Reader’s Question:

Hi, I live in Los Angeles, California and I haven’t actually been arrested for DUI. But in case I will be charged for DUI and I get a lawyer, what knowledge should a lawyer have when it comes to different blood alcohol testing methods used in a DUI case?

Kate

Los Angeles, CA

If you get arrested for DUI in Los Angeles, California, you definitely have a choice of a breath, blood or urine test to find out your blood alcohol level. This is the reason why every DUI defense lawyer should have sufficient scientific knowledge in order to effectively cross-examine the state’s expert, as well as to present defense expert testimony. Mouth alcohol, absorption, interfering substances, peak and elimination of alcohol, chemistry and other scientific issues are extremely critical in representing a person accused of DUI.

Being knowledgeable on the various breath, blood and urine testing methods and their scientific principles is also required for the competent DUI defense lawyer. Every blood alcohol testing device has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Those weaknesses should be explored in front of a jury in order to provide the defense with effective assistance of counsel. In several occasions, the chemical testing machines are neither properly operated nor calibrated and this can be attacked by a good DUI defense lawyer who has enough knowledge on the information about how chemical testing machines are being maintained.

Tags: blood alcohol test, DUI, DUI arrest, DUI lawyer

Reader’s Question:

A friend of mine was recently charged with DUI here in Los Angeles, California and he doesn’t want to go to trial because he wants to have this over and done with. I heard that he is hoping to have the DUI charges reduced that’s why he is planning to plead guilty. Question is, if his DUI charge will be reduced to wet reckless, will this be considered as a prior in case he gets arrested again for DUI in the future?

Abbie

Los Angeles, CA

You gotta tell your friend that there is a lot at stake if he pleads guilty for his DUI charge in Los Angeles, California and just hope that his charges will be reduced. Yes, there are certain ways that the DUI case could be resolved without proceeding to trial. But I strongly suggest that he seeks professional legal advice first before doing anything he might regret later on. On the other hand, there are some DUI cases that plea bargaining would be appropriate and he has to remember that each DUI case is different, and there are times that admission of guilt to the DUI charge would be in his best interest.

He may have the DUI charge reduced to wet reckless which is an alcohol-related reckless driving. In several respects, wet reckless is no different from a DUI charge which means that if he gets arrested for a similar offense within 10 years, the wet reckless conviction would be considered as a prior DUI conviction. Moreover, most auto insurance companies would treat a wet reckless conviction just like a DUI conviction. But there would be some benefits of having the DUI charge reduced to wet reckless because there would be no mandatory DUI school with this charge and no mandatory driver’s license suspensions or restrictions.

Tags: drunk driving laws, DUI, DUI lawyer, DUI trial

Reader’s Question:

I was told that there is an alternative to jail term if my cousin will be convicted for his DUI in Los Angeles, California. What kind of alternative is this and how does this work?

Kason

Los Angeles, CA

If your cousin would be sentenced to jail for his DUI charge in Los Angeles, California, there is an attractive alternative to a jail term which is an electronically monitored “house arrest,” or home detention. The correctional administrator can offer this program under which minimum security inmates and low-risk offenders committed to a county jail can voluntarily participate in a home detention program during their sentence in lieu of confinement in the county jail.

The home detention usually involves periodic telephone checks, wearing a bracelet or anklet transmitter, or both telephone checks and wearing a transmitter. The restriction isn’t necessarily 24 hours a day but the correctional administrator could permit home detention program participants to seek and retain employment in the community, seek medical and dental assistance or attend psychological counselling sessions or educational or vocational training classes. This is also commonly given to the detainee to pick up cleaning, shop for food and pursue other necessary chores.

Tags: DUI, DUI lawyer, DUI penalties

Reader’s Question:

Im looking for a DWI lawyer in Los Angeles California and I want to know what I should ask them on free consultation.

Ray

Thank you for asking Ray.

Before you select the right Florida DUI court attorney, please make sure your attorney specializes in the field of DWIs in LA. Obviously you will have many questions for the LA California DWI attorney. You should make sure the California DWI lawyer offers free consultations, so you can ask your questions.

Below are the list of questions you may ask your Los Angeles California DWI court lawyers:

* Do you specialize DWI defenses in California?
* Are you experienced in California DUI/DWI defense?
* Who will be handling my case?
* Will I be contacted regularly about the updates to my case?
* Will I receive copies of the motions you file?
* Will I be able to make a final decision regarding my case?
* What is your estimate of fees?

Getting an experienced court attorney will protect yourself against the possibility of going to jail. You may contact an experienced LA California DWI lawyer to get more information on DWI case in California.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

How much will it cost to get a lawyer for DWI in Los Angeles California?

Joshua

Thank you for asking Joshua.

In California, the cost of an lawyer will differ much between the amount of experience, the reputation, and the location of their practice. It is usually true that the bigger the city and the more experience the lawyer has, the higher the costs of the lawyer. A detail that may also affect the fees is the amount of time a lawyer commits to each case. A more qualified attorney will also accept fewer clients, and in turn give more attention to each case individually.

In Los Angeles California, fees can range from $500 to $15,000 or more, all depends on the details of the lawyer and the case. A general practitioner who is located in a smaller and less populated community in California might charge between $500 and $1000. Generally, an experienced DUI lawyer with a good reputation will charge $5000 to $8000 if this is your first DUI offence. This fine does include the DMV license hearing as well.

A lawyer could request a retained in advance or just charge a fixed fee, which includes all expenses. Either way, you can and should ask for a written agreement of all the fees. Make sure that you follow all of the terms the lawyer request of you before you make any decisions.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

What do I need to do to find an experienced DWI lawyer in Los Angeles California?

Jean

Thank you for asking Jean.

The best way to find a qualified DUI/DWI lawyer in CA is through their reputation in LA California. While the nationally known lawyers are really very expensive, there are other ways where you can also find locally known lawyers to represent you. The most effective way is found simply through getting information from other lawyers in the district who they think is the most qualified in DWI defense. You may visit the courthouse in your area to ask clerks, bailiffs, and public defenders the regarding this inforation.

It will not be helpful to find a referral from the local Bar association or a referral service. Most of these services work off of a referral list and just provide you the next lawyer on the list. The problem with this strategy is that, in most cases, there are very few requirements needed to have in order to be put on this list. A lawyer simply has to request to be put on the list.

The highest acknowledgment for a DUI lawyer is Board-certification. This shows an amount of experience and skills. Another good indication of expertise is if he/she is a member with the National College for DUI/DWI Defense. More suitable qualification is the completion of the College’s rigorous 3 day seminar that takes place annually at Harvard Law School.

Goodluck!

MariCAR