Chatsworth DUI Attorney
Instead of just staring at DUI charges, call a Chatsworth DUI attorney at (888) 754-9860. A Chatsworth DUI attorney principally handles DUI cases and has the knowledge and skills these cases require for a favorable outcome.
If convicted of a DUI, you will likely spend time in jail, lose your driver’s license for an extended period, pay a stiff fine and incur substantial court and other costs. You will also have to attend DUI classes and may have to install an ignition interlock system in your car. Call a Chatsworth DUI attorney to discuss how we can offer any number of available defenses.
Summary of the DUI Process
It is crucial that you promptly retain a Chatsworth DUI attorney since the DUI process has short time lines..
DMV hearing. Did you know you only have 10-days to request a license suspension hearing? Have a Chatsworth DUI attorney request and handle this matter. Chatsworth DUI attorneys have a record of enabling numerous clients to avoid license revocaton in these hearings.
Usually held shortly after your arrest, you appear with your Chatsworth DUI attorney to enter a not guilty plea while your Chatsworth DUI attorney gathers information about your case.
Pretrial discovery and motions. Your Chatsworth DUI lawyer exchanges information with the prosecutor and investigates your case. Possible motions to dismiss all charges or to exclude evidence may be brought. Many cases are resolved at a court conference.
If unresolved, a Chatsworth DUI lawyer is prepared to defend you at trial.
DUI Defenses
Chatsworth DUI lawyers pride themselves on keeping current with DUI law and developments on police procedures, evidence, and factors influencing blood alcohol concentration level testing. In many cases, a Chatsworth DUI lawyer will carefully look at these issues:
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 Chatsworth 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
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 Chatsworth 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 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 Chatsworth DUI Lawyer
If you were arrested for a DUI, call a Chatsworth DUI lawyer today at (888) 754-9860.