DUI In California

Reader’s Question:

I’m afraid I’ll lose my license after being charged with DUI here in Downey. How can I avoid losing my license and driving privileges after getting a DUI?

Darren

Downey, CA

A DUI charge in Downey, California would have serious consequences and the penalties if convicted often include losing your driver’s license. The state of California would take away your license on the spot after failing the blood alcohol test during a DUI stop or refusing to submit to it. Whatever the situation is in your DUI case, you will need to find good legal representation. A DUI defense lawyer would the law and your rights.

You have to decide what and your DUI lawyer would argue regarding your need to have your license. Depending on the number of prior DUI convictions, a limited or restricted driver’s permit could be issued. This would allow you to drive to and from work, and sometimes to appointments that are absolutely necessary. You would have to confer with your DUI lawyer as to your best approach. You can also ask the lawyer how you could minimize the effect of a DUI conviction so that your future finances and employment will be affected as little as possible. The DUI lawyer can also give you tips on how to deal with your auto insurance after being charged with DUI and especially if you get convicted.

Reader’s Question:

I have a friend who was charged for DUI here in Chino Hills, California and I guess his number one problem is getting a DUI lawyer because he thinks he can’t afford it. What can a lawyer do for him and how much will it cost him to get a DUI lawyer?

Larissa

Chino Hills, CA

A DUI lawyer who is dedicated to aggressively representing his client in court will sure to undertake a great deal of work well before the actual court date. Your friend can ask his potential DUI lawyer to describe in detail what the DUI lawyer will do for him for his DUI case in Chino Hills, California. If the DUI lawyer could not rattle off a mind-numbing list of tasks off the top of his/her head, he/she is probably not doing those things. But let me tell you now that a good DUI lawyer would definitely look at every aspect of your friend’s DUI case from the stop, detention and arrest, and look at the possible flaws that your friend can use on his defense.

Each law firm actually sets their own fees and they vary widely based on several factors, which are both relevant and irrelevant. Some lawyers do charge as little as $250 but others charge as much as $10,000 for first DUI offense. But your friend can find a DUI lawyer who charges $4,200 for first offense for a case with a low blood alcohol content. Don’t be lured to a big law firm that will charge your friend an initial consultation fee because he can definitely find one who will have the initial consultation for free.

Reader’s Question:

There are a lot of things that I want to know about DUI because I know someone who just got arrested for DUI in Fresno, California. I haven’t actually gotten caught drunk driving though I drink and drive at times. But just in case I get arrested, what should I say when a police officer asks if I have been drinking and do I have the right to an attorney after being stopped by a police officer?

Isabella

Fresno, CA

You must have been lucky if you do drink and drive and you haven’t been caught drunk driving in Long Beach, California. Anyway, there is not really a right or wrong answer to a police officer’s question if you have been drinking. Just so long as you don’t say, ’six beers and four tequila shots, officer.’ Seriously though, you are actually not required to answer potentially incriminating questions. The best answer to that is ‘I would like to speak with my lawyer before answering those questions.’ However, if you just say you ‘had a couple beers or a glass of wine that is not enough to cause intoxication,’ is not incriminating and can help explain the smell of alcohol on your breath.

Regarding your question if you have the right to an attorney after being stopped by a police officer, the short answer is no. Anyone asked by a police officer to pull over because of a DUI suspicion does not have the right to an attorney until you have been arrested. Though you can, and still ask for one.

Reader’s Question:

I’m in urgent need of an experienced drunk driving attorney because I was charged with DUI here in San Diego, California. How do I find one and what qualities should I be looking for?

Leonard

San Diego, CA

The best way to measure a qualified DUI lawyer is through their reputation. There are many ways you can find locally known lawyer in California who can represent you. The best means is found simply through asking lawyers in the district who they feel is the most qualified in DUI defense. You can also visit the courthouse in your area to ask bailiffs, clerks, and public defenders as to which DUI lawyer they would recommend.

The highest acknowledgment for a DUI lawyer is Board-certification because it shows a great amount of ability and experience. Another good mark of expertise is membership with the National College for DUI Defense. Even more suitable is the completion of the College’s rigorous 3 day seminar that takes place annually at Harvard Law School.

The qualities that you should be looking for in a San Diego California DUI lawyer are well-stated financial commitment, large amount of DUI cases and a strong background and a reputation of going to trial for strong defenses.

Reader’s Question:

My son was arrested for DUI in California for the 2nd time and I am determined to do anything to keep him out of jail. My main concern is the fees for legal representation. How much does it cost to get a lawyer who would defend my son?

Christine

Oakland, CA

The cost of a DUI lawyer in California will differ much between the amount of experience, the reputation, and the location of their practice. It is usually true that the more experienced and bigger the city is, the higher the costs of the lawyer.

The fees range from $500 to $15,000 or more, of course, all depending on the details of the lawyer and the case. If a lawyer is located in a smaller, less populated community, the charge could be $500 to $1000. Generally, an experienced DUI lawyer in California with a good reputation charges $5000 to $8000. Although this fee does include the DMV license hearing.

The overall fee also varies by few other factors such as:

• Expenses like service of subpoenas, independent blood analysis, expert witness fees, and other such evidence might be extra.
• Administrative license suspension procedures can also be included as extra fees.
• If the offense is a felony or simply a misdemeanor can affect the charges.
• If your son has been allegedly convicted of previous crimes, the additional procedures involved in taking care of these charges may have extra fees.

The lawyer may request a retainer in advance or or just charge a fixed fee, which includes all expenses. You may ask for a written agreement that will document all fees. It is very significant that you follow all of the terms the lawyer requests of you before you make any decisions.

Reader’s Question:

I’m so scared because this is the first time that I was charged with DUI. I need help as to what consequences I will be facing for having this violation in the State of California? Should I get a lawyer?

Renee

Los, Angeles, CA

First, let me educate you that drinking and driving are two things that should never be combined. Everyone should be practicing not to drive drunk. There are a lot of consequences you may be facing with your drunk driving charge in California. Here are some facts about drinking and driving laws in California.

You may be charged with one of two things if you get an California DUI:

First statue is that an officer can arrest you if he determines you are impaired due to alcohol or drugs. The 2nd statue you can be charged on is your BAC or blood alcohol content. Some consequences of a California DUI may include, but are not limited to fines of up to $1300, jail time, offender school, work programs and probation of up to 5 years.

But be scared no more. A good DUI lawyer in California can definitely get you out of trouble.

Reader’s Question:

I have been charged with DUI, should I contact a DUI lawyer right away? I live in California.

Michelle

Thank you for asking Michelle.

Never assume a DUI charge is just like a ticket, because it is not. A DUI charge can result in a revoked or suspended drivers license and jail time. Some DUI charges may result to additional penalties such as mandatory drug and alcohol counseling or fines.

The result of your case may depend on whether or not you meet the strict deadlines for defending yourself. A California DUI lawyer can provide you with information regarding the deadlines, your options and your rights.You may be able to schedule a free consultation online with a California DUI lawyer to discuss your case and learn about which defenses may be available for you to pursue. All you need to do is to fill out our simple online case evaluation form or call them so they can arrange your appointment and provide legal help right away.

A DUI lawyer in California will discuss to you what this DUI charge may mean to your future. After your free consultation online, you will have enough knowledge to make informed decisions about your case. It is necessary to act as soon as possible, before you miss any important deadlines for defending yourself.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

Will the judge be upset with me if I hire a DWI lawyer and fight the DWI charges instead of pleading guilty?

Ray

San Diego CA

Thank you for asking Ray.

The California constitution prohibits punishing you for asserting your right to a trial. Despite the constitution, small number of judges do threaten more harsh penalties later for not pleading guilty early. This tactic often works with less experienced lawyers. Other lawyers can call the judge’s bluff, outsmart him or her, or arrange for a different judge to handle the DWI case.

Those judges handling misdemeanors are extremely puffed up with their own importance. The meanest of these judges are often those that have been stuck forever handling traffic tickets and misdemeanors, because their colleagues recognize their intellectual limitations. In addition to that a huge ego with incompetence, and you have a person who replaces hard knowledge with bluster and intimidation. A best lawyer you can get in California is armed with a solid background in the law, and a willingness to challenge this type of judge can often prevail over even the worst of them. After all, isn’t that what you hire the best California DWI lawyer for?

MariCAR

Although a California DWI lawyer can be helpful in many ways, there are times when you must hire one and then there are times when you may have more options. I’m going to present you with several scenarios that you can consider when making your decision about whether or not to hire an attorney.

If you match the following criteria, you absolutely must hire a California DWI lawyer.

• You should absolutely hire a lawyer if this is the third DWI you have gotten, or if you have gotten more than that. Although punishment is already worse on a second DWI, by the third it starts getting especially severe and you will have a difficult time getting the sentence reduced.
• You need a lawyer if part of your job requires you to drive and thus you will not be able to earn a living if your driver’s license is suspended or revoked. It’s possible for the lawyer to win you a restricted license.
• While you were driving under the influence, you got into a car accident, and someone was injured or killed.