DESERT HOT SPRINGS DUI ATTORNEY

A DUI is a serious offense that can significantly impact your life. When you are charged with a DUI, you have two proceedings against you. One is your criminal case and the other is a civil administrative hearing regarding the suspension of your license. Because you only have 10 days to request a full DMV hearing, it is essential that you immediately call a Desert Hot Springs DUI attorney toll free at (888) 754-9860.

A DUI conviction means almost certain jail time, loss of your license, substantial fines and costs of well over $10,000 if you have a prior conviction and other consequences that may threaten your livelihood. Call a Desert Hot Springs DUI attorney to discuss your legal options.

Why a Desert Hot Springs DUI Attorney?

You have a choice when considering a DUI attorney but you have expectations when facing serious penalties that your attorney will vigorously represent you. With a Desert Hot Springs DUI attorney, you can expect:

1. A thorough investigation of your case

2. DMV representation

3. Scientific knowledge of breathalyzer or blood test procedures and operations

4. Recognizing unlawful police procedures and conduct

5. Dissecting the case against you by a professional

6. An effective cross-examination of witnesses against you

7. A skillful negotiator

8. A seasoned trial attorney

Desert Hot Springs DUI attorneys keep you well-informed about each phase of your case and what defenses can be presented. You can also expect an honest assessment of your case from a Desert Hot Springs DUI attorney.

Stages of a DUI Case

If you promptly retain a Desert Hot Springs DUI attorney, you will have a professional representing you at each stage of your case.

• DMV hearing. At the DMV hearing to contest the suspension of your license, your Desert Hot Springs DUI attorney can challenge whether there existed probable cause to stop and arrest you and whether your breath or blood test results were 0.08%.

• Arraignment. This is typically held shortly after your arrest. Appearing with your Desert Hot Springs DUI lawyer, you enter a not guilty plea in most cases. Police and other report and records may be available at this time.

• Pretrial phase. Your Desert Hot Springs DUI lawyer may present motions to exclude evidence, contest probable cause to stop or arrest you or request the officer’s personnel records. A pretrial conference is held where your Desert Hot Springs DUI lawyer can attempt to negotiate a satisfactory plea agreement.

• Trial. If no plea agreement is reached, then your Desert Hot Springs DUI lawyer will present a zealous defense on your behalf.

Penalties in a DUI Case

DUI sentences vary depending on whether you have prior DUI convictions or if there were aggravating circumstances such as having caused an injury or fatal accident, you refused testing or you were on probation, among others.

Otherwise, the following penalties typically 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 Desert Hot Springs DUI Lawyer

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