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PREDICTABLE CONSEQUENCES Most people are aware of what I like to call “predictable consequences” of a conviction for Driving Under the Influence or a conviction for a DUI related offense. These include: jail time, fines, fees, alcohol program, community service / labor, and an Ignition Interlock Device. However, there are additional consequences that stem from the conviction. RENTING A CAR One such consequence is not being able to rent a car after being arrested or convicted for a DUI. Typically, upon arrest for a DUI the arresting officer will take the arrestee’s license into his possession and give the arrestee… Read More

INTENET RESEARCH MAY NOT BE RELIABLE There are many options available when it comes to DUI representation. Recently, DUI arrestees have begun performing their own research to become better informed about what they are facing in their DUI case. In theory, this research can assist a person in crafting his or her DUI defense strategy. There are several problems, however, with this approach. First, the information provided is only as good as its source. For instance, a person can go to a site such as YouTube and watch an attorney based in Texas give an hour long video on how… Read More

If you get a DUI while you’re on probation, it can become a serious charge because it related to violating your probation. Probation violations may result in increasing the amount of alcohol education classes you must attend, additional driver’s license suspensions, increased fines, and the possibility of jail time. A DUI, while you’re on probation, has many consequences including penalties from the DMV and the criminal courts. Probation should not be thought of as a “get out of jail free” card. It is a legal system by which the court lessens certain conviction penalties in return for a defendant’s promise… Read More

Most states, but not all states, use a point system to track careless or dangerous drivers. Points on your driving record can be costly. It can increase your insurance premiums and after a specific number of added points, your license can be revoked or suspended. Reinstating a license can cost you hundreds of dollars in fees and fines. According to mycaliforniadefenseattorney.com, a DUI on your California DMV driver’s record can result in 2 points on your driver’s license. If you get: 4 points in 1 year, or 6 points in 2 years, or 8 points in 3 years then the… Read More

DUI attorneys bill differently than other types of attorneys, such as personal injury lawyers. Some personal injury lawyers work on a contingent basis, but criminal attorneys do not. You usually need to pay them a deposit, and they will charge you based on various things, such as the fee structure they have in place, the type of results you’re wanting to get and how complex your case is. Fee Structures DUI attorneys tend to use two types of fee structures. One of them is an hourly rate and the other is a flat rate. If they charge by the hour,… Read More

Each state in the U.S. has different regulations and legislation regarding DUI’s. In some states the penalties associated with a DUI will immediately be instituted (such as the suspension or cancellation of a driving license) while others may provide you with the right to appeal. However, there is a time-frame within which you can appeal, normally one month, once again depending on the state where the DUI charge was made. Failure to do so will result in immediate penalties. Other important facts that drivers need to be aware of regarding DUI charges and arrests include: 1.Immediate License Revocation A traffic… Read More

PILOT PROGRAM On July 1, 2010, California implemented a pilot program for four counties – Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Tulare – which required that first time DUI offenders to install an IID in their car for a period of 5-months upon conviction of a DUI. Per the Pilot Program, the IID is not required for individuals whose DUI is reduced to reckless driving or other offense. The IID is required for a restricted license. The restriction allows all sober driving so long as the IID is installed and utilized while driving. Ordinarily, a restricted license allows all work related… Read More

Have you ever heard of Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act or COBRA as it is more popularly known? This law does not only have a cool name but is very important for workers across the States as it can help them bridge difficult situations. This law lets employees apply for health benefits or health insurance even if they do not qualify for some reason. Even though you still have to pay the full premium amount, if you go through an employer you can receive health benefits for significantly less. In this article, we will explain what COBRA entails. Who is… Read More

TWO MATTERS IN DUI CASES In a typical DUI matter there are typically two different arenas that the matter can be challenged. These are the DMV and the criminal court. (It should be noted that some DMV matters are appealed to a Superior Court on a Writ. However, we will not be addressing that scenario in this blog entry.) The DMV is a civil, administrative matter that deals solely with an individual’s license to drive. The state appoints a magistrate – DMV Hearing Officer – to preside over that hearing. The Hearing Officer is not an attorney. However, the Officer… Read More

SUNNY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Here in the mostly sunny Southern California we are waiting for warm and dry weather. Although experts have repeatedly stated we are in a drought we have been recently been drenched with rain. This rainy weather no doubt has decreased the amount of DUI arrests. WARM WEATHER, MORE ARRESTS DUI arrests will likely increase once the weather starts resembling a drought, i.e., long sunny, hot days. This is because there are so many opportunities to go out and party with friends and acquaintances.  Barbecues, beach parties, and outdoor lounges are all venues that provide more than enough… Read More