HERMOSA BEACH DUI ATTORNEY

If you drink and drive, you are susceptible to being stopped and charged with a DUI. Although you can legally drink and drive, you cannot do so while under the influence or while having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher. If you have been charged with a DUI, don’t hesitate to call a Hermosa Beach DUI attorney at (888) 754-9860.

A DUI conviction can present obstacles to continued employment, job opportunities, and finding rental housing. You also face jail time, suspension of your driver’s license, mandatory attendance for months at DUI classes, possible installation of an interlock system on your car that is required for repeat offenders, and payment of hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines, costs and insurance.

Having a Hermosa Beach DUI attorney on your side gives you a better opportunity for a favorable resolution. Call a Hermosa Beach DUI attorney now.

Proceedings in a DUI

A DUI consists of several stages:

• DMV hearing. If requested within 10-days of your arrest, your Hermosa Beach DUI attorney can raise issues of probable cause and challenge your BAC results. Your Hermosa Beach DUI attorney can also use this proceeding to prepare for your criminal case
• Arraignment. A brief appearance where your Hermosa Beach DUI attorney has you enter a not guilty plea and the court schedules a settlement conference
• Pretrial. Motions to exclude evidence or obtain information may be made by your Hermosa Beach DUI attorney who will also meet with the prosecutor to attempt a negotiated settlement
• Trial. Should no plea agreement be reached, then your Hermosa Beach DUI attorney will defend you

Defenses to a DUI

Most cases have certain defenses that a Hermosa Beach DUI lawyer will uncover after a thorough investigation. Your Hermosa Beach DUI lawyer will also review certain issues that may be presented in your defense:

• Police errors or misconduct regarding your stop, questioning and arrest
• Your medical or physical condition that could have influenced your BAC results
• Presenting flaws and other influences in chemical testing–breath or blood testing
• Errors and inconsistencies in police testimony and other evidence

You can be assured that any and all possible defenses will be considered and used, if applicable, by your Hermosa Beach DUI lawyer.

Penalties for a DUI Conviction

DUI sentences can vary,especially if there were aggravating circumstances that your Hermosa Beach DUI lawyer will advise you on. Otherwise, these penalties are generally imposed:

First DUI or DWI

The usual penalties for a first DUI or DWI are:

1. Jail. 48 hours in jail and up to 6-months; 3-years of probation
2. Suspension of license. Loss of driving privileges for 4 to 10-months though you may be eligible for a restricted license; if BAC testing was refused, the suspension is one year
3. Fines: $390 with costs over $1,800
4. DUI classes: 3-months
5. Insurance and installation: Secure SR-1 insurance and possibly install an interlock ignition system

Second DUI or DWI

Penalties for a second DUI or DWI within 10 years of the first include:

1. Jail. 96 hours and up to one year in county jail and 3-5 years probation
2. Suspension of license. 2 year suspension with eligibility for restricted license unless testing was refused.
3. Fines: $390 to $1000 but over $10,000 in costs
4. DUI Classe 18 to 30-months
5. Installation and insurance. SR-1 insurance and Interlock ignition system

Third DUI or DWI

Conviction of a third DUI or DWI in 10 years may include:

1. Jail. 120 days to one year in county jail and 3-5 years probation
2. Suspension of license. 3 years with restricted license after 12-months
3. Fines: $390 to $1000 and other costs up to $15,000
4. DUI classes. 30-months
5. Installation and insurance. SR-1 insurance and interlock system

Fourth DUI or DWI

A fourth DWI or DWI could be negotiated to a misdemeanor.by your Gardena DUI lawyer. If a felony, you face:

1. Jail. 16 months, 2 or 3 years in jail and formal probation for up to 5 years
2. Suspension of license: 4 years
3. Fines: Up to $5000 with associated costs of up to $18,000
4. Habitual traffic offender status. 3 years
5. Mandatory DUI classes. 30-months
6. Installation and insurance. SR-1 insurance and interlock system

Commercial DUI or DWI

Commercial drivers can be convicted of a commercial DUI or DWI if their BAC is 0.04% so that their need for a Gardena DUI lawyer is imperative.

Penalties include:

1. Jail. Same as for a motorist with a Class C license for first or multiple DUI or DWI offenses
2. Driver’s license suspension.

• Loss of commercial driver’s license for one year, regardless of the vehicle you were driving
• Life-time suspension for a second conviction
• Your Class C license is also affected

3. Fines. From $390 to $1000
4. DUI Classes. Same as for other offenders
5. Insurance and installation. Possible securing of SR-1 insurance and installation of an interlock system

Call a Hermosa Beach DUI Lawyer

If you were arrested for a DUI, call a Hermosa Beach DUI lawyer today at (888) 754-9860.