CALIMESA DUI ATTORNEY

It is true that anyone who drinks could get a DUI. If you leave a party, restaurant or bar after just a few drinks, you could easily have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% and not be aware of it. Police are on the outlook for any abnormal driving conduct, even rolling through a stop sign, as an excuse to stop and investigate you. If you have been charged with a DUI, immediately call a Calimesa DUI attorney at (888) 754-9860.

A DUI conviction can lead to jail time, loss of your license, substantial fines and costs, and even loss of your job. You only have 10 days to request a DMV hearing regarding your license so it is imperative that you call a Calimesa DUI attorney now.

Benefits of a Calimesa DUI Attorney

A Calimesa DUI attorney is a highly experienced defense attorney whom you need to represent you so as to give you the best opportunity for a favorable outcome. Benefits include:

• 1. Representation at the DMV hearing
• 2. Representation at all court appearances
• 3. A thorough investigation of your case
• 4. Obtaining all relevant documents pertinent to your defense
• 5. An in-depth knowledge of police procedures
• 6. Up to date knowledge of DUI laws and new defenses
• 7. Intimate knowledge regarding breathalyzers and blood test protocol
• 8. Skill in cross-examination
• 9. Years of experience in negotiating a plea if necessary
• 10. Years of court and trial experience

You can also be assured that a Calimesa DUI attorney will update you on events in your case and answer your questions.

The DUI Process

A Calimesa DUI attorney will represent you at all phases of a DUI.

• DMV Hearing. This is an administrative hearing at the DMV to determine if there was probable cause to stop and detain you, probable cause to arrest you for DUI and if your BAC was 0.08%.
• This appearance is for you to enter a plea, which will generally be not guilty. Your Calimesa DUI lawyer will be present to obtain the police report, complaint and other documents from the prosecution.
• Pre-Trial. Your Calimesa DUI lawyer may present pre-trial motions after the arraignment– there is also a settlement conference scheduled where most cases are resolved with a plea agreement.
• If no plea agreement is reached, your Calimesa DUI lawyer will vigorously defend you in a jury trial.

Penalties for DUI

DUI sentences vary depending on whether you have prior DUIs or if there were aggravating circumstances present in your case such as:

• Refusal to take a BAC test
• Involved in injury or fatal accident
• Had minor as passenger
• Had an elevated BAC–.20% or higher
• On probation
• Speeding 25 mph over limit

Otherwise, these penalties usually are 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 Calimesa DUI Lawyer

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