Why a Los Angeles First DUI Offense Lawyer Is Crucial
When facing their first driving under the influence (DUI) arrest, California motorists may think they have reasons a court or Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) hearing officer will be lenient with them.
They may be young and facing trouble for the first time. Conversely, they may be seasoned drivers who have good jobs and established lives. Generally, they fall somewhere in between.
I am lawyer Edward J. Blum. For a free consultation with me, contact The Law Office of Edward J. Blum in Los Angeles at 213-599-7005.
First-Time DUI Arrest? Here's What You're Up Against.
In my more than 14 years of defending Los Angeles-area drivers accused of DUI, I have learned that authorities consider driver's comparative inexperience in breaking the law the same as they consider ignorance of law. To them, there is simply no excuse for a DUI.
As a result, convicted a motorist can easily have his or her driver's license suspended, face incarceration, and be required to pay thousands of dollars in related fines and bills.
The following are potential consequences for first-time DUI offenders in California:
- Mandatory license suspension for a minimum four months or one year if you are under 21 years old
- A fine of up to $2,500 plus penalties
- Three to five years of court probation
- A jail sentence of two days to six months or assigned work-to-service
- State-mandated alcohol education class
- Increased car insurance premiums for up to 10 years
If you refused to take a breath or blood test at the time of your arrest, the potential penalties are greater. For instance, you can receive a one-year driver's license suspension without a chance to obtain a restricted license.
Under certain circumstances, a judge can order an ignition interlock device to be installed in your vehicle dashboard.
Also, if you live outside California but were arrested for DUI here, the same penalties likely apply due to interstate agreements.
As you can see, if you wish to keep your license, your money and your freedom, naiveté won't save you. You will need a solid DUI/DWI defense provided by an experienced attorney.
Beverly Hills First-Time DUI
Whether your first-time DUI arrest took place in Long Beach or Lancaster, Burbank or Beverly Hills, experienced legal representation can more than pay for itself.
While you may consider an attorney to be an expensive extravagance, a first-offense DUI conviction can easily cost you $10,000 or more plus hardships.
For a no-cost, personal discussion of your legal issues with a competent DUI lawyer, contact The Law Office of Edward J. Blum in Los Angeles at 213-599-7005 or by e-mail here. I accept payment by credit card and offer flat rates on DUI defense.
