CHULA VISTA DUI ATTORNEY

If you drink and drive, it was inevitable you would be stopped and perhaps arrested and charged with a DUI. While it is not unlawful to drink and drive, it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08%. If you have been charged with a DUI, call a Chula Vista DUI attorney at (888) 754-9860.

A DUI is serious. The DMV will suspend your license and you will likely spend time in jail if convicted, pay thousands of dollars in fines, costs and insurance and suffer repercussions to your job. A DUI is on your public record and any background check will reveal it. But you do have options, and the main one is immediately retaining a Chula Vista DUI attorney.

Stages of a DUI

There are several stages in a DUI case that are handled by a Chula Vista DUI attorney:

• DMV hearing. You have only 10 days to request a hearing or your license will be immediately suspended. Your Chula Vista DUI attorney can challenge probable cause in stopping, detaining and arresting you and whether your BAC results were 0.08%.
• Arraignment. Your Chula Vista DUI attorney will plead you not guilty and obtain police reports and other records
• Prepare for Trial. Your Chula Vista DUI attorney can bring motions to contest probable cause, suppress evidence and others. A conference is also held with the prosecutor where your Chula Vista DUI attorney will try to negotiate a plea arrangement.
• Trial. If no plea agreement is reached, your Chula Vista DUI attorney is fully prepared to try your case.

Beating a DUI

A DUI is not easy to overcome but your Chula Vista DUI lawyer has years of experience handling different DUI scenarios and being successful in getting a prosecutor to reduce the charges or even dismiss them. Your Chula Vista DUI lawyer can do the following:

• Investigate rights violations. Police have to follow certain procedures in stopping and detaining, questioning and arresting you.
• Review for chemical test violations. There are dozens of ways to challenge a breath or blood test that your Chula Vista DUI lawyer can examine.
• Search for inconsistencies and errors. Police reports, testimony and other evidence will be examined by your San Diego DUI lawyer.
• Negotiate a reduced plea or try your case.

DUI Penalties

DUI sentences vary based on prior DUI convictions or if aggravating circumstances were present. If applicable your Chula Vista DUI lawyer can advise you.

Otherwise, these penalties typically are imposed:

First DUI or DWI

The usual penalties for a first DUI or DWI are:

1. Jail. 48 hours in jail and up to 6-months; 3-years of probation
2. Suspension of license. Loss of driving privileges for 4 to 10-months though you may be eligible for a restricted license; if BAC testing was refused, the suspension is one year
3. Fines: $390 with costs over $1,800
4. DUI classes: 3-months
5. Insurance and installation: Secure SR-1 insurance and possibly install an interlock ignition system

Second DUI or DWI

Penalties for a second DUI or DWI within 10 years of the first include:

1. Jail. 96 hours and up to one year in county jail and 3-5 years probation
2. Suspension of license. 2 year suspension with eligibility for restricted license unless testing was refused.
3. Fines: $390 to $1000 but over $10,000 in costs
4. DUI Classe 18 to 30-months
5. Installation and insurance. SR-1 insurance and Interlock ignition system

Third DUI or DWI

Conviction of a third DUI or DWI in 10 years may include:

1. Jail. 120 days to one year in county jail and 3-5 years probation
2. Suspension of license. 3 years with restricted license after 12-months
3. Fines: $390 to $1000 and other costs up to $15,000
4. DUI classes. 30-months
5. Installation and insurance. SR-1 insurance and interlock system

Fourth DUI or DWI

A fourth DWI or DWI could be negotiated to a misdemeanor.by your Gardena DUI lawyer. If a felony, you face:

1. Jail. 16 months, 2 or 3 years in jail and formal probation for up to 5 years
2. Suspension of license: 4 years
3. Fines: Up to $5000 with associated costs of up to $18,000
4. Habitual traffic offender status. 3 years
5. Mandatory DUI classes. 30-months
6. Installation and insurance. SR-1 insurance and interlock system

Commercial DUI or DWI

Commercial drivers can be convicted of a commercial DUI or DWI if their BAC is 0.04% so that their need for a Gardena DUI lawyer is imperative.

Penalties include:

1. Jail. Same as for a motorist with a Class C license for first or multiple DUI or DWI offenses
2. Driver’s license suspension.

• Loss of commercial driver’s license for one year, regardless of the vehicle you were driving
• Life-time suspension for a second conviction
• Your Class C license is also affected

3. Fines. From $390 to $1000
4. DUI Classes. Same as for other offenders
5. Insurance and installation. Possible securing of SR-1 insurance and installation of an interlock system

Call a Chula Vista DUI Lawyer

If you were arrested for a DUI, call a Chula Vista DUI lawyer today at (888) 754-9860.