I have a friend in Los Angeles California who was arrested for drunk driving. Prior to that, we both had signed up for an auto insurance. What would be the possible effect of his arrest to his auto insurance?

Martha

Los Angeles, CA

Most drivers like your friend may wonder what could be the impact of being arrested for drunk driving, especially in Los Angeles, California where DUI and DWI is never tolerated and observe strict policies on driving automotive vehicles. This actually does not only impact your car insurance but as well as your driving privilege. The sad truth is that drunk driving conviction may cause your car insurance company to increase their rates, or worst terminate your policy. Insurance companies formulate their premium rates with risk factors. That means, the higher the risk is, the more they charge you with premium rates. They actually base this on an individual’s driving record. This includes the number of tickets, previous DWI/DUI records and accidents that you had during your driving life.

Your friend is not obligated to report his or her drunk driving arrest to the insurance company, not unless he or she gets convicted or the driver’s license is suspended or revoked in a motor vehicle department administrative action. Your friend will likely be required to file an SR22 or formal certificate of insurance if she/he gets convicted. Because of this, it is critical to consult an insurance professional who is expert about DUI / DWI convictions after drunk driving arrest. Then I also suggest that your friend start looking for an effective and cost efficient car insurance. They offer free insurance auto quotations on this web site by the way.

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.

Finding a DUI lawyer was very hard for me when I had to hire one for my DUI case here in Los Angeles, California. Now, I’m facing a bigger challenge battling my case. My lawyer is good but still, I know that I committed a mistake. If I will be convicted for DUI, which I might have to be ready for, what are the fines that are involved?

Anthony

Los Angeles, CA

A DUI charge is a serious offense and invites strict law enforcement through penalties such as fines, probation and if the case is severe, imprisonment. Signs of driving the influence vary and include stopping in a traffic lane for no reason, swerving and weaving and minor and major traffic accidents.

In the state of California, DUI invites stiff penalties, fines and punishment. The fines vary by the frequency and nature of the crime. For first time DUI offenders, the fines would be between $250 and $500. A second DUI conviction within a period of five years may have a fine between $500 and $1000. It would be mandatory also for DUI offenders to take a DUI education course. Keep in mind that these fines and penalties are aggravated with factors such as the confirmation of extremely high blood alcohol content or the presence of a child under 14 years of age in the car.

Surely, it will never be worth it to get behind the wheel after drinking if you think about the penalties and fines involved if you will be convicted of DUI in Los Angeles, California.

A friend of mine was suspected to be driving under the influence of alcohol here in California. He already arrived home when the police arrested him. They said that they were responding to a call from a “concerned citizen” reporting that my friend had been driving while intoxicated. Does the state of California allow warrantless entry into homes of DUI suspects? I’m just curious because it doesn’t seem fair.

Lindsay

Los Angeles, CA

DUI law has long been prevalent with exceptions to the Constitutional limitations applied to most criminal investigations. I totally agree with you that this doesn’t seem fair. But our opinion will no longer matter because in California, the Supreme Court allows warrantless entry into homes of DUI suspects. Ruling 6-1 back in June 1, 2006, the California Supreme Court took exceptions to our Constitutional protections to a new level, allowing law enforcement officers to enter a DUI suspect’s home without a warrant to make an arrest.

The Supreme Court agreed with the prosecution’s claim that the possibility that the defendant could consume more alcohol (or have consumed more alcohol) during the delay and that the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol created “exigent circumstances”. They said that the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol would always result in “destruction of evidence”.

My husband was recently convicted of a DUI in Los Angeles, California for the first time. He has had a perfect driving record for 53 years. He wants to know if he should write his insurance company in LA with an explanation of the circumstances before they learn of the conviction. Thanks.

May

Los Angeles , CA

It must be a very bad time for you and your husband knowing that he has had a perfect driving record for 53 years. My suggestion is that he may want to explain his California DUI conviction only if his insurance company finds out about it. In general, insurance companies check motor vehicle records on their policyholders about every three years. His DUI conviction might go unnoticed.

On the other hand, if his Los Angeles insurance company notices his DUI, there’s no guarantee that it would raise his insurance rates or cancel his policy. Rules may differ by insurance company. Most insurers say that generally, they look at a policyholder’s total driving record and claims history when considering what penalty, if there would be any, they will assess for a DUI conviction.

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