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.

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.