DUI Defendants Face Complex Legal Maze

Posted on July 25, 2008
Filed Under Criminal Law, DUI, Felonies, Law |

In 2006, 197,248 California drivers were arrested for DUI. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, 75% were convicted. Driving drunk can leave you with a headache unrelated to your alcohol consumption. Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) defendants face a complex and confusing maze of legal issues that are more successfully navigated with the help of an experienced DUI defense attorney.

In California, DUI and DWI charges actually result in two separate cases:

  • a DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) case
  • a criminal case

The DMV may restrict or revoke your driver’s license. DMV hearings are more informal than court hearings but are highly technical and not easily won without experienced legal help. According to recent DMV statistics, 34% of all people whose licenses were suspended at the time of their arrest could have kept their licenses until their “day in court” by simply requesting a hearing to fight the suspension. Not knowing the rules or not meeting paperwork deadlines can cost you your driver’s license.

The criminal court can impose fines, alcohol education classes, community service, jail time, impound your vehicle and/or force you to install an ignition interlock device on your car that won’t let you start it if you’ve been drinking. In California, drunk driving penalties are set forth by statute and can be extremely complicated. A range of sentences is allowed and certain circumstances can result in heavier or lighter penalties. An experienced DUI defense attorney can see that your case is presented in the most favorable light and protect you from procedural and evidence errors.If you are charged with DUI or DWI, an experienced DUI defense attorney may be able to get your charged reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor or even get your case dismissed.

-LegalPro

Written by LegalPro

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