Pacoima DUI Attorney

Everyone needs a good lawyer when facing adversity. It is no different when charged with a DUI since the penalties and repercussions are so harsh. Call a Pacoima DUI attorney at (888) 754-9860 if you were cited for DUI.
Those convicted of DUI face jail time and loss of their driver’s license. Repeat offenders face months of incarceration and years without driving privileges. While a fine may be up to $1000 in aggravated cases, court and administrative fees and increased auto insurance rates will be in the thousands of dollars. Call a Pacoima DUI attorney to discuss your case.
Many DUI cases are defensible but you need a Pacoima DUI attorney to fully explain these to you. Pacoima DUI attorneys represent DUI clients on an almost exclusive basis and have the knowledge, skills and resources you need for a solid defense.

Summary of DUI Proceedings

  • Promptly retain a Pacoima DUI attorney since a delay can jeopardize the outcome of your case.

  • DMV hearing. You can challenge the revocation of your license if the hearing is requested within 10-days of your arrest but have your Pacoima DUI attorney request and handle this. Pacoima DUI attorneys have been successful in many of these hearings.

  • Arraignment. You appear with your Pacoima DUI attorney at this initial court proceeding to enter a not guilty plea.

  • Pretrial discovery and investigation. Pacoima DUI lawyers obtain evidence from the prosecutor and their own investigation that may result in motions dismissing the charges or excluding evidence. Most cases are resolved before trial.

  • Trial. If unresolved or your chances of an acquittal are strong, your Paocima DUI lawyer will defend you at trial.

Defenses in DUI Cases

Pacoima DUI lawyers have up-to-date knowledge of DUI laws, police procedures, and factors that can affect breath and blood tests. Pacoima DUI lawyers will also examine the following in determining what defenses to raise:

  • 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 Pacoima 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:

  1. Jail. 48 hours in jail and up to 6-months; 3-years of probation

  2. 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

  3. Fines: $390 with costs over $1,800

  4. DUI classes: 3-months

  5. 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:

  1. Jail. 96 hours and up to one year in county jail and 3-5 years probation

  2. Suspension of license. 2-year suspension with eligibility for restricted license unless testing was refused.

  3. Fines: $390 to $1000 but over $10,000 in costs

  4. DUI Classes. 18 to 30-months

  5. 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:

  1. Jail. 120 days to one year in county jail and 3-5 years probation

  2. Suspension of license. 3-years with restricted license after 12-months

  3. Fines: $390 to $1000 and other costs up to $15,000

  4. DUI classes. 30-months

  5. 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.

If a felony, you face:

  1. Jail. 16 months, 2 or 3 years in jail and formal probation for up to 5 years

  2. Suspension of license: 4-years

  3. Fines: Up to $5000 with associated costs of up to $18,000

  4. Habitual traffic offender status. 3 years

  5. Mandatory DUI classes. 30-months

  6. 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:

  1. Jail. Same as for a motorist with a Class C license for first or multiple DUI or DWI offenses

  2. 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

  1. Fines. From $390 to $1000

  2. DUI Classes. Same as for other offenders

  3. Insurance and installation. Securing of SR-22 insurance and possible installation of an interlock system

Call a Pacoima DUI Lawyer

If you were arrested for a DUI, call a Pacoima DUI lawyer today at (888) 754-9860.

Pacoima CA 91331
(888) 754-9860