Finding the Right Los Angeles DUI Lawyer

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Legal )



The DUI Law in California

Under California law, the act of "driving under influence of alcohol or drugs" (DUI) is a serious offense. Even a first-time offender will incur severe penalties such as alcohol/drug rehabilitation program, hefty fines, license restriction or suspension, and possible jail terms. If you had caused another person's death due to DUI, you could also be charged with manslaughter.

When an officer stops your vehicle because he suspects you of DUI, he will ask you to take several on-field tests. If you fail these, you will also need to take further chemical tests to check your breath, blood or urine samples for alcohol or drugs. If the tests show that you have exceeded the .8% limit, you could be arrested and charged for DUI in court. You have the option to refuse such tests, but you would still be liable for the offense.

Unfortunately, you could still face DUI charges even if you had only consumed a small amount of alcohol. Whether or not you pass the on-field sobriety tests depends highly on the discretion on the arresting officer's part. It may also be possible that the officer did not follow the proper procedures for arresting and detaining you. Unless you are a lawyer yourself or possess enough expertise to defend yourself in court, you will definitely need the services of a competent Los Angeles DUI lawyer.

Finding the Right Los Angeles DUI Lawyer

Just as you need a specialist to diagnose and treat a particular illness, you also need a lawyer who is specifically trained and certified in handling DUI cases.

A Los Angeles DUI lawyer has to be well-versed about the most current DUI laws in California as well as the US Constitution amendments. He must have scientific and professional knowledge about the various on-field and chemical sobriety tests in order to detect any loopholes in these procedures which would be able to clear his client.

The Los Angeles DUI lawyer should be certified not only by the California State Bar but also by the National College for DUI Defense. In addition, he must have completed seminars on DUI Defense, and preferably, published books or journals regarding DUI.

You need to find out from the Los Angeles DUI lawyer regarding his success rate and length of experience in handling DUI cases.

The best DUI lawyers may be expensive, and could charge at least fifteen thousand dollars. The fee might not include fees for court, appeals, witnesses or further independent medical tests. Some lawyers may also require retainer fees before the case goes to court. Always ask for a complete breakdown of all the fees expected of you, and find out which ones he can defer until the case has been resolved.

And perhaps the most important thing to know from your lawyer is whether you do have a good chance to win your case.


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