CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles DUI Trials

Why You Need a Los Angeles DUI Attorney After Being Arrested for DUI
If you’ve been stopped by a police officer for driving under the influence (DUI), it might seem like it’s the end of the world. But you need to understand that getting stopped for DUI doesn’t automatically mean that you have been convicted of a crime. You can only be convicted if you plead guilty, or if the judge makes a finding of guilt after a DUI trial. Therefore, if your case has not been to trial, or if you’ve pleaded not guilty or no contest, you are not yet convicted. Nonetheless, it’s crucial that you hire a Los Angeles DUI attorney as quickly as you can to protect your rights.
DUI Arrest and Custody: What to Expect
If a police officer determines that you’re driving under the influence, they will take you into custody, and this can be a nerve-wracking experience. You may not understand what’s happening or the legal implications of your arrest. The law is complicated, so it’s essential to have an experienced Los Angeles DUI lawyer at your side, especially if you’re not familiar with legal issues.
Several ways can determine your condition, and the officer(s) may use any of them. If you take a breathalyzer test and your blood alcohol level (BAC) is equal to, or over 0.08 percent, this is a per se offense in California. Under the law, this BAC level is a presumption of intoxication. You could also be asked to provide urine and blood samples for testing.
Apart from that, the officer will also assess you for any signs of intoxication. If the officer notices that your eyes are watery, you’re slurring words, you smell of alcohol, or you appear disoriented, this may lead the officer to conclude that you’re intoxicated. If you make additional statements that confirm intoxication, or the officer believes your statements are confessions of intoxication, the officer will consider this as proof of driving under the influence in Los Angeles.
Once arrested, you’re required to leave your car where it is and join the police officer. The police may tow your vehicle at your expense unless there’s a sober passenger in the car who can drive it. At the police station, you’ll have to complete a second BAC test, followed by booking and placement into police custody.
After DUI Arrest: What’s Next?
A DUI arrest can be a discouraging experience that often leaves you distraught. Your family and friends may be disappointed, but you should know that unless you’re charged with a DUI felony, you’ll most likely be released the next day. You’ll have to pay the cost of towing your car and overnight storage.
While it’s tough to keep your head up at this point, be informed that you haven’t been convicted of a crime. Therefore, the next step to take is to contact an experienced Los Angeles DUI attorney.
The attorney will help you deal with the DUI charges efficiently and make sure you meet specific deadlines. Most importantly, your lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected.
DMV Hearing and Preparation for DUI Trial: What You Need to Know
According to California state law, you’re required to schedule a DMV hearing within ten days of your DUI arrest. If you have retained a reliable Los Angeles DUI attorney, they will help you schedule this hearing. Failure to schedule the hearing will forfeit your right to a hearing about your California driving privileges.
Your DUI attorney will order evidence that the arresting officer might have turned over to Los Angeles prosecutors, including police reports, blood-urine-breathalyzer test results, audio or video surveillance records, among others. The attorney will then start to prepare your defense against Los Angeles DUI charges. A reputable Los Angeles DUI attorney will take all necessary steps to provide a solid defense against an eventual DUI conviction.
DUI Laws in California: What to Keep in Mind
DUI laws in Los Angeles apply to the driver’s BAC at the time of driving, not to the time the driver submits to a test. So, there may be significant differences or difficulties in establishing proof. Because breath tests are known to be unreliable, an experienced Los Angeles DUI attorney will challenge these findings. Furthermore, the individual’s tolerance to alcohol or other substances may be relevant to the defense brought up during the DUI trial.
For these reasons and more, it’s crucial to contact a Los Angeles DUI attorney to protect your rights. A Los Angeles DUI trial is an overwhelming and challenging experience, but a single phone call to a reputable attorney can make all the difference to your future. If convicted, you may face a permanent criminal record, hefty fines, and even jail time. Act now and make the call.