North Hills DUI Attorney
Following an arrest for DUI, you will need quality representation. Call a North Hills DUI attorney at (888) 754-9860. A North Hills DUI attorney primarily represents persons charged with misdemeanor or felony DUI charges and has an impressive record in obtaining favorable results in numerous cases.
Call a North Hills DUI attorney now since early representation carries many advantages including the preservation of evidence.
Overview of the DUI Process
Your first priority is the administrative hearing regarding revocation of your license. Have your North Hills DUI attorney request this within 10-days of your arrest.
DMV hearing. North Hills DUI attorneys routinely handle such hearings and have prevailed in many cases that have allowed clients to keep their licenses.
Arraignment. The initial criminal court appearance with your North Hills DUI attorney to enter a not guilty plea.
Pretrial discovery and negotiation. Your North Hills DUI attorney gathers evidence from the prosecutor and investigation of your case to determine possible defenses. Your North Hills DUI attorney will attempt to negotiate a satisfactory plea agreement.
Trial. If unresolved or the evidence is weak, your North Hills DUI lawyer will defend you at trial.
Defenses in DUI Cases
Thorough knowledge of the DUI laws, police procedures and factors that can alter or unduly affect the results of a breath or blood test are trademarks of a North Hills DUI lawyer. In many cases, a North Hills DUI lawyer will review the following issues that commonly arise in DUI cases:
Possible police misconduct
If your medical or physical condition may have influenced 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 North 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 North 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 North Hills DUI Lawyer
If you were arrested for a DUI, call a North Hills DUI lawyer today at (888) 754-9860.