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What to Do After Getting a DUI in California?

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DUI in California is a serious matter. The first step is to find an aggressive and skilled attorney who can represent your interests and seek to uphold your rights. It is important to have a proper defense to investigate and expose any procedural or evidentiary problems. It is not the type of case to handle alone.

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Without a criminal defense, the consequences of a drunk driving charge may include maximum penalties, suspension of your driver’s license, longer jail time, and severe insurance problems, all of which cause life altering changes.

When faced with a DUI in California, know that you have the right to remain silent when arrested, and the right to speak with an attorney. This is important to get legal advice early on because you only have ten days to request a hearing with the Division of Motor Vehicles in order to extend your driving privilege.

It is important to become acquainted with DUI laws, penalties, and consequences in California so that you can make well-informed choices. Most people who receive a DUI spend at least a few hours in jail. The specific penalty depends on whether you are a first time offender, if you have a high blood alcohol concentration, or if your actions caused injury to people or property.

Once you have engaged or spoken with a lawyer the most important thing to do is to give him or her an honest and detailed account of the incident and answer every question to the best of your knowledge. This will help your lawyer represent you in the best possible manner.

The laws related to DUI in California are becoming stricter and are being implemented with less and less tolerance toward offenders. In 2009 there were more than 3,000 fatalities on California roads, more than one-third of which were alcohol related.

Penalties a DUI in California may incur are as follows:

  • A first time offense can result in a fine of $1,400 or more as well as a six month loss of ones’ driver’s license.
  • A second offense attracts a fine of $1,800 or more, a two year loss of driving license, and mandatory jail time.
  • A third offense includes up to three years’ loss of your driving license.
  • In all the cases, a three to five year probation is possible included and so is a mandatory jail term.

An aggressive criminal defense law firm can challenge the procedures used to stop and arrest you, investigate whether your rights were violated any step of the way, and whether equipment such as a Breathalyzer were functioning properly. There are many tactical elements to a defense that an experienced lawyer will explore for various types of cases.

If you get a DUI in California, the most important point is that you do not have to face drunken driving charges on your own. It is worth your time to at least request a free consultation with a few law firms in your area, and explore your rights so that you can make an informed decision. Because you must request a hearing with the Division of Motor Vehicles within ten days, it is in your best interest to act quickly. You do not have to face charges alone.

DUI in California can have a major impact on your finances that goes beyond fines and penalties. There may be compensation to pay, court fees and the inevitable insurance rate hike. Most people are ordered to attend a substance abuse program. In cases where injury has been caused to others due to drunken driving, the medical expenses of the victim will have to be shouldered as well.

Do not settle for an attorney who lacks the deep experience you need to give you the best chance in court. Hire an attorney with solid and local credentials. Choose a lawyer with a reputation for tenacity, strategic excellence and personal attention.

Call 805-477-0070 to
speak with a DUI lawyer.
Get a free case evaluation.

Strongest Defense offers DUI representation in Ventura, Oxnard and Camarillo, California. No attorney or law firm can make any promises or guarantee an outcome for your criminal case. The contents presented on this site are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Visiting this website does not establish an attorney/client relationship.