A DUI attorney can guide you through the complex process of dealing with the Department of Motor Vehicles in cases involving DUI, DWI and Extreme DUI charges. This article will discuss the process of dealing with the DMV in regards to DUI cases and how a Los Angeles Criminal Attorney can help you understand this difficult process and assist in guiding you through this process.
DUI is a criminal offense. As such keeping in mind the stringent laws and penalties associated with DUI it is generally advised that people should not consider representing themselves in court. Appointing an attorney who is an expert in the same is always considered to be the safer option. It is advisable to always be honest with lawyers so they can best protect your interests.
If your case involved the taking of blood or urine during your DUI arrest, you will need to wait and see if your results come back above or below a.08%. It usually takes anywhere between one (1) and six (6) months to get your results back. If your blood results are .08% the officer will forward a request for suspension to the DMV office.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, the first thing you should do when you is consult with an experienced Los Angeles Criminal Attorney. Working with an attorney who specializes in driving under the influence cases is not the same as working with an attorney who is not a DUI specialist. Lawyers who specialize in DUI cases are experienced in defending those who have been charged with driving under the influence and stay up-to-date on developments in DUI law.
Working with this kind of experienced attorney gives you the best chance for winning your case because of the access to specialized information and expert witnesses that a general attorney just can't provide. If you've been arrested for driving under the influence, you need to contact DUI attorneys to make sure you are represented during your case.
There are two parts to a driving under the influence case in the state. One part of the case is based on the defendant's level of impairment at the time that they are stopped on suspicion of DUI or at a traffic stop where DUI becomes suspected. Witnesses or law enforcement officers may testify about the defendant's erratic driving, failure of field sobriety tests, or the defendant's physical appearance at the time of the arrest.
The second part of a DUI case focuses on chemical testing results instead of physical impairment. The prosecutor who is prosecuting a defendant based on this information must only show that the defendant's blood alcohol level exceeded legal limit of 0.08% at the time of arrest. In this case, the prosecutor does not have to prove that impairment had occurred. Since chemical testing is a complex issue, hiring a DUI attorney is the first step to examining your test results and being able to refute them in court.
There are administrative penalties involving the loss of your driving privileges available in DUI cases. The penalties imposed will depend on your individual circumstances. If you are charged with driving under the influence, you can lose your driving privileges for four months for a first offense, one year for the second offense, three years for a third offense, and four years for a fourth offense.
If you refuse to submit to chemical testing, there are also administrative penalties. For a first offense, the penalty is a one year suspension with the penalties increasing to two years for a second refusal, three years for a third refusal, and four years for a fourth refusal. Because losing your driving privileges can make life difficult, it is important to have a qualified attorney on your side.
The criminal penalties for driving under the influence are imposed with many factors in mind. Some of the most common factors considered before sentencing include the number of prior offenses you have been convicted of, any injuries that occurred as a result of the offense, and other special circumstances.
Representing yourself or working with an attorney who does not specialize in DUI cases are just not good options if you want to have a chance of winning your case. Hire Los Angeles Criminal Attorney who specializes in DUI defense and you'll have the best chance of a successful outcome.