Sherman Oaks DUI Attorney
When facing DUI charges, call a Sherman Oaks DUI attorney at (888) 754-9860. If you delay, you could jeopardize certain defenses and advantages. For instance, you are entitled to a hearing regarding the suspension of your license, but you must request it within 10-days. Also, there may be evidence in your favor that needs to be preserved.
A DUI is unlike most other misdemeanor offenses. You face near-certain jail time, a considerable fine, mandatory attendance at DUI classes, possible installation of an ignition interlock system on your car, the purchase of expensive SR-1 auto insurance, and various costs of thousands of dollars. Call a Sherman Oaks DUI attorney now to get a full assessment of your case.
Summary of DUI Proceedings
Retain a Sherman Oaks DUI attorney promptly to ensure timely and proper handling of these proceedings:
DMV hearing. Sherman Oaks DUI attorneys routinely handle these administrative hearings held shortly after your arrest. In many instances, Sherman Oaks DUI attorneys have prevailed and their clients able to avoid license revocation.
Arraignment. You enter a not guilty plea in a short appearance with your Sherman Oaks DUI attorney
Pretrial. Your Sherman Oaks DUI attorney begins your defense in earnest, gathering evidence from the prosecutor and conducting a thorough investigation. Many cases are resolved satisfactorily by Sherman Oaks DUI attorneys with plea arrangements.
Trial. If unresolved, your Sherman Oaks DUI lawyer will defend you at trial.
Defenses in DUI Cases
In many DUI cases, Sherman Oaks DUI lawyers are able to form various defenses by examining these issues that commonly arise in DUI cases:
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 Sherman Oaks DUI lawyer
Possessing full knowledge of the DUI laws, police procedures, and factors that can influence the breath or blood test, your Shadow Oaks DUI lawyer can recognize defenses that other attorneys may miss.
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 Sherman Oaks 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 Sherman Oaks 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 Sherman Oaks DUI Lawyer
If you were arrested for a DUI, call a Sherman Oaks DUI lawyer today at (888) 754-9860.