TORRANCE DUI ATTORNEY

A DUI is a serious offense and you need to have serious representation. Call a Torrance DUI attorney at (888) 754-9860 for the professional and dedicated legal representation you need.

Many DUI cases are handled by attorneys with revolving door criminal practices–having clients plead out before any real investigation is done and move on to the next one. With a Torrance DUI attorney, you get a lawyer who has been handling primarily DUI cases for years, has real trial experience, knowledge of the DUI laws and how to use them to your advantage. More importantly, a Torrance DUI attorney is not afraid to try a case before the DMV or a jury.

Proceedings in DUI Cases

You are entitled to a license suspension hearing with the DMV but it must be requested within 10-days of your arrest. Have your Torrance DUI attorney request and handle it. Other proceedings are for your criminal case. All proceedings consist of:

• DMV hearing. Your Torrance DUI attorney can raise issues similar to those heard in your criminal case including challenges to the breath or blood test

• Arraignment. A brief court appearance with your Torrance DUI attorney. Future court appearances are scheduled after you plead not guilty

• Pretrial. Your Torrance DUI attorney and prosecutor exchange information and a plea agreement may be negotiated. Your Torrance DUI attorney may file motions at this stage to dismiss charges, exclude evidence and others

• Trial. Should not resolution be reached, your Torrance DUI lawyer is fully prepared to try your case

Defenses in DUI Cases

Serious representation means mounting defenses targeted to get your case dismissed or to cast reasonable doubt on whether you were driving under the influence. A Torrance DUI lawyer will look at certain issues that can arise in DUI cases:

• Police misconduct and errors

• Whether your medical or physical condition was a factor in your arrest and chemical test results

• Challenge to the integrity of your chemical test and validity of results

• Bias, errors or inconsistencies in police testimony, reports and records

DUI Penalties

DUI sentences vary, especially if aggravating circumstances were present, which your Torrance 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 Torrance DUI Lawyer

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