It isn’t easy to face criminal charges for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. California takes a firm stance toward drunk driving, and the penalties for DUI are steeper than ever. You can immediately lose driving privileges and face jail time, a criminal record, and thousands of dollars in fines.
That’s why you need to defend yourself. The best way to do that is to have a Lynwood DUI lawyer fighting for you. Los Angeles DUI lawyers know what it takes to beat a DUI in California, and they will make a dramatic difference for you both in and out of the courtroom.
These experienced attorneys can help you keep your license, avoid fines or jail time, or even win your case outright. They can save you a lot of money.
The Cost of a DUI in Lynwood
Many people don’t realize how expensive a single DUI can be. Charges for driving under the influence of alcohol have some of the highest fines out of all the misdemeanors in the state. California DUI penalties have been continuously increased over the years because of DUI crackdowns.
A single mistake can result in an involuntary trip to the police station, a license suspension, and a disruption in other important aspects of your life.
Fines and Penalties
The city takes full advantage of this. Police officers conduct huge DUI sweeps that can lead to 30 or more arrests in a single night. The reason for this is clear: at up to $15,600 for a single first-time DUI conviction, the cost of a DUI in Southern California is big money. It’s a source of income for the city and the court.
Here are the basic penalties for a first-time DUI conviction:
- Up to 6 months in jail time
- Restricted license for a minimum of 4 months
- Mandatory alcohol school at your expense
- Fees and fines that can exceed $15,000
- Several years of DUI probation
- Installation of an ignition interlock device on your car at your expense
These substantial penalties demonstrate why having an experienced DUI defense lawyer is crucial if you’re facing charges. An attorney can fight for reduced penalties or a dismissal, protecting your rights and future.
With so much at stake, don’t face a DUI charge alone – get legal representation from a Lynwood DUI defense attorney committed to your best interests.
The DUI Process
Every DUI case begins differently. Lynwood does not have its own police department; instead, it contracts with the County Sheriff. The roads are also patrolled by the State Police out of the Santa Fe Springs office.
But most DUI cases are processed at the Sheriff’s Century Regional Detention Facility, and usually involve a night in jail. By the time you are released, the legal process has already begun.
This process is defined by a series of deadlines. Each of these deadlines affects your future. You need to be ready for each one and know what to do to give yourself the best fighting chance possible. Every step of the way is easier with a DUI attorney.
These deadlines include:
- Your DMV hearing
- Your arraignment
- The trial
DMV Hearing
The DMV hearing has the tightest deadline and you need to act right away. You have only 10 days to request a hearing with the DMV. This is your one and only chance to keep your license until the trial.
If you miss this 10-day deadline your license will be automatically suspended. Your DUI lawyer can not only file the request for you, but they can also represent you at the hearing itself.
Arraignment
An arraignment in a DUI case is a short court hearing several weeks after your arrest. This is not a trial. Ostensibly, all you do at the arraignment is enter your plea of Guilty or Not Guilty. But this is also where your DUI lawyer and the prosecutor first square off.
The prosecutor is feeling you out to see if you will be easy to convict. If you do not have a lawyer, they will see you as an easy case. Get a lawyer before your arraignment date.
Trial
Your trial will usually be held at the Compton Courthouse and will be a trial before a jury. But you may not have to go to trial at all. Your DUI lawyer will work tirelessly to get you a way out before the trial date even comes.
This could mean getting the charges dropped, reducing them to a lesser charge, or arranging a bargain that is far more favorable to you than a typical judge’s sentence. This can make a difference for you for years after your case.
Do You Need a Lynwood DUI Attorney?
Getting a DUI attorney is the most important step you can take to defend yourself. Your Lynwood DUI attorney will know which tactics work in court. They will put pressure on the prosecution to make an offer that works in your favor.
Advantages of having a lawyer include:
- Challenging the breath test. Breath and blood testing are not always reliable. Your lawyer knows how to object to them and potentially get this evidence excluded. If your blood alcohol level can be challenged, it can be a benefit to your case.
- Challenging the arresting officer. Police officers are not perfect. A lawyer will find holes in their statements and call their word into question.
- Challenging the arrest itself. If arrest procedures were not followed, your rights may have been violated. Your lawyer can challenge this.
- Bargaining power. Prosecutors do not have time for a courtroom battle over every DUI case. Your criminal defense attorney will make it hard to send you to jail, and that makes it more likely that the prosecutor will offer you an out.
Contact a Lynwood DUI Law Firm for a Free Case Evaluation Today
Drunk driving charges can impact every aspect of your life. When your future is at stake, and you deserve the best defense strategy possible. We want to help. We can match you with a local Lynwood area DUI attorney who has the experience you need.
We have pre-screened the best DUI attorneys, and every defense attorney we work with offers a completely FREE case evaluation. This is your chance to make an informed decision about how to proceed with your case.
Don’t turn down help when you need it most. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help defend your rights.
