If you’re facing DUI charges, you’re probably worried about jail time, massive fines, and DUI school. In California, a DUI conviction also means losing your license, often for years. It is a very serious charge and one that you should fight as hard as possible.
Defending yourself from this type of criminal charge and ensuring it has as little of an impact on your crim
inal record as possible can be hard. Fortunately, a South Gate DUI lawyer can help. Reach out to Los Angeles DUI Attorney to learn more about how a lawyer can combat drunk driving charges.
Penalties a South Gate DUI Lawyer Can Protect You From
The penalties for DUI are determined by California state law and depend on whether you have previous DUI convictions (or related charges). There are separate penalties for first-time, second-time, and third-time DUI offenders. A skilled criminal defense attorney can protect you from the following outcomes:
- Fines: The minimum you’ll end up paying if convicted of drunk driving is about $1,800. This includes a $390 minimum fine and a variety of court fees that every convicted offender must pay. That said, this is only the minimum amount. The fines and fees can easily increase to $10,000, depending on your situation.
- Jail time: Generally, a first-time DUI will carry at least two days in jail. It can be much longer if you are a repeat offender. Depending on your history, you could face up to six months in jail. You’ll want to partner with a defense lawyer to avoid serious outcomes.
- Losing your license: All DUIs carry a “soft” or “hard” license suspension. A hard suspension means you cannot drive at all, and a soft suspension restricts your driving privileges. The hard suspension for a first offense will be at least four months.
- DUI School: If convicted, you will be ordered to participate in a class known as DUI School. This course teaches you how to be a safer driver. The class takes at least three months and costs $500 minimum.
DUI Penalties Can Increase if You’ve Been Convicted in the Past
It’s important to understand that the penalties you face for a DUI conviction can be much more serious if you’ve been found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol in the past. In fact, if this is your third or fourth offense, it could be considered a felony charge.
If you’ve had a previous DUI conviction in the last 10 years, you will face far more severe penalties. You could be in jail for up to a year or even be sent to state prison. Fines can reach into the tens of thousands of dollars. Both the license suspension and the court-ordered treatment program can also last years.
In addition, all DUI sentences will be followed by a probation period and may involve the costly installation of an interlock device in your car(s).
What to Expect in a South Gate DUI Case
Most DUI cases follow a similar arc, although the process may vary depending on who arrested you. South Gate is patrolled by the South Gate Police Officers, the LA County Sheriff, and state troopers out of the Santa Fe Springs office. In most cases, you will be booked and processed at the South Gate Jail.
For many drivers, the first 24 hours are the most harrowing. You will spend a night in jail and likely have to post bail to be released. However, this is only the beginning of your case. You face a long legal road, and you need to take action to defend yourself each step of the way.
A single mistake during the process could result in years of penalties. Legal advice during this process is invaluable. The good news is that a skilled lawyer can guide you through the following steps:
DMV Hearing
As soon as you’re arrested, you’re on a very tight deadline that many drivers don’t even know about. The police will take away your driver’s license and tell you that you have to talk to the DMV to get it back. You have only 10 days to do this.
In those 10 days, you must request a formal hearing with the California DMV and prepare an argument as to why you should keep your license. Not just any reason will do—they’re looking for legal arguments as to why you shouldn’t be convicted. You’ll want to hire a DUI lawyer from South Gate to help you keep your driving privileges.
The Arraignment
Early on in your case, usually within two weeks of the arrest, you will have to go to a court hearing called an Arraignment. This is not a trial. It’s a short hearing before a judge where you enter a plea of Guilty, Not Guilty, or No Contest.
It is extremely important to have a DUI lawyer before you go to this hearing. Your lawyer will lay the foundation for why you should not be found guilty and start to put pressure on the prosecution to offer you a way out. The sooner the prosecution sees you have a lawyer, the better.
Your Trial
An attorney can represent you in trial, but they can also help you avoid one. A good DUI lawyer will gather evidence, find holes in the case against you, and bargain with the prosecution. They may be able to secure you a deal with a light sentence. They could even get the charges against you lowered to something less than DUI or dropped entirely.
Does a South Gate Drunk Driving Lawyer Really Make a Difference in My Case?
Hiring a skilled South Gate DUI lawyer from a reputable law firm can help your case significantly. Here’s how a skilled criminal lawyer can build a DUI defense strategy and fight your charges:
- Challenge the validity of a breath test or blood test
- Look for officer bias or inconsistencies in the officers’ reports
- Uncover violations of your rights
- Demonstrate alternate reasons for why you appeared inebriated
Whether your South Gate DUI attorney looks for an issue with the blood alcohol content test, field sobriety test, or another aspect of your arrest, they’ll work hard to build a strong case and provide the aggressive representation you need to win your case and avoid further legal issues.
Talk to a South Gate DUI Lawyer for Free
Facing any type of criminal charge, let alone a DUI charge can be nerve-wracking. Fortunately, a South Gate DUI lawyer can help you build a strong defense and fight to protect you from the drunk driving charges you’re facing.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we understand the importance of legal defense and can provide you with the resources you need to understand the entire process. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.
