LONG BEACH DUI ATTORNEY

If considering just pleading guilty to a DUI, think again. A DUI conviction has serious implications for your job and other areas of your life. You will need the services of a skilled, resourceful, knowledgeable and seasoned lawyer. Call a Long Beach DUI attorney now at (888) 754-9860.

A DUI conviction means jail time, loss of your driver’s license, fines and substantial costs for DUI classes, license reinstatement, SR-1 insurance and, if ordered, installation of an ignition interlock system in your car. Don’t hesitate to call a Long Beach DUI attorney who can immediately begin investigating and developing defenses in your case.

Proceedings in a DUI

A typical DUI case has a number of proceedings that a Long Beach DUI attorney can handle from the start:

• DMV hearing. This is scheduled only if requested within 10-days of your arrest so promptly retain a Long Beach DUI attorney. This concerns revocation of your license. A Long Beach DUI attorney can raise several issues for consideration and challenge your chemical testing
• Arraignment. Your first court appearance where your Long Beach DUI attorney will enter a not guilty plea and have a settlement conference scheduled with the prosecutor.
• Pretrial. An investigation may prompt your Long Beach DUI attorney to file motions to exclude evidence among others. Your Long Beach DUI attorney will also meet with the prosecutor to try and negotiate a plea deal
• Trial. If no settlement is reached, your Long Beach DUI lawyer will defend you at trial

How a Long Beach DUI Lawyer Defends a DUI

Many DUI defenses are formed after a thorough investigation by your Long Beach DUI lawyer. There are certain areas of inquiry that your Long Beach DUI lawyer will explore:

• Possible rights violations based on police misconduct
• Issues regarding your medical or physical condition influencing your arrest and BAC tests
• Challenges to the validity and integrity of the BAC tests–breath, blood or urine
• Possible bias, inconsistencies and errors in police testimony, reports and records

Any other possible defenses will be considered by your Long Beach DUI lawyer depending on the facts of your case.

Penalties in a DUI Case

DUI sentences vary, especially if aggravating circumstances were present of which your Long Beach 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 Long Beach DUI Lawyer

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