A DUI conviction in California can ruin your life, so if you’ve been arrested for a DUI, you need to hire a Port Hueneme DUI lawyer as soon as you can to possibly prevent your driver’s license from being suspended and reduce how many consequences you face and how severe those consequences can be.
Contact Los Angeles DUI Attorney to connect with a lawyer for a free consultation and find out how they can help you.
If it’s already been more than 10 days, a DUI lawyer may still be able to get your charges reduced or even dropped, so don’t let that stop you from making an appointment.
Is a Port Hueneme DUI Attorney Worth the Cost?
Before you worry about the cost of a lawyer, you should first ask: How much does a DUI cost in Southern California?
Here’s a breakdown of some of the various fines and other costs you’ll face if you get convicted of a DUI:
- Minimum fine: $390
- Approximate court fees: $1,245
- Fingerprinting and booking: $170
- Victim restitution fund: $140
- Vehicle towing and impound fee: $350
- DMV driver’s license fee: $125
- 3-month DUI school: $575
- Bail bond: up to $2,500
- Increased car insurance premiums: $1,000 or more additional per year
What Are the Penalties for DUI in California?
Learning about what to expect after a DUI conviction makes it even more apparent why a Port Hueneme DUI lawyer is worth the cost.
Here are some of the most common DUI penalties you may face, especially if you don’t hire a lawyer.
Usage of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
California’s Statewide Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Pilot Program may force you to spend an initial $75-150 to install an IID as well as an additional $100 or more each month to lease the device and get it calibrated every 30 days to remain compliant.
Jail or Prison Time
If this is your first offense, you may spend anywhere from 48 hours to six months in jail or prison. If you’ve had three or more prior DUIs in the last 10 years, you may spend up to three years behind bars.
DUI School
A DUI conviction may come with a requirement that you attend an alcohol education or treatment program at a cost of $575 or more.
Fines
Fines and court fees can add up to thousands of dollars, even for a first-time DUI conviction, and additional convictions come with steeper fines.
Suspended Driver’s License
You will likely lose your driver’s license for at least a few months and as long as a few years.
Even without a conviction, your license can be suspended. The only way you may be able to prevent that suspension is by filing for an administrative per se hearing within 10 days of your arrest.
Increased Car Insurance Premiums
Car insurance is already expensive, and a DUI conviction can increase the rate you pay by over $1,000 a year for up to a decade.
What Is the Importance of a DMV Hearing After a DUI?
The only hope you have of keeping your driver’s license is understanding the DMV hearing after receiving a DUI.
You must request a per se hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days of your arrest for any chance of not having your license automatically suspended.
An experienced Port Hueneme DUI attorney can represent you at this hearing, and they may be able to prevent the DMV from suspending your driver’s license.
How a Port Hueneme DUI Lawyer Can Help You
Some of the ways a Port Hueneme DUI lawyer may be able to help you keep your license and avoid the worst consequences of a DUI include:
- Investigating your DUI incident and gathering important evidence
- Interviewing eyewitnesses
- Negotiating a plea bargain with the prosecutor
- Present evidence-based arguments during your trial
- Answering any questions you may have
- Reviewing dashcam footage and other forms of evidence
- Constructing a strong defense case on your behalf
- Representing you during hearings
- Fighting to get your charges reduced or dropped
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Port Hueneme DUI Attorney Today
Don’t try to fight your DUI alone or with an overworked, underpaid public defender. Instead, hire a lawyer who may be able to help you keep your driver’s license, stay out of jail, or even get your charges dropped.
Los Angeles DUI Attorney can connect you with a lawyer for a free consultation. You need to act fast if you want to hold onto your driver’s license, so contact an experienced Port Hueneme DUI attorney now.
Remember, you only have 10 days from the date of your arrest to have a chance at keeping your license. Schedule a consultation now for the ability to hold onto your right to drive and face the fewest or least consequences possible for driving under the influence.
