Get a DUI Attorney Near Me
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Claremont you need to defend yourself. Penalties for drunk driving have risen across California, and it is regarded as a serious criminal act. If convicted you face thousands of dollars in costs, a suspended driver’s license, mandatory DUI school and the possibility of jail time. It is not a minor offense.
A Claremont DUI lawyer can help you fight your DUI. DUI lawyers take on some of the toughest drunk driving cases available, and have a high level of success in turning them around. Your lawyer may be able to get the charge dropped, have the DUI reduced to something less serious, or work out a solution that keeps you out of jail. In many cases they will also save you a substantial amount of money.
The Cost of a Claremont DUI
A drunk driving conviction carries a high price tag. As laws get tougher, the total penalties for even a first time DUI can now range up to $15,649. These fines can be a lifelong burden, but the City of Claremont sees them as a cash cow. Law enforcement holds sobriety checkpoints at surprise locations to get as many arrests as possible, and the courts show little mercy when dealing with DUI cases.
Bu the penalties don’t end there. The full sentence for a first time DUI in California will include:
- DUI School. This is a three month course that you are required to take after your conviction. You pay for the course out of pocket—typically well over $500.
- Losing your license. Every DUI now comes with revoked driving privileges. For a first time DUI this typically lasts four to twelve months.
- Jail time. You could be incarcerated for anywhere from two days to six months.
- Fines and fees. The basic DUI fine of $390 sounds manageable. But the court will add other fees onto it as well, bringing to about $1,800. This is the minimum—it can be significantly more.
- Probation. You will be on probation for three to five years after your conviction. During this time you face a number of restrictions. You may also be ordered to install an ignition interlock device on your car.
These are just for a first time DUI. If you’ve had previous DUI’s, California law mandates an even stricter sentence. This may include:
- Jail time of up to 12 months.
- Up to 16 months in a state prison.
- Losing your license for two years, three years, or forever.
- Possible court-ordered addiction treatment.
- DUI school lasting up to 30 months.
- Fines that often go over $10,000.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest?
Every DUI begins differently, but all DUI’s follow the same process. You may have been arrested by either the Claremont Police Department, the LA County Sheriff out of the San Dimas Station, or the Rancho Cucamonga branch of the California Highway Patrol. You were probably held overnight at the Claremont Jail. Even if you have been released, your troubles are not over. You now face fast-moving legal deadlines, and you need to be ready to take action.
Deadlines in a Claremont DUI case include:
- The DMV Hearing. The state DMV has the power to suspend your license even if you are not convicted of DUI. They start this process the minute you’re arrested. From that time, you have only 10 days to request a hearing with the DMV. This hearing is your one and only chance to prevent your license from being taken away. A DUI attorney can file the request for you and make sure you don’t miss the deadline. They also know what the DMV hearing officer is looking for, and can speak on your behalf when the hearing comes.
- The Arraignment. Within a few weeks of your arrest you will appear before a judge at a hearing called an arraignment. The purpose of this hearing is to enter your plea (Guilty, Not Guilty or No Contest). But it’s also a chance to show the prosecutor you mean business. Prosecutors expect most DUI defendants to be easy to convict. But if they see you appear with a reputable DUI lawyer at your side, they may think twice. Prosecutors don’t want a lengthy, risky court battle and may make you a new offer almost right away.
- The Trial. You will have a trial date scheduled at the Pomona Courthouse, but the trial may never happen. When you get a DUI lawyer they will look for a way to win the case for you without appearing before a jury. Their goal is to beat your DUI charge as quickly and effectively as possible, and help you move on with your life.
How Do You Beat a DUI Charge in Claremont?
When a lawyer dedicates their practice to DUI law, they learn dozens of strategies for picking apart the evidence that the prosecution uses. They work systematically to make the case against you as weak as possible. Then they try to end the case in your favor in one of three ways:
- Convince the prosecutor to drop it. Prosecutors don’t like to fight a losing case. They may be persuaded to simply drop the charges.
- Move that the judge dismiss it. If your lawyer can block enough evidence, the prosecution may have no case at all. At this point a judge may order the case dismissed.
- Knocking it down to a lesser charge. Negotiation is a big part of a DUI lawyer’s job. They may be able to get the charge reduced to Reckless Driving or keep you out of jail.
Speak to a Claremont DUI Attorney for Free
You deserve a real defense. Our site exists to help you get it. We can match you with a top DUI lawyer who has the right knowledge for your case. Your lawyer will give you a FREE consultation and help you decide how to move forward.
Don’t take risks with your future. Fill out the form to the right or call (310) 862-0199 and get your FREE consultation today.
