How Can a DUI Defense Lawyer Help Me?
There are two ways to generally beat the rap on a D.U.I. Taking the case to a trial and winning a not guilty verdict (or having the case dismissed on a legal ruling such as the officer conducting an illegal traffic stop).
The short answer is: yes, you should definitely hire a DUI attorney to defend you because if you're not familiar with California DUI law, it will be difficult for you to properly defend yourself. The DUI Attorneys at The H Law Group have extensive experience defending those who have been charged with drunk driving.
For a first-time misdemeanor DUI, a DUI attorney generally costs in the ballpark of $1,500 to $5,000. A California DUI Lawyer Association (CDLA) Specialist often starts at $2,500 – $4,500. Immediately get a free online DUI attorney consultation form – click now for a $1,000 Discount.
To fully reinstate your driving privilege with no restrictions, you must serve your full suspension or restriction, provide the DMV with proof of completion of a DUI program and provide proof of insurance (SR 22). You will be required to maintain the SR 22 for 3 years.
* How much does a DUI cost? California DUI fines range from $390 to $5,000 plus penalty assessments & fees that can raise the total cost to $18,000, depending on your DUI charge. DUI with injury or property damage may also require you to pay injured parties.
Between $1,800 – $18,000 in penalties and fines. 3-year mandatory license suspension. Mandatory 120 day to 1-year jail sentence. Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device installation.
For a first-offense DUI in California, consequences for conviction generally include three years of informal probation, fines of $390 plus “penalty assessments” (totally approximately $2000, and completing a first offender alcohol program that consists of a 30-hour class, at a cost of about $500.
A Breakdown of Basic Costs for a First-Time DUIMinimum fine:$390DMV driver's license fee:$125Car insurance increase (over 10 years):$10,154Bail bond cost (up to):$2,500Total cost:$15,6495 more rows
These mistakes, whether intentional or not, can result in innocent people getting charged or more severe charges being sought. Exposing these mistakes in the prosecution’s case is what helps beat DUI charges.
If an officer didn’t tell you that it was a crime to refuse a breathalyzer after your arrest can lead to the dismissal of those additional charges.
Fortunately, you can have a DUI lawyer handle the negotiations on your behalf.
Working with a lawyer is slightly different than working with other types of professionals, since lawyers often require their clients to provide information and documentation for their case, come to trial and testify, and be as helpful as possible when pleading a case . Many clients feel like they are doing a lot of the work that they thought their lawyers should do, but in fact this work is necessary to the clients' cases. Read the articles below to find out what you can do while working with a DUI attorney to make your case go quickly, smoothly, and successfully.
Everyone in a criminal procedure is entitled to an attorney, and DUI trials are no exception. Here is some information about a criminal defendant's right to counsel, even if he or she cannot afford a private DUI attorney.
When a DUI offense leads to an accident, it may be vital to obtain assistance from a personal injury law firm. Understanding what options are available is important. Other important things to know may be explained by a personal injury lawyer.
If charges for a DUI or DWI are a likely outcome, it is imperative to start a legal defense immediately . Obtaining a lawyer is a needed action to learn about rights, to discover what options are available and to know what to do next.
Driving under the influence arrests and charges are confusing and lengthy and may end in a license suspension or prison time with potential additional fines. In some states, the laws do not require a suspect to take the field sobriety tests officers often ask in making a DUI arrest.
When a DUI offense occurs, many accused individuals may not feel the need for a lawyer, but these legal representatives may save time and money. It is best to at least speak to a lawyer to know what options are available.
Although some individuals may opt not to hire an attorney to handle their DUI case, there are several situations in which a defendant can benefit from having a private attorney. Here are some issues to consider when making this important decision.
It is important to recognize that prosecutors can use your very own words against you. Being charged with DUI can cloud your judgment. You will not be able to think clearly. Emotions run high. You may say things in an emotional outburst. Prosecutors can then use these pieces of information in building their case against you.
A good example is requesting the police department for a copy of the police dashcam footage. You can only make the request within a certain period of time. Once the time period lapses, you may no longer have the necessary evidence you need to prove the possibility of police misconduct.
In the event that you get a DUI conviction, a DUI attorney can still help you. He can work with the local or state court to have the DUI conviction expunged. The process hides your conviction so that prospective employers, creditors, and educational institutions will not be able to see your criminal record. This also includes other entities that may perform a background check on you.