There is no set amount of time required to complete a driving under the influence (DUI) case in California. A misdemeanor DUI case goes to trial within 45 days if an individual enters a “not guilty” plea and does not “waive time.” In comparison, for those who settle their DUI case, they may be able to do so within about three to six months.
A Los Angeles DUI attorney can teach you about the legal process and how much time it takes to resolve a driving under the influence case. To learn more, reach out to a DUI attorney in Los Angeles. You can share details about your DUI case with the attorney, and the lawyer can help you determine the best way to get your charge reduced or dismissed.
Factors that Can Impact How Long It Takes to Resolve Your DUI Case
In California, the state’s driver’s handbook provides details about the illegal use of alcohol and drugs while operating a motor vehicle. If you violate any of California’s DUI laws, you can be punished. A police officer can arrest you if you are found to be intoxicated, and you can receive a fine, jail time, and other penalties.
Generally, the California Judicial Branch will try to process a DUI case as quickly as possible. Yet, there are several factors that can affect how long it takes a driving-under-the-influence case to get resolved. These include:
- The Case’s Complexity: If you are dealing with various legal issues or face multiple DUI charges, it may take longer than usual to resolve a case.
- The Court’s Workload: The court system may receive many cases at one time, which can cause delays that slow down the process of settling a DUI case.
- Availability of Evidence and Witnesses: If there are delays in getting evidence or accessing witnesses, these delays can force a DUI case to linger.
- Scheduling Conflicts: If there are scheduling conflicts with witnesses or attorneys, a DUI case’s trial date may be pushed back.
If you are charged with a DUI in Los Angeles, partner with an attorney. This allows you to review all of the legal options at your disposal. Your Los Angeles DUI lawyer may even propose a plea bargain so you can resolve your case without going to trial.
Benefits of a Plea Bargain in a Los Angeles DUI Case
One of the biggest benefits of a plea bargain: you may have your DUI charge reduced. In this scenario, you may be able to avoid any of the following DUI penalties:
- Having to attend a DUI school
- Having your driver’s license suspended
- Having to pay a fine
- Spending time in jail
A DUI lawyer in Los Angeles can get you up to speed on plea agreements. Your attorney can explain how a plea bargain works and answer any questions you have about it. If you and your lawyer decide to move forward with a plea agreement, your attorney can help you put one together that lines up with your best interests.
Of course, to get a plea bargain approved, a prosecutor must agree to it. Your lawyer will account for the prosecutor’s charge against you and what it may take to get your plea bargain approved. This allows your attorney to create a plea bargain that delivers optimal results for all parties involved.
What You Can Do to Resolve a DUI Case Quickly
Do not expect your DUI case to get resolved on its own. You can try to ignore the DUI charge against you. Regardless, your charge will continue to affect you until your case is settled.
There are many things that you can do to resolve your DUI case in as little time as possible.
Partner with an Experienced DUI Lawyer
Choose an attorney that understands the ins and outs of California’s DUI laws. Your lawyer reviews all aspects of your case and provides you with personalized tips and recommendations on how to resolve it. Plus, your lawyer represents your best interests and serves as your advocate throughout your litigation.
Be Open to a Plea Agreement
If your attorney proposes a plea bargain, consider what your attorney has to say. Your lawyer can explain why they believe it is in your best interests to present a plea agreement to a prosecutor. With a plea bargain, you can accept a lesser charge than the one that was initially proposed and resolve your case in less time than what is required for a trial.
Collect Evidence
Gather evidence to support your argument for getting your DUI charge lowered or dropped. If you have a substantial amount of evidence to support your argument, the prosecutor may decide not to move forward with the case against you. At this point, you can avoid serious DUI penalties.
Communicate and Collaborate with Your Attorney
Provide your attorney with any information they request about your case, and do so in a timely manner. If you do not comply with legal requests, you risk delaying your DUI case. Even worse, you could compromise your case and be forced to deal with severe consequences.
If you have been charged with a DUI in Los Angeles, hire an attorney right away. From here, you and your lawyer can build your legal strategy. Meanwhile, your attorney can help you determine the best way to resolve your case quickly.
How to Select an Attorney to Represent You in Your DUI Case
If you are ready to hire a DUI lawyer in LA, it helps to meet with an attorney. This gives you the opportunity to provide the attorney with details about your DUI case. The attorney can then tell you how they can help you contest your DUI charge.
The ideal attorney will go the extra mile to ensure that you are fully supported at each step of your litigation. You can select an attorney that recognizes the importance of communication and collaboration. This lawyer will keep you up to date about all of your legal options and help you make informed legal decisions.
Do not wait any longer to connect with a DUI lawyer that can help you develop and execute a successful DUI strategy. To get started, please contact a DUI attorney in LA today.
