FOUNTAIN DUI ATTORNEY

A DUI charge is different from most other misdemeanors since you have civil and criminal penalties and costs can be in the thousands of dollars. You need to call a Fountain Valley DUI attorney at (888) 754-9860 for the vital representation you will need.

For a first or subsequent conviction, you face almost certain jail time with mandatory minimum sentences for repeat offenders. You will lose your driver’s license for years if you have prior convictions, and will spend a considerable time attending DUI classes. Your auto insurance rates will rise substantially and you may have to install an ignition interlock system in your car. With so much at stake, you need an experienced Fountain Valley DUI attorney.

Defenses are available in most DUI cases but having a Fountain Valley DUI attorney on your side will ensure you get an excellent opportunity for a satisfactory outcome. Call a Fountain Valley DUI attorney now to discuss your case.

Overview of a DUI Case

Following your arrest, you were given a temporary 30-day license that will terminate unless you request a hearing with the DMV within 10-days. Have your Fountain Valley DUI attorney handle this for you. Proceedings in a typical DUI case involve:

• DMV hearing. An administrative proceeding where your Fountain Valley DUI attorney can raise issues that could result in your retaining your license.
• A brief appearance with your Fountain Valley DUI attorney to plead not guilty.
• Pretrial stage. Your Fountain Valley DUI attorney will obtain reports and other evidence from the prosecutor and investigate the facts of your case. Your Fountain Valley DUI lawyer may make motions to dismiss charges or exclude evidence. Many cases are settled with a plea bargain at this stage.
• If no resolution, your Fountain Valley DUI lawyer will vigorously defend you at trial.

DUI Defenses

There are many possible defenses that your Fountain Valley DUI lawyer can raise:

• Police misconduct
• Attacking the field sobriety tests and PAS (preliminary alcohol screening test) results
• Challenging the validity and integrity of the breath or blood tests
• Bias, inconsistencies and errors in police testimony, reports and records
• Possible no driving defense
• Possible drinking after driving and other defenses that your Fountain Valley DUI lawyer may present if applicable

DUI Penalties

DUI sentences vary from county to county and especially if aggravating circumstances were present. Otherwise, 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-1 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 Classe 18 to 30-months
5. Installation and insurance. SR-1 insurance and Interlock ignition system

Third 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-1 insurance and interlock system

Fourth DUI or DWI

A fourth DWI or DWI could be negotiated to a misdemeanor.by your Gardena DUI lawyer. 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-1 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% so that their need for a Gardena DUI lawyer is imperative.

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

3. Fines. From $390 to $1000
4. DUI Classes. Same as for other offenders
5. Insurance and installation. Possible securing of SR-1 insurance and installation of an interlock system

Call a Fountain DUI Lawyer

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