Sunland DUI Attorney
A DUI charge can be a nightmare for many people, especially if they feel the allegations are unfounded. If convicted, offenders face a slew of penalties including jail, revocation of their driver’s license, mandatory attendance at DUI classes, substantially increased insurance premiums and costs of thousands of dollars. If you face DUI charges, call a Sunland DUI attorney at (888) 754-9860.
Many DUI cases can be defended sucessfully, but you need quality and experienced representation. Sunland DUI attorneys routinely represent DUI clients and regularly obtain plea agreements to reduced charges along with dismissals and acquittals at trial. Talk to a Sunland DUI attorney to discuss your case.
DUI Proceedings
Promptly retain a Sunland DUI attorney for all DUI court appearances and hearings.
DMV hearing. This hearing must be requested no later than 10-days after your arrest. Sunland DUI attorneys have avoided license revocation for many clients at these hearings based on faulty breath or blood test results among other reasons.
Arraignment. At this initial court appearance with a Sunland DUI attorney, you enter a not guilty plea
Pretrial discovery and investigation. Your Sunland DUI attorney investigates your case and obtains evidence from the prosecutor. Many cases are satisfactorily negotiated by Sunland DUI attorneys before trial.
Trial. If unresolved, your Sunland DUI lawyer will defend you before a jury
DUI Defenses
MSunland DUI lawyers mount successful defenses based on their knowledge of DUI laws, police practices and procedures, and the factors affecting breath and blood test results. A Sunland DUI lawyer will often look at the following issues in forming any number of defenses:
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 Sunland 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 Sunland 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 Sunland DUI Lawyer
If you were arrested for a DUI, call a Sunland DUI lawyer today at (888) 754-9860.