If you’ve been arrested for a DUI, you need to contact a San Bernardino DUI lawyer as soon as you can to help you avoid the worst punishments the state of California can throw at you.
Los Angeles DUI Attorney can help you connect with a lawyer for a free consultation so you can learn more about your options.
While an attorney can help at any point in the process, hiring a DUI lawyer within 10 days gives you an opportunity to potentially keep your driver’s license, so don’t delay.
Is a San Bernardino DUI Attorney Worth the Cost?
The more important information is how much a DUI costs in Southern California. Why?
When you add up fines, court fees, the cost of higher car insurance, and other costs, hiring a DUI attorney can actually save you money in the long run.
Some costs of a DUI include:
- Fines: $390+
- Court fees: $1200+
- DMV driver’s license fee: $125
- Booking and fingerprinting: $170
- Vehicle towing and impound fee: $350+
- Victim restitution fund: $140
- DUI school: $575+
- Bail bond: Up to $2,500
- Increased car insurance premiums: An additional $1,000+ per year for 10 years
What Are the DUI Penalties in California?
Wondering what to expect after a DUI conviction?
Here’s a peek at what you could face if you don’t hire an experienced San Bernardino DUI lawyer to get you an excellent plea deal or get your charges dismissed.
Prison or Jail Time
DUI convictions come with prison sentences ranging from 48 hours to six months for a first offense.
Additional convictions within 10 years will result in longer sentences.
Fines
Court fees and fines can add up to thousands of dollars for first-time convictions. Additional convictions within a decade cause even higher fines.
Increased Car Insurance Premiums
Your car insurance rates will increase significantly after a DUI, adding $1,000 or more to your bill each year for 10 full years.
Required Usage of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
With California’s Statewide Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Pilot Program, some DUI convictions require you to install an IID in your vehicle at your own expense. How much does that cost?
The initial installation costs $75-150, and then an additional $100 or more each month to cover the leasing fee and monthly calibrations.
DUI School
DUI convictions require you to attend an alcohol treatment or education program, again at your own expense. The shortest program costs $575, and you may be required to attend a longer, more expensive program depending on exactly what you’re convicted of.
Suspended Driver’s License
If you file an administrative per se hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days, you may be able to avoid having your driver’s license suspended, especially if you hire a DUI attorney to represent you.
Otherwise, you will automatically have your license suspended 30 days after your arrest, even if you aren’t convicted, and you won’t be able to get it back for a few months or even years, depending on the circumstances.
How You May Be Able to Keep Your License
Understanding the DMV hearing after receiving a DUI is your only hope of keeping your driver’s license after being arrested for a DUI.
You must request this hearing within 10 days of your arrest, and there are no appeals, delays, or other ways to prevent having your license suspended without attending this hearing.
An experienced attorney can represent you at this per se hearing and argue for you to be able to keep your license.
How a DUI Lawyer Can Assist You
A DUI conviction can ruin your life for up to 10 years. Luckily, there are many ways a DUI attorney can assist you after a DUI arrest, including:
- Representing you during your per se DMV hearing and other hearings or trials
- Fighting to get your charges dropped or reduced
- Constructing a strong defense case for you
- Presenting evidence-based arguments during your trial
- Interviewing eyewitnesses
- Negotiating a good plea bargain with the prosecutor
- Answering your questions
- Reviewing dashcam footage, body camera videos, and other evidence
- Schedule a Free Consultation With a San Bernardino DUI Lawyer ASAP
Your future is too important to leave in the hands of an underpaid, overworked public defender after a DUI arrest. Instead, a San Bernardino DUI lawyer may be able to keep you out of jail, help you keep your driver’s license, or even get your charges dismissed.
When you’re ready for a free consultation, Los Angeles DUI Attorney can connect you with a local lawyer who may save you thousands of dollars.
We encourage you to contact a lawyer as soon as you can after your arrest since you only have 10 days to schedule a per se hearing and possibly keep your license. However, an attorney can help you at any point before your trial, so it’s likely not too late.
