Shadow HillsDUI Attorney
When considering the penalties and lasting effects of a DUI conviction, you will appreciate the value of having a quality attorney defending you. Call a Shadow Hills DUI attorney at (888) 754-9860 for the experienced representation you need.
Penalties for a DUI include jail time of at least 2-days but much longer for repeat offenders and for those convicted of felony DUI. Your license will be suspended and you will pay a stiff fine and have to attend DUI classes at your expense. Further, court costs, administrative fees and increased insurance are in the thousands of dollars.
Shadow Hills DUI attorneys represent DUI clients on a regular basis and have years of experience in litigating and negotiating cases. Shadow Hills DUI attorneys present formidable adversaries to prosecutors and commonly obtain favorable results in many cases.
Overview of DUI Proceedings
The DUI process consists of a number of proceedings that your Shadow Hills DUI attorney should handle.
DMV hearing. Usually the first proceeding is the DMV hearing regarding revocation of your license but it must be requested within 10-days of your arrest. Have your Shadow Hills DUI attorney request and handle this matter. Shadow Hills DUI attorneys have an impressive record of success at these hearings.
Arraignment. The first court appearance with your Shadow Hills DUI attorney to plead not guilty.
Pretrial discovery. Your Shadow Hills DUI attorney will conduct a thorough investigation and obtain evidence from the prosecutor that may reveal certain defenses. Many cases are resolve through plea negotiations.
Trial. If no resolution, then your Shadow Hills DUI lawyer will defend you at trial.
DUI Defenses
A careful review of the facts of your case often leads to a winning strategy. In many cases, Shadow Hills DUI lawyers will explore the following issues in determining what defenses to raise:
Possible police misconduct
Whether 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 Shadow 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 Shadow 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 need a Shadow Hills 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 Shadow Hills DUI Lawyer
If you were arrested for a DUI, call a Shadow Hills DUI lawyer today at (888) 754-9860.