WEST HILLS DUI Attorney
DUI offenses are considered serious and the harsh penalties imposed reflect how the courts view these cases. Most offenders will spend time in jail, lose their licenses for extended periods, be ordered to attend DUI classes, and expend thousands of dollars in fines and assorted costs. If facing a DUI, it is imperative you call a West Hills DUI attorney at (888) 754-9860.
Experienced representation from West Hills DUI attorneys will give you the best opportunity for a satisifactory outcome. Your West Hills DUI attorney represents DUI clients almost exclusively and has the negotiating and trial skills honed from years of experience. Trust your case to a West Hills DUI attorney.
Overview of the DUI Process
It is crucial that you romptly retain a West Hills DUI attorney after your arrest to ensure you get full representation for all DUI proceedings:
DMV hearing. If requested within 10-days of your arrest, your West Hills DUI attorney can raise certain issues and challenges to your license revocation. In many cases, the DMV has ruled in favor of clients represented by West Hills DUI attorneys.
You and your West Hills DUI attorney appear in court to enter a not guilty plea.
Discovery and investigation. Your West Hills DUI lawyer will exchange information with the prosecutor and conduct an investigation that may reveal several defenses. In most cases, West Hills DUI lawyer negotiate plea agreements with the prosecution.
Trial. Not all cases are resolved and must be tried in court. Your West Hills DUI lawyer is fully prepared to defend you at trial.
DUI Defenses
Successful defenses are based on preparation and dedicated representation. West Hills DUI lawyers use their knowledge of the DUI laws, police practices and factors influencing blood alcohol testing to review these common issues in forming defenses 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 West 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:
Jai 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 Classe 18 to 30-months
5. Installation and insurance. SR-22 insurance and Interlock ignition system
Third 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.
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 West Hills DUI Lawyer
If you were arrested for a DUI, call a West Hills DUI lawyer today at (888) 754-9860.