LAKEWOOD DUI ATTORNEY

A DUI conviction is a matter of public record and can lead to long term repercussions for your employment, career, housing and other issues. You do have rights in a criminal case so calling a Lakewood DUI attorney is imperative if you want the representation your case demands.

Unlike many other misdemeanor offenses, a DUI conviction imposes multiple penalties. You face jail time, revocation of your driver’s license, substantial fine and costs, requirement of expensive SR-1 insurance, attendance at DUI class for months and installation of an interlock system in your vehicle in many cases.

Don’t settle for just pleading guilty or hiring an inexperienced attorney. Retain a Lakewood DUI attorney who has the knowledge, skills and resources a serious case demands.

What Happens in a DUI Case?

You are entitled to a DMV hearing regarding revocation of your license but your or your Lakewood DUI attorney must request it within 10-days of your arrest. This is a separate proceeding but has common issues with your criminal case. A Lakewood DUI attorney will handle both for you.

A typical DUI has these stages:

• DMV hearing. Your Lakewood DUI attorney can raise probable cause issues and challenge the results of your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level results
• Arraignment. Your Lakewood DUI attorney will have you enter a not guilty plea. The court will schedule a settlement conference with the prosecutor
• Pretrial. A conference is held with the prosecutor where your Lakewood DUI attorney tries to negotiate a favorable plea agreement. Motions may be made by your Lakewood DUI attorney to exclude evidence or to obtain valuable information
• Trial. Should no satisfactory plea agreement be reached, your Lakewood DUI lawyer is fully prepared to defend you at trial

How a Lakewood DUI Lawyer Defends a DUI

Following an investigation, a Lakewood DUI lawyer will determine one or more defenses to your case. In many DUI cases, certain issues are examined:

• Possible rights violations based on police misconduct or errors during your stop, questioning and arrest
• Your medical and physical condition and if it influenced your arrest and test results
• Challenges to the integrity and validity of your BAC tests
• Inconsistencies and errors in police testimony, reports and records

There may be other defenses that your Lakewood DUI lawyer may raise.

DUI Penalties

DUI sentences vary, especially if aggravating circumstances were present of which your Lakewood DUI lawyer will advise you. Otherwise, these penalties are typically 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 Lakewood DUI Lawyer

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