penalties, including extended license suspensions, higher fines, and longer jail time. A DUI conviction can also impact your employment, insurance rates, and criminal record. 

Types of DUI Cases We Handle

At the Law Offices of Shawn M. George, APC, we have extensive experience handling a wide range of DUI matters, including:

  • Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI),
  • Driving while intoxicated (DWI),
  • Field sobriety test investigations,
  • Challenges to breath test results,
  • Driver’s license suspension,
  • Underage drinking and driving,
  • Vehicular assault,
  • Vehicular homicide, and
  • Court-ordered alcohol evaluations.

When we take your case, we are prepared to work aggressively to protect your rights, freedom, driving privileges, and reputation.

What to Expect After a DUI

After a DUI arrest, you will face both administrative and criminal proceedings. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for the process and make informed decisions.

DMV Hearing

After a DUI arrest, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will automatically suspend your driver’s license unless you request a hearing within 10 days of the arrest. At the hearing, you or your attorney can challenge the suspension by questioning the validity of the arrest and the accuracy of the chemical tests. If you fail to request a hearing, the suspension will go into effect 30 days after your arrest.

Los Banos Criminal Court

The criminal court process begins with an arraignment, where you’ll be formally charged and can enter a plea. If a plea bargain is available, your attorney can negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options, such as community service or alcohol education programs. 

If you plead not guilty, pretrial hearings will follow, during which your attorney may negotiate a plea deal or challenge the evidence. If the case proceeds to trial, the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

If you’re convicted, you can face fines, license suspension, and possible jail time—even if it’s your first offense.

How a Los Banos DUI Defense Lawyer Can Help

An experienced Los Banos DUI attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At the Law Offices of Shawn M. George, APC, we provide comprehensive legal services to protect your rights and minimize the impact of a DUI charge, including:

  • Contacting the DMV immediately to request a hearing to protect your driving privileges;
  • Advocating for a “stay” on your license suspension while your case is pending;
  • Advising you on the best course of legal action and potential consequences;
  • Preparing documents required for the DMV and court proceedings;
  • Negotiating a plea for reduced charges or alternative sentencing;
  • Gathering evidence and conducting witness interviews to support your case;
  • Drafting motions to challenge the legality of the stop, test results, and other evidence;
  • Appearing before all California state courts of law to represent you; and
  • Fighting for your rights at trial before a judge or jury.

At the Law Offices of Shawn M. George, a California law firm, we know how to proceed after a DUI arrest in a timely manner, protecting your freedom and your rights. We have an exceptional record at these hearings resulting in many clients’ retaining their driving privileges. We also can advise you on how to obtain a Restricted License if you lose the hearing, shortening the normal four-month suspension to thirty days. We will explain to you the pros and cons of requesting a “Stay” on your suspension to allow you to drive until your hearing with the DMV.

We work hard defending our clients arrested for drunk driving. After years of experience handling DUI/DWI cases, we have an in-depth knowledge of California DUI laws, the court process, licensing hearings, and all aspects of California DUI defense and related matters. We represent many clients from outside of California who get arrested while visiting here. Our office can make all court appearances for you, thereby allowing you to continue working without interruption.

Seasoned Legal Defense You Deserve 

We understand that DUI arrests can be embarrassing, so we do everything possible to handle this confidential matter in a sensitive manner. If you have been accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, DUI, DWI, or any other driving offense, contact the Law Offices of Shawn M. George immediately. As a Super Lawyer’s Rising Star for two consecutive years, we have a proven track record of successfully securing reduced charges and dismissals for our clients. We will aggressively protect your rights and your freedom.

Don’t waste your time with the big firms where a “case manager” or “paralegal” interviews you. At the Law Offices of Shawn M. George, you always meet with Shawn George, who will be handling your case. With Shawn George, you receive personal attention.