Amid the ongoing saga of Lindsay Lohan, it is easy to forget that all of her legal problems stem from a drunk driving conviction nearly three years ago. A Los Angeles DUI defense lawyer should assist clients in avoiding problematic terms of probation and work to ensure that a client understands what's expected so that he or she can avoid additional legal problems.
Clients who find themselves in significant legal trouble as a result of a drunk driving conviction are often those who fail to take the charges serious enough. A DUI conviction frequently leads to job loss, loss of your driver's license and jail time. Various studies have put the average cost of a DUI at about $10,000. Speaking with an experienced attorney is money well spent.
For instance, many are surprised to learn that those experienced with the legal system often request jail time instead of attempting to comply with a lengthy probation term. As Lohan has found -- through three years of stints in jails and rehab -- probation is often not for the faint of heart.
Lohan's case is not even an extreme example, it is simply a high-profile example of what happens with hundreds, if not thousands of drunk driving cases each year. Just because you are counting on probation, does not mean you do not need an attorney at your side to protect your rights.
CNN reports that Loan plans to check herself into another rehab facility. She was jailed without bail last week after failing a drug test. A judge later ruled she had to be granted bail because the underlying charge was a simple misdemeanor DUI.
Her bail was granted -- for an astronomical sum of $300,000. She has been in court. She has been in jail. She has been in rehab. She has been subject to various forms of electronic monitoring. And she is nowhere near being free of the system.
Terms of probation may include maintaining employment, not leaving the state, not associating with certain friends or relatives, passing frequent drug or alcohol screenings, and obeying a curfew. When a violation occurs, a judge has the option of returning you to jail on the underling charge.
Lohan will be back in court for the probation revocation hearing on Oct. 22. At which time she will very likely be returning to jail once again.
If you are facing a DUI charge in Los Angeles or the surrounding area, contact Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen G. Rodriguez for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
