I have a DUI charge here in Los Angeles, California and I think they have a strong case against me? Do you think I should simply plead guilty to my DUI case?

Jackson

Los Angeles, CA

No, you don’t have to plead guilty to your DUI case in Los Angeles, California even if you think that they have a strong case against you. The truth is that a DUI conviction in the state of California carries significant penalties and ramifications which you will feel for many years if you simply plead guilty to your DUI case. It would be very foolish to assume that there would be no chance of success in a DUI case yet we are repeatedly faced with this common mistake.

Every Municipal Court Judge encourages those who are accused of DUI to retain a DUI defense lawyer at the time of arraignment because they know that there is something that could be accomplished by a defense lawyer in a DUI case. An experienced DUI lawyer would tell you that there are a lot of defenses to DUI charges and the honest truth is that you will never have the advantage if utilizing those possible defenses unless you consult a knowledgeable DUI defense lawyer. And I’m pretty sure that any DUI lawyer you consult will tell you that you don’t have to immediately plead guilty on your DUI charge.

How does a DUI record affect my chances of being accepted into college? I’ve been caught drunk driving in Los Angeles, California when I was 17 but I’ve abided by the law ever since.

Stan

Los Angeles, California

Having a DUI record or being convicted of DUI will definitely have its impact on how prospective colleges or universities will assess your application. You shouldn’t lose hope though, since it really depends on the gravity of your offense (whether you were charged for misdemeanor or a felony offense) and of course, your willingness to be honest about it during your application or interview. The best way to handle this would be to make sure to disclose this information, explain your situation and make sure that they are aware that you have learned from this experience. Try to pre-empt possible questions about this and how you can answer them effectively and still be able to present yourself in a good light. It’s not just what you say but on how you say it as well.

There are also cases in Los Angeles, California where, with the help of good attorneys, minors who have been arrested for drunk driving have been allowed for expungement, thereby clearing their records. It also helps to show that since the time of your offense, you have been a good, law abiding citizen of the state of California. That being said one of the first things you would like to do is to consult a California DUI attorney that can provide their expertise in getting your record back on track. Note, however, that it may not be possible for all types of offenses to be cleared. Remember, your success in being accepted should come from you’re excellent academic accomplishments so make sure to focus on that during your interview.

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.

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”.