SOUTH EL MONTE DUI ATTORNEY

Are you wondering what happens in a DUI case or about the penalties if you plead guilty to DUI charges? Call a South El Monte DUI attorney at (888) 754-9860 for answers to your questions and concerns. A South El Monte DUI attorney handles primarily DUI cases and has the skills, knowledge and resources gathered from years of experience to give you the best opportunity for a favorable outcome.

Time is of the essence in DUI cases, so calling and retaining a South El Monte DUI attorney is imperative.

What Happens in a DUI?

You have a number or proceedings in a typical DUI. Although you are entitled to license revocation hearing with the DMV, be sure to retain a South El Monte DUI attorney without delay as you have only 10-days to request the hearing or your license will automatically be suspended.

Proceedings in a DUI consist of:

• DMV hearing. A South El Monte DUI attorney can raise many of the same issues found in the criminal phase including challenges to the breath or blood tests.

• Arraignment. The first appearance in your criminal case where you and your South El Monte DUI attorney appear to enter a not guilty plea. A pretrial conference is scheduled.

• Pretrial. The prosecutor and South El Monte DUI attorney exchange information. Your South El Monte DUI attorney may also file motions to dismiss, exclude evidence and others. Many cases are settled with a plea agreement.

• Trial. If no resolution at the pretrial stage, your South El Monte DUI lawyer is fully prepared to defend you.

Defenses in DUI Cases

A successful defense begins with a thorough investigation by your South El Monte DUI lawyer and staff. Many defenses are based on certain issues that commonly arise in DUI cases:

• Police errors and misconduct

• Whether your medical or physical condition impacted your arrest and chemical test results

• Challenges to the validity and integrity of your chemical testing and results

• Possible bias, inconsistencies and errors in police testimony and other evidence

DUI Penalties

DUI sentences vary, especially if aggravating circumstances were present, which your South El Monte 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 South El Monte DUI Lawyer

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