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.

If my sister would be released from jail after being arrested for drunk driving in Los Angeles, California, what do you think is the best thing that she would have to do first and does she need to hire a DUI lawyer?

Sylvester

Los Angeles, CA

Once your sister has been released from jail after being arrested for DUI in Los Angeles, California, the very first thing that she would have to do is to write down everything that she can remember about the night of the drunk driving arrest. These things would include what she was doing and where she was before driving, how much she had to drink, how long after drinking when she was arrested, how the officer behaved and any instructions given to her, what the officer said to her, where she was pulled over, when and if she was read her Miranda rights and when she took the blood alcohol test and how long it had been since she drank. She has to write down everything that she can think of, even if it doesn’t strike her as relevant.

You actually have already mentioned what to do next. Yes, your sister needs to hire a DUI lawyer. She needs and deserves an experienced DUI defense lawyer who will fight for her rights. The single most important thing that she can do for herself is to find a qualified lawyer who knows California DUI law.

My son just got arrested for DUI . We decided to hire a DUI lawyer and my husband is the one who usually deals with the lawyer regarding my son’s case. What are the possible defenses that he could have on his DUI case?

Monica

Los Angeles, CA

There are many lawyers in Los Angeles, California, but there are only few who are well experienced in DUI cases. I hope the lawyer that you got to defend your son on his DUI charge has a lot to boast on defending DUI cases. A good DUI lawyer knows every aspect of defense to get an acquittal or at best a reduced sentence. He/she needs to be well informed of the different tactics that can be used to make your son’s case have a good outcome. Honest and good communication is necessary between the DUI lawyer and your son to ensure a comprehensive knowledge of the events that have occurred.

A good DUI lawyer needs to go over each item that can be used in your son’s defense. The defenses that the DUI lawyer will use relate to matters such as:
-If your son’s constitutional rights have been breached
-If the police officer concerned followed the correct procedures
-If you son was read his rights when the police officer made the DUI arrest
-If the blood and alcohol level tests were properly carried out
-If the equipment used to monitor blood alcohol levels was maintained and in good working order

An experienced legal expert in the field of DUI Law would know exactly what to look out for and would be aware of the various loopholes that can mean the difference between a successful charge or dismissal of charges.

I lived in Los Angeles, California. I just bought a new car and then on some occasions will have some few drinks with my girlfriends. I was never been arrested for DUI, but just out of curiosity, I would like to know what lies ahead for a first time offender of DUI here in Los Angeles.

Debra, Los Angeles CA

Hey Debra,

That’s a good question. You know it is better to know what lies ahead before you decide on doing something like driving yourself home when you got few glasses of martinis when out together with your girlfriends. If my memory serves me right, I was once a first time offender of DUI, way back 5 years ago. I was just given a fine and after which off I went. I had just 2 glasses of martinis that night that I was arrested. So a minimal amount as a fine was given to me as a punishment. But got some friends telling me, I was lucky I did not meet an accident and bumped another person. If I did then, my driver’s license will be suspended and I will be facing a probation that would lasts for three years. Also one more thing, in Los Angeles, all offenders are mandated to attend a DUI education course.

If you are a first time offender, the punishment will depend on how serious the accident is if there are any or if there are no accidents then you will just be facing a fine.