SANTA FE SPRINGS DUI ATTORNEY

Is it a good idea to just plead guilty to a DUI? After all, aren’t most defendants guilty? If you think this way, think again. In many cases, charges are dismissed because police failed to follow certain procedures, evidence that was unlawfully obtained is excluded or a jury finds it insufficient to convict.

In numerous cases, an attorney who successfully defends a client is a Santa Fe Springs DUI attorney. Call a Santa Fe Springs DUI attorney at (888) 754-9860 if you have been charged with a DUI.

What Happens to First Offenders?

If this is your first DUI, perhaps you feel a Santa Fe Springs DUI attorney is unnecessary. But do you know what penalties and repercussions you face?

• Jail time of 2-days but up to 6-months if there are aggravating circumstances

• Fine of $390 but can be up to $1000 if circumstances warrant it

• Mandatory suspension of your license for a minimum of 4-months; one year if you refused testing

• 3-months of DUI classes at a cost of around $500

• 3-years of probation

• Significant rise in your auto insurance when your license is returned

• Possible installation of an interlock system on your car–at your expense

Call a Santa Fe Springs DUI attorney because you have too much to risk.

DUI Proceedings

There are a number of steps in a DUI case that your Santa Fe Springs DUI attorney can handle:

• DMV hearing. Have your Santa Fe Springs DUI attorney request this (it must be made within 10-days of your arrest). Many of the same issues in your criminal case can be challenged by your Santa Fe Springs DUI attorney.

• Arraignment. A brief appearance with your Santa Fe Springs DUI attorney where you enter a not guilty plea and future court appearances are scheduled.

• Pretrial. Your Santa Fe Springs DUI lawyer will investigate your case and may make motions to exclude evidence. Defenses are often based on police errors or misconduct, flaws in the chemical tests and results, and bias and inconsistencies in police testimony, reports and records. In many cases, plea agreements are negotiated.

• Trial. If no resolution, your Santa Fe Springs DUI lawyer is fully prepared to try your case based on the defenses formed during the pretrial phase.

DUI Penalties

DUI sentences vary, especially if aggravating circumstances were present, which your Santa Fe Springs DUI lawyer will advise you on. 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 Santa Fe Springs DUI Lawyer

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