Tarzana DUI Attorney

Never underestimate the value of quality legal representation, especially when considering the consequences of being convicted of DUI.

If you plead or are found guilty, you can expect the following:

  • Jail time; mandatory minimum sentences for repeat offenders

  • Driver’s license revocation

  • Fine of $390 to $1000

  • Mandatory attendance at DUI classes at your expense

  • Purchase of costly SR-I auto insurance as condition of license reinstatement

  • Costs of thousands of dollars

Call a Tarzana DUI attorney at (888) 754-9860 if facing DUI charges. A Tarzana DUI attorney has years of experience representing DUI clients. It is also crucial that you promptly retain a Tarzana DUI attorney since you risk losing certain evidence, defenses and advantages if you delay.

Overview of DUI Proceedings

  • There are a number of proceedings in DUI cases that a Tarzana DUI attorney will handle:

  • DMV hearing. Usually the first proceeding, this concerns revocation of your license but the hearing must be requested no later than 10-days after your arrest. Tarzana DUI attorneys routinely handle these hearings and have avoided license revocations for many clients.

  • Arraignment. The initial criminal court appearance with your Tarzana DUI attorney to enter a not guilty plea. Your Tarzana DUI attorney will obtain the complaint and police report in most cases.

  • Pretrial. Your Tarazana DUI attorney will fully investigate your case and obtain additional evidence from the prosecutor to use in building a defense. In most instances, Tarzana DUI lawyers negotiate plea agreeements for their clients at this stage.

  • Trial. If no plea negotiation can be arranged, then your Tarzana DUI lawyer is prepared to take your case to trial.

Building a Defense

Quality defenses are based on investigation and preparation along with your Tarzana DUI lawyer having a thorough knowledge of the DUI laws, police procedures, and factors that can influence the breath or blood test. Many defenses raised by Tarzana DUI lawyers focus on these key issues:

  • 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 Tarzana 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 need Northridge DUI attorneys as they 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 Tarzana DUI Lawyer

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

Tarzana CA 91356
(888) 754-9860