How would I know if a lawyer can represent my cousin well on his DUI case here in Los Angeles?

Carinne

Los Angeles, CA

You would know if a lawyer could represent your cousin well on his DUI case in Los Angeles if the lawyer specializes in defending DUI cases only. Keep in mind that being charged with DUI should be taken seriously and you have to give special attention to the DUI laws. If your cousin gets a lawyer who does not specialize in handling DUI cases, he may not be represented well. Make sure that the lawyer is an expert when it comes to defending DUI cases or a huge percentage of the cases he or she has handled are in connection to DUI. Perhaps, this is the only means for you to determine that you are working with a DUI expert.

Your cousin may also want to find out the ranking of the DUI attorney he would hire against other attorneys. Aside from that, he also has to do a background check on the DUI attorney. Try to find out if he or she comes from a respectable law school. Your cousin has to work with a lawyer who knows technical expert witnesses to aid him on his defense. These witnesses could aid in investigating if you have undergone the appropriate police procedures, in accordance to DUI laws and if the chemical test/s were properly administered. Little technicalities like this could be a basis for your cousin to be found guilty or not.

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 counseling 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.

My cousin may opt to plea bargaining on his DUI case in Los Angeles, California. Why should a person accused of DUI consider plea bargaining and when exactly does a plea bargain occur?

Wilbur

Los Angeles, CA

Your cousin will be advised by his DUI attorney about plea bargaining on his DUI case in Los Angeles, California. Usually, plea bargains are at the request of the court not the DUI defendant. The government might feel they have a weak case against your cousin or they may wish to settle in order to clear their calendar. The defense lawyers and prosecution may consider a plea bargain to keep the charges out of the control of jury or a judge.

Generally, a plea bargain depends on the court and the jurisdiction. The state of California allows plea bargains during certain phases of the criminal process. Your cousin’s DUI attorney would be able to advise him on the specifics of his DUI case. He has to speak with his attorney first before deciding whether or not to plea bargain. The DUI attorney would be able to help him make an informed decision.