Arrested? Or Charged With Drunk Driving in Encino? CALL NOW 866-713-2159
It is against the law in Encino, California, for someone to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. If a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is found to be higher than .08 percent, they can be charged with a DUI/DWI offense in California.
Being accused of a DUI/DWI in Encino, CA can be a very stressful and overwhelming experience because it’s a serious offense. A drunk driving charge can harm your reputation, lead to losing your job, and have many other negative consequences. If you’re convicted of a DUI/DWI, the penalties can be severe, such as going to jail, paying large fines, and having your driver’s license suspended. If you don’t defend yourself in a DUI case, it could have lifelong consequences. That’s why hiring a Encino DUI lawyer like Cyrus Tabibnia can be extremely helpful. He has experience dealing with cases like yours and has a history of achieving positive results. He might be able to negotiate a lesser sentence, save you money, or even get the charges reduced or dismissed altogether.
Penalties of DUI in Encino
In recent years, DUI laws and punishments in Los Angeles have become stricter, probably due to the high costs associated with DUIs, which have become a source of income for local governments. As a result, law enforcement and the courts have taken a tough stance on DUI cases, leading to almost 8,000 DUI arrests per year in Los Angeles. It’s not surprising given the strict enforcement and harsh penalties. In California, the penalties for DUIs are based on state laws, and they usually become more severe for those who have previous DUI convictions. However, even first-time offenders can face a substantial financial burden, with the costs of a DUI reaching over $15,000. If someone is facing their first-time DUI/DWI offense in California, the penalties can be quite severe, and they can include:- Fines: The minimum fine for a first-time DUI charge is $390, but the total amount can be much higher due to additional court-imposed penalties, which can add up to at least $1,800 or more.
- Jail Time: If convicted, a first-time DUI offender may be sentenced to jail for a period ranging from 48 hours to six months.
- Driver’s License Suspension: A DUI conviction leads to a suspension of your driver’s license, with a minimum period of four months. However, the length of the suspension can vary depending on the circumstances of your case.
- DUI School/Alcohol Treatment: Those convicted of DUI must attend a three-month class on driving under the influence, which costs approximately $500 in addition to other fines and fees.
The DUI Process in Encino CA
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Encino, California, you will likely face a criminal court case as well as an administrative hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The process typically involves several steps, which may include:- Arrest: If a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that you were driving under the influence, they may arrest you and take you into custody.
- Chemical Test: After your arrest, you will likely be required to take a chemical test to determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level. Refusing to take the test can result in additional penalties.
- Release from Jail: Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be released from jail after posting bail or being released on your own recognizance.
- Court Arraignment: You will be required to appear in court for an arraignment, where you will be formally charged with DUI and enter a plea.
- Pretrial Hearings: Depending on the specifics of your case, you may have one or more pretrial hearings where your lawyer can negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges or seek a plea bargain.
- Trial: If a plea bargain cannot be reached, your case will go to trial, where a judge or jury will determine your guilt or innocence.
- Sentencing: If you are found guilty, you will be sentenced by the court. The penalties for DUI convictions can include fines, jail time, driver’s license suspension, and mandatory DUI classes.
- DMV Hearing: In addition to the criminal court case, you will also have a hearing with the DMV to determine the status of your driver’s license.
How To Beat DUI?
When facing a DUI charge, it’s understandable for individuals to feel overwhelmed and think that their case is too difficult to defend, particularly if they have already admitted to being under the influence or their blood alcohol test results show a high level of alcohol. However, with the assistance of a skilled DUI lawyer, there are legal strategies that can be employed to turn the case in their favor.- If you’re facing a DUI charge, it’s possible to fight back with the help of a DUI lawyer. One of the strategies that could be employed is to challenge the accuracy of the chemical tests used against you. These tests are not always reliable, and factors such as medical conditions or the use of mouthwash could cause false readings. By carefully examining the lab protocol or the breathalyzer used, your lawyer may be able to get the evidence thrown out of court.
- Another approach is to look for any violations of your rights. During an arrest and questioning, you have certain rights that must be respected. However, law enforcement officers may not always follow these rules. If your lawyer can show that your rights were violated, any evidence obtained during those violations may be considered inadmissible.
- Additionally, it’s crucial to identify any inconsistencies or errors in police testimony. Police officers may have biases that can affect their statements, and their testimonies could change between the arrest report, DMV hearing, and court proceedings. Your lawyer will closely scrutinize all testimony and reveal any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
