If you’ve been charged with a DUI in San Diego, you’ll need to find a highly qualified DUI lawyer in San Diego to take your case. Having an advocate to navigate you through the court system will be invaluable to your peace of mind and, ultimately, the outcome of your case. If you’ve just been arrested for DUI it is in your best interest to learn all the applicable San Diego DUI laws you’ll be subject to. These laws are discussed below.
Why do I need a DUI Lawyer in San Diego?
In San Diego California, the DUI laws are very tough. Below are the charges you are most likely facing;
23152(a) It is a misdemeanor to drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
23152(b) It is a misdemeanor to drive with .08% or more of alcohol in your blood.
In most cases, both the 23152 (a) and 23152 (b) offenses will be charged. Although only 1 act was performed the law clearly states that a suspect charged with drunk driving can be (and in almost every instance is) convicted of both the (a) and (b) offenses. The law also clearly states that the person can only be punished for 1 of the above offenses (the punishments are nearly identical though).
As you can see, having a San Diego DUI lawyer is critical to the success of your case. While you can defend yourself in your DUI case, a San Diego DUI lawyer will help you navigate the tough local laws through experience and personal connections.
How do I know which DUI lawyer in San Diego to choose?
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a DUI lawyer in San Diego. You need to make appointments with several lawyers to interview them about their practice and relevant experience. A good DUI lawyer in San Diego will have an experienced track record of success with DUI cases and some important contacts to call on. You should find out how many DUI cases the lawyer you select has defended and more importantly the outcomes of those cases within San Diego County.
A good DUI lawyer in San Diego county will be your personal advocate in court and will be able to attend all of the required court proceedings on your behalf. This will allow you to avoid the stressful, time-consuming court appearances unless the law requires you to specifically appear.
You should also find out how long your San Diego DUI lawyer has been in practice. Of course, your best bet for a good DUI lawyer would be someone who has years of experience under his/her belt. Selecting your lawyer based on cost is not usually the best option as the old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ is especially true when selecting your DUI defense team.
Meet With A DUI Lawyer in San Diego
When you’re in the initial phases of searching for a San Diego DUI lawyer, you shouldn’t have to spend any money. A reputable San Diego DUI lawyer will be happy to meet with you for a free consultation to discuss your case. At this initial meeting you’ll find out more about the fees in relation to your specific DUI charge. At the very least you should meet with several DUI lawyers in San Diego to discuss your case, get some important free information and make your important decision about who will represent you on this very serious charge.
By: Tim H
Posts Tagged ‘Dui Laws’
DUI Lawyer in San Diego
June 28th, 2010Do You Need To Secure A Lawyer When Guilty Of Drunk Driving?
January 8th, 2010
No matter what it is called, whether it is a DWI, DUI, OWI, or some other acronym, drunk driving is a serious crime that carries heavy consequences. In many states you could pay thousands of dollars in fines as a result of a drunk driving charge. You could end up in jail, even if you are facing your first drunk driving charge. One consideration you will need to make when facing a drunk driving conviction is whether or not to hire a lawyer. Lawyers are not cheap, so you need to make sure that you really need professional help before hiring one.
There are many reasons to consider hiring a lawyer. First, lawyers will help you understand the legal situation you are facing. Remember, the public defender may not tell you all of your options. A lawyer will be able to provide you with information that could keep you out of jail.
Understanding the consequences you face can be difficult, especially in states with confusing DUI laws. A lawyer will make sure you understand exactly which consequences you face, and how you could avoid some of them. A lawyer will also make sure that you file all of the necessary paperwork on time so that you do not end up losing your license prematurely.
You will face a day in court as a result of a DUI conviction. A lawyer will represent you in the best possible light. Lawyers know what arguments work well to lessen your charges.
So do you need to hire a lawyer? The answer depends on several factors. If you have several DUI convictions on your record, injured someone as a result of your drunk driving, or need to keep your license in order to work your job, you should hire a lawyer. In these situations going without a lawyer is dangerous.
If you are not facing these types of extenuating circumstances, you may choose to go without a lawyer. You may still want one, however, to help you understand your state’s DUI laws. Also, you may want one if your blood alcohol content was quite a bit over the legal limit. In these situations a lawyer is not considered absolutely necessary, so you could consider going without professional representation.
If you still feel unsure about whether or not you could benefit from representation, feel free to contact a lawyer. You will find that many of them provide free consultations for potential new clients. Allow the lawyer to tell you exactly how he can help you, and then make your decision.
By: Cary Bergeron