WEST HOLLYWOOD DUI ATTORNEY

When deciding whether to fight a DUI charge, consider the penalties and consequences and then call a West Hollywood DUI attorney at (888) 754-9860.

First offenders face harsh and multiple penalties including jail time, a hefty fine, and costs, suspension of your driver’s license, vastly increased auto insurance rates, DUI class attendance for 3-months and probation for 3-years. You will also have a criminal record, accessible in any routine background check.

Call West Hollywood DUI attorney to see how we can assist you. A West Hollywood DUI attorney has the requisite skills, knowledge and experience to mount a strong defense for your case.

Proceedings in DUI Cases

It is imperative that you promptly retain a West Hollywood DUI attorney so that work on your case can begin immediately. For instance, you are entitled to a license suspension hearing before the DMV but only if you or your West Hollywood DUI attorney requests it within 10-days.

Proceedings in a DUI case generally consists of:

• DMV hearing. Your West Hollywood DUI attorney can raise issues challenging probable cause and your breath or blood test results.

• Arraignment. A brief court appearance with your West Hollywood DUI attorney to enter a not guilty plea. Further court appearances are scheduled by the court.

• Pretrial. Your West Hollywood DUI attorney exchanges information with the prosecutor and continues investigating your case. Motions may be filed to dismiss the case, exclude evidence and others. Your West Hollywood DUI lawyer will discuss a possible plea agreement with the prosecutor.

• Trial. If no settlement is reached, your West Hollywood DUI lawyer is prepared to defend you before a jury.

Defenses in DUI Cases

A solid defense is based on results of a thorough investigation as well as the skills, knowledge and resources of your West Hollywood DUI lawyer. In many DUI cases, a West Hollywood DUI lawyer will review the following issues for that could result in a dismissal or acquittal:

• Police misconduct during your stop, questioning and arrest

• If your medical or physical condition influenced your arrest and/or chemical test results

• Challenges to the integrity of the breath or blood test results and factors influencing the results

• Inconsistencies, bias and errors in police testimony, reports and records

Penalties in DUI Cases

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

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