Canoga DUI Attorney
It is never easy defending a DUI charge but simply pleading guilty puts you at the mercy of an unforgiving court. Call a Canoga Park DUI attorney at (888) 754-9860 if you have been charged with DUI.
First-offenders are not given much of a break. They face:
2-days in jail but longer if aggravating circumstances exist
Suspension of driver’s license for up to 10-months; one year if testing was refused
Fine of $390 and up to $1000
3 to 5 years on probation
Required purchase of costly SR-I insurance as condition of license reinstatement
3-month attendance at DUI classes
Court and other costs of thousands of dollars
Many DUI cases can be defended but you need a quality attorney such as a Canoga Park DUI attorney. Canoga Park DUI attorneys have years of experience in handling the most difficult cases and have obtained impressive results in numerous cases.
Overview of DUI Proceedings
DMV hearing. By challenging probable cause regarding your stop and arrest and/or the results of your breath or blood test, Canoga Park DUI attorneys have enabled many clients to avoid revocation of their licenses.
Usually held shortly after your arrest, you appear with your Canoga Park DUI attorney and enter a not guilty plea.
Information gathered from an investigation of your case and evidence from the prosecution will allow your Canoga Park DUI attorney to raise certain defenses. Many cases are plea bargained at this stage.
If no resolution, your Canoga Park DUI attorney will try your case before a jury.
Why You Need a Canoga Park DUI Attorney
A Canoga Park DUI lawyer dedicates him or herself to every case and will throughly investigate the facts. Most Canoga Park DUI lawyers will focus on the following issues when determining what defenses to raise:
Possible police misconduct
Influences of your medical or physical condition on your arrest and BAC results
Validity and integrity of the breath or blood tests
Bias, inconsistencies or errors in police testimony, records and reports
No driving, drinking after driving and other defenses found by your Canoga Park DUI lawyer
DUI Penalties
DUI sentences vary from county to county, especially if aggravating circumstances were present. There are separate penalties for a first, second, third and felony convictions. These penalties are typically imposed:
First DUI or DWI
The usual penalties for a first DUI or DWI are:
Jail.48 hours in jail and up to 6-months; 3-years of probation
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
Fines: $390 with costs over $1,800
DUI classes: 3-months
Insurance and installation: Secure SR-22 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:
Jai 96 hours and up to one year in county jail and 3-5 years probation
Suspension of license. 2-year suspension with eligibility for restricted license unless testing was refused.
Fines: $390 to $1000 but over $10,000 in costs
DUI Classe 18 to 30-months
5. Installation and insurance. SR-22 insurance and Interlock ignition system
Third DUI or DWI
Conviction of a third DUI or DWI in 10 years may include:
Jail. 120 days to one year in county jail and 3-5 years probation
Suspension of license. 3-years with restricted license after 12-months
Fines: $390 to $1000 and other costs up to $15,000
DUI classes. 30-months
Installation and insurance. SR-22 insurance and interlock system
Fourth DUI or DWI
A fourth DWI or DWI is a felony ,but it could be negotiated to a misdemeanor by your Canoga Park DUI lawyer.
If a felony, you face:
Jail. 16 months, 2 or 3 years in jail and formal probation for up to 5 years
Suspension of license: 4-years
Fines: Up to $5000 with associated costs of up to $18,000
Habitual traffic offender status. 3 years
Mandatory DUI classes. 30-months
Installation and insurance. SR-22 insurance and interlock system
Commercial DUI or DWI
Commercial drivers need a Canoga Park DUI lawyer as they can be convicted of a commercial DUI or DWI if their BAC is 0.04%.
Penalties include:
Jail. Same as for a motorist with a Class C license for first or multiple DUI or DWI offenses
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
Fines. From $390 to $1000
DUI Classes. Same as for other offenders
Insurance and installation. Securing of SR-22 insurance and possible installation of an interlock system
Call a Canoga Park DUI Lawyer
If you were arrested for a DUI, call a Canoga Park DUI lawyer today at (888) 754-9860.