Granada Hills DUI Attorney
Facing down DUI charges can be a daunting task, which is why you need to promptly call a Granada Hills DUI attorney at (888) 754-9860. Granada Hills DUI lawyers have achieved considerable success in defending first-time offenders and those with multiple convictions.
If convicted, courts impose harsh penalties on offenders. These include jail time, suspension of their licenses, months or years of attendance at DUI classes, vastly increased auto insurance premiums, payment of a heavy fine and the incurring of thousands of dollars in various costs. Talk to a Granada Hills DUI attorney for the quality representation these cases demand.
Proceedings in a DUI
You have a number of possible administrative and court appearances in a DUI case with your Granada Hills DUI attorney:
DMV hearing. Regarding possible suspension of your license, this hearing must be requested within 10-days of your arrest. Granada Hills DUI attorneys have an impressive record of having clients avoid revocation of their license in many cases.
Arraignment. Generally held within 2-weeks of your arrest, you appear with your Granada Hills DUI attorney to enter a not guilty plea.
Pretrial discovery and investigation. Your Granada Hills DUI attorney exchanges information with the prosecution and conducts an investigation to develop various defenses. Many cases are resolved by plea bargain.
Trial. If unresolved, your Granada Hills DUI lawyer will defend you at trial.
Why You Need a Granada Hills DUI Lawyer
You can expect a Granada Hills DUI lawyer to be dedicated to fully preparing your case for possible trial and to explore every possible defense. It helps when your Granada Hills DUI lawyer has firm knowledge of DUI laws, police procedures, and the factors that can affect a breath or blood test.
Possible defenses in many DUI cases center around:
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 Granada Hills 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:
Jail. 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 Classes. 18 to 30-months
Installation and insurance. SR-22 insurance and Interlock ignition system
Third Second 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 Granada Hills 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 Granada Hills DUI Lawyer
If you were arrested for a DUI, call a Granada Hills DUI lawyer today at (888) 754-9860.