California Drunk Driving Attorney
Being arrested for drunk driving is a very serious matter in California. If your blood alcohol content is .08 percent or higher, you stnad to lose your license for at least 4 months. These are only the administrative per se penalties. Conviction on first DUI charges also includes criminal penalties: probation, alcohol education, fines up to $1000 and jail time.
If you have been arrested for drinking and driving, please contact me as soon as possible. You have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to file for an administrative hearing to regain limited driving privileges. I am attorney Jim Pokorny, with offices in downtown San Diego. I have defended people from all walks of life against DUI DWI, felony DUI and other criminal charges for more than 30 years. I offer clients a free initial phone consultation to discuss DUI DWI charges and assess the options. Please call 619-894-8431.
Facing the Music
If you are suspected of driving under the influence, the police officer will take your license at the scene, and give you a temporary 30-day license. If you want to protect your driving privileges, you must request an administrative DMV hearing within 10 days or you face a suspended license for at least 120 days. The penalties for driving without a valid driver's license are severe in California. You will be arrested again and you will be jailed.
A DUI DWI arrest also prompts criminal proceedings. After your arrest, you are released from custody and receive a court date for the arraignment. That is your opportunity to plead "guilty" or "not guilty." If you do not have a lawyer, there is no one in the court who will protect your rights. You might plead "guilty" because you think that is the only option available to you. Wrong!
An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand the DUI DWI charges, and provide the legal information you need to make wise decisions. The higher your blood alcohol content, the more severe your sentence will be. If you are convicted of a first DUI, you may serve up to 6 months in jail, pay up to $2000 in fines and have a revoked license for 6 months. The court may order a suspended sentence if you agree to alcohol education and other penalties. It is important to aggressively defend you against DUI DWI charges, as the penalties for each DUI DWI conviction become increasingly strict.
Aggressively Defending Your Rights
When I accept a DUI DWI case, I request all police reports from the prosecutor during the investigative phase called discovery. I also make time to meet with the prosecutors to see how your case may be favorably resolved. Within four to six weeks, we go back to court for a readiness conference. If the results of that conference do not serve your best interests, I prepare to defend your rights in a jury trial.
If this is your second or third DUI offense or you have been charged with a fourth DUI, I am prepared to aggressively fight for your rights and a favorable outcome.
When you need an experienced DUI DWI attorney, please contact me at the Law Offices of James F. Pokorny A.P.C.
