Larkspur DUI Defense Attorney

Skilled DUI Lawyer Defending Clients in Larkspur, California

Getting arrested on charges of driving under the influence is an extremely stressful ordeal for anyone to go through. When you are charged with DUI, there is much at stake, with your driver's license, your finances, and your freedom all on the line. Through the counsel and representation of a skilled attorney, you can have the sentence mitigated or dropped outright, allowing you to transition smoothly back into your daily life. Attorney Paul Burglin of Burglin Law Offices, P.C. represents clients in Larkspur who have been accused of driving under the influence. With nearly 40 years of practice behind him, he brings the requisite knowledge and experience to protect your rights in court.

What You Should Know About California's DUI Process

In California, law enforcement officers are bound to a code of conduct when carrying out a traffic stop and/or arrest for DUI. Many motorists may not know about the rights they are entitled to during a traffic stop, and invoking those rights could make all the difference during a criminal case. Crucial facts you should know at any traffic stop include:

• An officer needs probable cause to pull you over. Essentially, this means that a traffic stop must have been conducted for a good reason, and it cannot be performed at random or due to prejudice. Our DUI lawyer may be able to prove that a traffic stop was administered in bad faith, preventing any evidence gathered during the stop from being used against you.
• You are not required by law to answer any questions the officer asks of you, besides providing your license, registration, and insurance when prompted. Any statements you make to an officer could be used against you in court, especially inquiries about how much you had to drink.
• You are under no obligation to perform a field sobriety test or preliminary alcohol screening during the traffic stop. If arrested, however, you are required to consent to chemical testing.

After a DUI arrest, you will typically need to attend a court proceeding and a DMV hearing. The former decides how criminal charges will be addressed, while the latter determines what should be done about your driver's license. Note that you will not receive a public defender in a DMV hearing, so your only options are representing yourself or getting help from an attorney. Attorney Paul Burglin is happy to walk you through the DUI process in California, informing you of your rights and working to resolve your case successfully.

Out-of-State California DUI

There are unique legal proceedings for out-of-state drivers who are arrested for DUI in California. After being charged with DUI, an out-of-state driver will automatically have his or her California driving privileges suspended after 30 days, and authorities in his or her home state will be informed of the charge. If you do not contest this suspension in a hearing, your license could be suspended in your home state as well. There is a 10-day window during which you can request a hearing to contest the suspension.

If you are visiting California on vacation, attending a hearing in person may not be feasible. In most cases, an attorney can represent you in your stead, except in cases of felony DUI. Attorney Paul Burglin will help you avoid the trouble of being summoned to a hearing.

Meet With a Larkspur, CA DUI Lawyer

Having an experienced legal professional at your side can make all the difference during your DUI case. Burglin Law Offices, P.C. represents clients in Larkspur who are facing misdemeanor and felony charges of driving under the influence, providing individualized service and fierce representation. Attorney Paul Burglin's experience runs deep, as he co-authored the widely cited "Bible" of DUI defense, California Drunk Driving Law. To schedule a free consultation, contact our office today at 415-729-7300.