Yearly Archives - 2013

When arrested for a DUI in California, you can face very serious consequences that can change the entire course of your life. Even if this is your first offense, the penalties can be steeper than you imagined and may even include jail time. A Los Angeles DUI lawyer will be able to educate you on what you are up against as he or she prepares your defense. If you are a first time DUI offender in the state of California, you can be facing a number of penalties, including:

• Fines of up to $1,500 or more, depending on the jurisdiction you are in and also other circumstances surrounding your arrest, as well as assessment fees.
• The loss of your driving privileges with your drivers’ license possibly being suspended for up to six months
• Attendance at a DUI education course approved by the state for three months.
• The possibility of jail time with a sentence that can range from four days to six months maximum.

If you are convicted, a good and experienced DUI attorney in Los Angeles may be able to get you the minimum penalties, rather than the maximum. There are also circumstances in a DUI case that can warrant harsher punishments, even for first time offenders. These are called “enhancements” and if they can be proven in court, or are freely admitted to, then you may need a good Los Angeles DUI attorney more than ever. The circumstances that can lead to enhancements include a minor of under 14 years of age in the car at the time of your arrest, speeding at more than 20 MPH over the limit on street roads and more than 30 MPH over the limit on the highway and the refusal to submit to a blood alcohol test. For people who have experienced prior DUI charges within the last 10 years, punishment can also be more severe, as well as two or more prior convictions. Some of these harsher penalties include higher fines, more time spent in jail and a longer suspension of your drivers’ license. A DUI conviction does not just change your life while you are serving out your sentence and paying your fine. It can affect the rest of your life and have a negative impact on insurance premiums and employment prospects in the future. To protect yourself and seek the best possible outcome from these serious charges, call a Los Angeles DUI lawyer today for help.

A DUI charge in California is a serious offense that can come with serious consequences. Even if this is your first DUI arrest, the effects can be devastating on your life and impact it in a way you never imagined. A DUI on your record could hinder employment opportunities and also cause your car insurance premiums to skyrocket. This is why choosing the best possible Los Angeles DUI lawyer to represent you in your DUI case is of the utmost importance. Contacting a lawyer or list of lawyers right away is imperative. You will need to request a hearing regarding the state of your drivers’ license within 10 days of being charged. While you are free to do this without DUI attorney in Los Angeles, the chances for a good outcome are vastly improved with an experienced lawyer by your side. But, where do you start? It may be tempting to save yourself some hassle and choose the first lawyer you see out of the Yellow Pages, but this is rarely a good idea. Instead, contact the California bar association for a list of DUI lawyers in your area, as well as their credentials. You can also ask around. You may feel guilt and shame in admitting you are facing a DUI charge, but there is always a chance you know someone who has also been through this and guilt and shame are what stop this person from being public about it. Once you have compiled a list of about four or five lawyers, call them on the phone and briefly discuss your case. You can often get a feel after just one phone call if someone is the right choice to represent you in court or not. Once you have spoken to a few attorneys, set up an appointment with one or two of them to discuss your situation further. Be sure to ask them about their experience, as well as their success rates with DUI cases. A Los Angeles DUI attorney who sits there promising you the moon is usually not your best bet, but one who is up front and honest with you about the realities of your case and what he can do for you is usually someone you can trust. A good rapport with whichever attorney you choose is also helpful, as you will be spending a lot of time talking to him or her as your case is prepared. If you are facing DUI charges, do not go it alone and call a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles today to help provide you with the best defense possible.