what to expect from a dui lawyer

An experienced DUI lawyer will know how to negotiate with the prosecution. Such a lawyer may already know the prosecutor and may be able to use that relationship to get you a much lighter or much more appropriate sentence. If your DUI led to an accident that caused someone harm, then you should hire a private attorney.

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What can you expect if you’ve been charged with a DUI?

A lawyer who specializes in DUI law knows how to deal with prosecutors and judges as well as work with the defense team on how to best present their client's case to the judge or jury. As an experienced DUI law attorney, your objective should be to defend your client with the same zeal that you would if facing any other criminal charges.

Do I need a lawyer for a DUI charge?

The presence of a private DUI or DWI attorney can change the course of your trial. In fact, they can save you the cost and mental trauma of the proceedings altogether. Most lawyers have excellent negotiation skills that they can use to settle DWI cases outside the court.

What should I do if I'm charged with a DUI?

Whether you have just been charged with your first or an additional DUI, you should be aware of what to expect. DUI charges are serious in San Diego and other parts of California. 1st Offense DUI. Meaning you were driving with a BAC of .08 or higher. 5 years of probation; $2100 fine; 3 month program; MADD 1x Victims Impact (VIP) Meeting

Why hire an experienced Orange County DUI lawyer?

Sep 01, 2020 · This article provides an overview of the typical procedures (every area is a little different) a defendant might expect in a standard DUI trial. (Also, read about other procedures in DUI cases, including pre- and post-trial proceedings .) Jury Selection Trial procedures vary by jurisdiction, but typically a jury trial begins with jury selection.

What is the best case scenario for a DUI?

Best Case. If you have been pulled over for allegedly driving under the influence, the best-case scenario you could hope for is that the officer(s) failed to gather enough evidence against you or made procedural, technical, or constitutional mistakes before, during or following your arrest.

What are the consequences of a DUI in California?

For a first-offense DUI in California, consequences for conviction generally include three years of informal probation, fines of $390 plus “penalty assessments” (totally approximately $2000, and completing a first offender alcohol program that consists of a 30-hour class, at a cost of about $500.

What happens when you get a DUI for the first time in Florida?

Fines: If this is your first conviction, your fine will be between $500–$2,000. If your blood alcohol level is . 15 or higher, or you have a minor in the vehicle, the fine will be between $2,000–$4,000.

How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Georgia?

Most attorneys will work on a flat fee. An experienced DUI defense attorney has done this countless times. They will know what you're up against. Reasonable fees will run in the range of $1,500 to $5,000.

How likely is jail time for first DUI California?

Do all California DUI convictions require jail time?DUI OffenseMinimum Jail TimeMaximum Jail Sentence1st DUI48 hours6 months2nd DUI (within 10 years)10 daysUp to 1 year3rd DUI (within 10 years)120 daysUp to 1 year4th (or more) DUI (within 10 years)180 daysUp to 3 years

How much is a DUI 2021 California?

* How much does a DUI cost? California DUI fines range from $390 to $5,000 plus penalty assessments & fees that can raise the total cost to $18,000, depending on your DUI charge. DUI with injury or property damage may also require you to pay injured parties.

Can you avoid jail time for first DUI?

In many states, you can avoid jail time for a standard first DUI. But if you have prior DUI convictions or the current offense involves certain aggravating factors, the likelihood of spending at least some time in jail goes up.

How long is probation for DUI in Florida?

Under the law, 12 months of probation is mandatory for a DUI charge. Probation involves reporting monthly to a probation officer.

Do first time DUI offenders go to jail in Florida?

Criminal Penalties You May Face for a First-Time DUI Conviction. A conviction for a first-time DUI offense in the state of Florida could cost you as much as $1,000, up to six months in jail, the possibility of losing your driver's licenses for up to six months, and fifty hours of community service.Mar 21, 2018

What Can a DUI be reduced to in Georgia?

There are great benefits to getting a Georgia DUI case reduced to reckless driving. If offered a favorable plea bargain, the decision to enter the plea bargain is entirely up to the client. You have an absolute right to fight your case with a jury trial.May 17, 2018

How do you beat a DUI in Georgia?

If you want to beat a DUI, you need to remain SILENT.(2) Every Field Sobriety Test Is Voluntary and Optional – Just Say NO. ... (3) In a Georgia DUI, do not blow into the Portable Breathalyzer at the roadway! ... (4) Do not Resist Arrest for a DUI in Georgia. ... (5) You Have No Privacy in a Police Car in the Peach State.More items...

How long does a DUI stay on your record in GA?

foreverGeorgia law says that a DUI will stay on your criminal record forever. There is also a look-back period of 10 years associated with a DUI charge in Georgia. This means that if you repeat the offense within the next 10 years, you'll be charged as a second offender.Jan 21, 2022

How does a DUI affect your life?

Being charged with a DUI can impact you in countless ways. It can limit your career options , stay on your permanent record, and take a significant toll on your finances. You need to take these charges seriously, even if you've never been charged with a DUI before.

How long can you go to jail for DUI?

Although not likely for a first-time offender, jail time of up to 364 days is possible for any DUI charges, whether the driver is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication. Someone can spend time in jail even if they refuse to submit to a breathalyzer or other tests and are found guilty.

What can a lawyer do for you?

If you work with a lawyer, you may be able to reduce the severity of the consequences you're facing. You may be able to avoid jail time and even keep the offense of your permanent record.

How long does a drug test last?

This usually lasts for six months to one year. On average, finds are typically around $1,500 to $2,000. You may face jail time between 10 and 30 days, and you may be required to complete drug & alcohol classes.

What are the conditions for a DUI?

Typically, this includes a fine, court costs, urinalysis fees, and probation fees. The monthly payment could be equivalent to a smaller car payment.

Can a DUI be revoked?

The difference may seem insignificant, however, it is very important. With court supervision, you are not convicted of the offense and your license will not be revoked. If you receive probation, there will be a conviction on your record for DUI and your license becomes automatically revoked or canceled. It is also possible that the Judge may order ...

How long can a first time offender go to jail?

The average sentence for first-time offenders usually requires no jail time as long as you complete all the conditions of your supervision. Deciding whether or not to sentence an offender to jail is usually at the discretion of a judge.

What is a reasonable doubt in a DUI case?

The prosecutor must prove the defendant committed the crime of DUI “ beyond a reasonable doubt .” Generally, a reasonable doubt means a real possibility that a defendant is not guilty. If the jury has any reasonable doubt as to the defendant’s guilt, they must return a not guilty verdict.

What happens if you are charged with driving under the influence?

What will happen if you’ve been charged with driving under the influence and your case goes to trial. Although many DUI cases (also called “driving while intoxicated” or “DWI”) are resolved before trial through plea bargaining, DUI defendants generally have a constitutional right to a jury trial. Most defendants on trial for DUI have ...

What is jury selection?

Jury Selection. Trial procedures vary by jurisdiction, but typically a jury trial begins with jury selection. Jury selection is known as “voir dire” (which literally means “to speak the truth”). During voir dire, the prosecutor and defense attorney question a group of potential jurors (the “jury pool”). Based on their answers, the prosecutor and ...

Do you have to testify in a criminal case?

However, a criminal defendant doesn’t have to present any evidence or testify. It’s up to the state to prove the defendant’s guilt. So, in many cases, the defense strategy is to attack the state’s evidence rather than present evidence of their own.

What is the opening statement of a trial?

An opening statement is generally a preview of the evidence that each party intends to present. No evidence is presented during opening statements, and the attorneys aren’t supposed to make legal arguments to the jury.

What is the purpose of opening statements in a case?

Rather, the attorneys are supposed to use their opening statements to outline for the jury what they believe the evidence will show. In other words, the parties explain, from their perspective, what the facts of the case are.

What is the purpose of a direct examination?

The prosecution questions its witnesses through direct examination, with the goal of eliciting information to strengthen the state’s case. After direct examination, the defendant’s attorney will have an opportunity to cross examine any witnesses that testify for the state.

How long does it take to get a DMV hearing?

With the DMV, you have the right to a DMV hearing, as long as you or an Orange County DUI Attorney requests one within 10 days of your arrest. However, if you lose the hearing, or do not request one within 10 days, you get a suspension.

Can you go to jail for a second DUI in Orange County?

Another option that is available for second time DUI cases, but that is not recommended by many Orange County DUI attorneys, is the DUI Court in Orange County. That program is run by the Orange County Superior Court, and gives the option to offenders facing mandatory jail time for 2nd DUI cases to avoid that jail time by serving time via electronic monitoring, random testing, attending court support sessions, attend an alcohol program, meet with, and be monitored by, Orange County probation acting as a DUI court team, and eventually graduate from the DUI court program.