Toluca Lake DUI Attorney
Call a Toluca Lake DUI attorney at (888) 754-9860 if you want an experienced and skilled lawyer defending you on DUI charges. A DUI charge can present considerable challenges, which is why you need a veteran Toluca Lake DUI attorney.
A DUI conviction means jail time, license revocation, payment of a substantial fine, mandatory attendance at DUI classes and the incurring of thousands of dollars in court and other costs. You also have a public record, accessible to anyone performing a simple background check.
You have too much to lose in a DUI case. Retain a Toluca Lake DUI attorney for the quality representation you need.
Summary of DUI Proceedings
DMV hearing. Your first consideration should be your license. You have no more than 10-days to request a hearing before the DMV regarding revocation of your license. Have your Toluca Lake DUI attorney request and handle this hearing. Toluca Lake DUI attorneys routinely represent clients at these hearings and have avoided license revocations for many offenders.
Arraignment. Held shortly after your arrest, you appear with your Toluca DUI attorney to enter a not guilty plea.
Pretrial. Your Toluca Lake DUI attorney will obtain the police report and other records and evidence from the prosecution. Many cases are resolved before trial by your Toluca Lake DUI attorney negotiating a plea agreement.
Trial. Not all cases are plea bargained. If not, your Toluca Lake DUI lawyer is prepared to take your case to trial
DUI Defenses
Toluca Lake DUI lawyers use their knowledge of the DUI laws, police practices, and the science supporting and challenging the breath and blood tests to come up with a successful defense. Toluca Lake DUI lawyers also carefully review these issues that commonly arise in DUI cases to determine what defenses to use:
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 Toluca Lake 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 Toluca Lake 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 Toluca Lake DUI Lawyer
If you were arrested for a DUI, call a Toluca Lake DUI lawyer today at (888) 754-9860.