DUI with Injury Attorney in Santa Monica

DUI with injury, or DUI causing injury, is a criminal offense that relates to causing an auto accident while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, when this accident causes injury to one or more other persons. In Santa Monica, California, a driver may face felony charges and harsh penalties for DUI with injury. Depending on the extent of injury and the number of people injured, a driver may face up to 1 year in county jail or up to 4 years in state prison, fines of up to $5,000, DUI school and driver’s license suspension. One of the most important things you can do in this matter is to consult with an attorney who has the drive and dedication to vigorously defend your legal rights. You may be able to avoid a conviction for this offense entirely, but it will take a complete investigation into the matter and an aggressive defense strategy to offer you the best chance at a successful outcome.

Charges for DUI Causing Injury

DUI causing injury involves several key factors that the District Attorney will need to prove to secure a conviction. It will be up to your Santa Monica DUI defense lawyer to challenge these and establish a reasonable doubt to secure an acquittal or negotiate with the prosecution to have your charges lessened or dropped entirely. These are the key issues involved:

• The defendant must have been driving the vehicle;
• The defendant must have been “under the influence” (must have had an unlawful blood alcohol concentration or abilities that were impaired by alcohol or drugs);
• The defendant must have caused the auto accident due to negligence or wrongdoing of some kind; and
• The victim must have been injured as a result of the accident and the defendant’s actions.

Santa Monica Drunk Driving Lawyer

Find out more about how a competent lawyer can build an effective defense against your charges. Contact a Santa Monica DUI with Injury Attorney at our firm today.