The Roles and Responsibilities of a DUI Attorney

Driving Under the Influence is one of the most serious offenses in the United States. If you've been charged with a DUI, you may face severe consequences ranging from fines, surcharges, community service, loss of driving privileges, and sometimes even jail time. While it may be tempting to go on it alone and face the charge yourself, legal experts highly discourage this. You may not have the experience and knowledge to navigate the various aspects of DUI law. The best decision is hiring an Orange County DUI lawyer to represent you.

What about a public defender? 

If you choose not to get your own lawyer, you will be given a public defender. Many people make the mistake of thinking this is the easiest way to go. What you need to know is that they may get you through the case, but they don't consider you as a client. They have lots of other cases to handle, and they may not concentrate on yours. In other cases, some public defenders are often young and inexperienced. Getting the help of a professional Orange County DUI attorney is the best way to go. He will concentrate on your case fully to ensure you get a favorable outcome.

How Can DUI Attorney Help You? The Roles and Responsibilities

An expert determination of your case

When you're pulled over on the suspicion of driving under the influence, you're either given a sobriety test or a breathalyzer test. Also, anything you say at the time of your arrest can be used against you in a court of law. The prosecution will use all these pieces to convince the judge that you're guilty. They'll use dash cams to show you wobbling during the sobriety test or present results from either a breathalyzer test or blood test. When all this evidence is stacked against you, you may get scared. How can you stand up against evidence as much as this?

Luckily, an experienced DUI lawyer in Orange County knows what to do whenever evidence is presented. They can argue that the breathalyzer machine was faulty, get witnesses to testify in your favor, and even prove that your rights were violated during the arrest to get you off the hook.

Ensure your rights are protected all through the process

Another way an Orange County DUI attorney can help you is helping you understand your rights and making sure they're protected. The legal system is complicated and hard to navigate; it's easy for an inexperienced individual not to know how the law is intended to protect him or her. An excellent lawyer will explain all these rights to you and ensure any official doesn't violate them. Remember that the police officers weren't intoxicated and sometimes they may fabricate issues just to land you in jail. Others may force you to do things outside the law so that you can implicate yourself. Hiring a lawyer to be your legal representative ensures that all these violations do not occur.

Taking care of paperwork and deadlines

When you're facing a DUI charge, and the case has gone to court, there is lots of paperwork that needs handling. If you've never been charged before, handling this paperwork can be a stressful process for you. You may not know the right documents to fill and where to file them. However, when you hire an experienced lawyer, he/she will take care of this part of the process for you. They'll fill it and file it as necessary before deadlines. And since dates are crucial in legal proceedings, a lawyer will keep track of them to make sure you don't miss any proceeding.

Giving crucial advice on how to plea

If you choose to represent yourself, you can make decisions that may land you in trouble. For instance, you may choose to accept that you were driving under the influence, thinking that it will help make the case easier. However, the prosecutor may be waiting for this chance to ensure that you land in jail. These and other bad decisions can make your case even worse. That's where Orange County DUI lawyers come in handy to help you make the right choices. Especially if you're in a profession or plan to join a career that involves driving, a knowledgeable attorney can advise on the long-term effects of a conviction and help you make smart decisions on how to plea. Accepting a conviction on lesser charges may not be the best decision if it impacts your career's future.

Also, he can determine the depth of your case. If the evidence presented against you is very strong, your attorney may advise you to accept the prosecutor's deal and often you'll get your charges or jail term reduced.

Giving you the best legal representation

If your case has gone to court, then you must prove your innocence to a judge or jury. If you've never attended a court session or represented yourself before, you may not even know where to start. The legal justice system has lots of loopholes and you may land yourself in trouble with the judge. When a prosecutor sees that you're inexperienced, he may even take that chance to manipulate the case and convince the court that you're guilty, even if you're innocent. This may not work in your favor, and you can find yourself facing serious consequences.

But when an expert Orange County DUI lawyer represents you, you increase your chances of getting a favorable outcome. They'll present all the evidence needed and try to prove your innocence. Remember that Orange County DUI lawyers have worked on lots of cases like yours and thus, they've gained the experience on what to do in each part of the process. Also, they're well known by judges and prosecutors, and this influence can go a long way to get your case expunged or your punishment lessened. Also, an attorney can ensure that your license isn't suspended.

We all make mistakes and driving under the influence is a huge one. If you're charged with this crime, hire a DUI attorney as soon as possible. He will evaluate your case and give you the best legal representation for a favorable outcome. Don't risk going on it alone; get the help of an experienced Best DUI lawyer in Orange County.

How To Hire The Best DUI Lawyers In Orange County

If you’ve been convicted for driving under the influence of alcohol or any other drug, you will probably need a DUI lawyer. For the uninitiated, these lawyers are seasoned professionals who manage your case and work on reducing your sentence. If you are a first-time offender, they might also offer added resources that’ll help you deal with the situation better. From handling the paperwork to negotiating with the prosecutor- these professionals do it all. But how exactly do you find the best Orange County DUI lawyer? What features should you look for while hiring these professionals? Well, these are some of the questions we are going to explore over the next few sections. 

Do Proper Research

The best orange county DUI lawyers won’t just offer superficial advice. Instead, they will hear you out, try to understand your situation and will thoroughly assist you during the court proceedings. They wouldn’t reprimand you for your behavior and offer an unbiased suggestion instead. To settle with the best DUI professional, it is important to do proper research. Look up online about the various Best DUI lawyers in orange county and check the kind of services they offer. You can also look this up at your local court. If you are still unsure, ask for suggestions from your reliable friends and family. Hear what they have to suggest and recommend you. This will help you understand, who exactly you should hire for the job.

List Them Out

If you want to organize your search better, list the potential lawyers you are looking to hire. You can make an Excel spreadsheet or follow a written log whereby you have a list of the attorneys you are looking to consult. This list should include their full name, their specialty/ area of expertise, contact number, email address, and physical address. In case you’ve already had a conversation with them and have an idea about their fees, add an extra column for the cost, where you include these expenses.

Check Their Qualification

Just because some professional is practicing as an attorney, it doesn't necessarily mean that they are competent enough for handling your case. For more clarity, check the State Bar Website to find out the lawyers who are listed there. Next, see if those lawyers have any case of malpractice registered against them. Also, check if they were charged for disciplinary actions. Double-check your list and make sure the professionals there are licensed for practicing in your specific state. Also, check if they are familiar with the local laws operating in your area. Unless a lawyer has experience handling local courts, do not choose them for the job. A professional visiting the local courts will have a better understanding of the judges, juries, and prosecutors. This will help them negotiate better.

Remember, these professionals can only offer sound legal advice if they understand how the local law in your state operates. 

Schedule a Meeting

Yes, in our busy lives, arranging a face-to-face meeting may not always be convenient. It takes time from your day and also requires you to drive. However, when it comes to choosing the right DUI attorney, it is imperative to directly consult them over a face-to-face meeting. When you meet your potential attorney, you get an opportunity to know how exactly they work and whether you will get along with them in the first place. It will also help you to ascertain if they are a great fit for your job. 

While participating in these meetings, carry your paperwork along so that your lawyer has complete clarity while you discuss your situation with them. To make things simpler, create a list of important questions and hand it over to them during your meeting. Ask them about the number of DUI jury trials they have handled, their total experience in law (total years of practice), their total number of guilty or not guilty verdicts, and the number of years they have handled DUI defense. While the situation might seem complex in the beginning; in reality, it is easier than ever. Just avoid being nervous and treat this the same way as a job interview. Remember, DUI attorneys can be costly and since you’re hiringthem to get your job done, it only makes sense to ask these important questions. 

Case Management and Legal Fees

Most DUI attorneys use a term called case management' for describing the nature of handling your case. Since you're paying a hefty sum to hire these professionals, it is only important to understand the logistics behind it. Check if the lawyer you are interviewing is going to represent you. If they don't, have an interview with the person who will represent you. Directly ask them what to do when you have queries. Also, know about the usual response time. Finally, check if you will get regular updates of the case. If so, check how often you will get them and also see what they will include. 

The next thing to consider is the billing method. Most DUI lawyers either charge hourly or flat fees. Check with your lawyer about their preferred payment method. Ask them what this rate includes and what it doesn't. Also, ask them about any related legal expenses that you might have to incur. In case you do, request an estimate. Finally, also clarify about the payment options and get to know if the fees (at any event) are refundable. 

Bottom Line

Now that you know what exactly you need to choose the best Orange County DUI attorney, follow our guidelines and select the best professional for the job. Remember, it is completely normal to feel baffled if you are doing this for the first time. But if you ask the right questions and incorporate the tips we suggested, making the choice will be easier. The right DUI lawyer will help you handle the situation better. At the end of the day, you will make a better and more informed decision whereby you can resume your usual activities sooner. Your license will not be revoked, and you can soon use the same vehicle for heading to work and completing errands.

Why You Should Spend Time Choosing The Right Orange County DUI Lawyer

If you are a person who has been arrested for a DUI offense, then you must act and you must act fast. However, it is quite possible that you will get unsolicited advice and suggestions. Friends and relatives who are well-intentioned might come out with different types of advice and suggestions, with varying levels of helpfulness. Or, they might give you a tip to plead guilty.

Some might give you input on whether it makes sense to hire a lawyer or stay away from them. Hence, it is quite possible that you could have advice and suggestions moving around thick and fast. This could lead to quite a bit of confusion and you also could be in a state of indecision.

There also could be some others who might talk about DIY ways and means to handle this problem. However, if you ask some experts, they will certainly counsel about the importance of hiring a suitable Orange County DUI attorney. Before hiring these professionals, it would be a good idea if you had some basic idea about the situations where it would be a good idea to go in for these professionals.    

 

Is Your Future and Police Record At Stake?

There is no doubt that being charged with a DUI offense is quite scary. You may have enjoyed your drink but when you are given a DUI notice, it could be a rude awakening for you. In many cases, you also could be frightened because you may not be guilty of the offense. It is highly uncomfortable and intimidating because it could leave a long-time impact in more ways than one. There are situations where the DUI record stays in the police record on a permanent basis and it cannot be removed. This certainly is a scary situation to lay the least.     

If you are charged with a felony or even misdemeanor it could severely impact the chances of finding a job and even the job that you may be holding now could be at grave risk. The legal expenses and other such charges for a person charged with DUI might also be crippling in many cases. Future car insurance could also zoom up quite considerably. It could also lead to cancellation of your driving license and this could impact your daily life quite negatively. Just imagining the thought of using public transport for moving from one place to another, or doing your daily outdoor chores using a bike could be a painful moment for you. Your confidence levels will go down quite significantly.

Therefore, in such situations, it is vital for us to take steps to hire the best Orange County DUI lawyer. It will help secure your future and you will be able to lead a normal life once things have been sorted out in the courts. Hiring these professionals is an intelligent decision because of a number of reasons. They know the right way to handle such situations and also each and every step of the process. This includes arraignment, interpretation of reports from the cops and also get easy access to the same. Further, they also can help fight any urine, blood or breathe result findings. Hence, they certainly can be of help in more ways than one.     

Public Defenders Are Too Busy   

 

Though there are many quality public defenders, most of them are full to the brim with work and therefore they do not get time to handle each and every. This might prevent them from investing energy and time in your specific case. In many DUI cases a bit of due diligence and extra investigation into the case could make quite a bit of difference between being set free and being convicted. Hence, in such situations it would be advisable to hire the services of a good Orange County DUI lawyer. Time is of paramount importance and therefore you must ensure that you do not waste time running behind a public lawyer who might be too hard-pressed with workload and time pressure.     

DMV Could Complicate Things 

   

When a person is hauled up for a DUI offense, he or she is no dealing just with the courts. They also have to deal with DMV. In most cases DUI offenses lead to suspension of your driving license. In such cases the public attorney or defender will not be able to deal with this situation on your behalf. It can be done only by a special attorney who is not involved in public works. They can play a proactive and good role in helping you with the suspension of your civil licenses related issues.

You also will be in a position to contest the suspension of the DMV license. But you have to bear in mind that it has to be done within a specified time period. Failure to do so will mean that you may have lost the opportunity forever. In such situations, the role of a DUI lawyer becomes extremely critical and vital. Lawyers will be in a position to file a petition for your case and get your suspended license un-suspended. They also will be in a much better position to explain the whole process for you in a clear and lucid manner.     

Hence there is no denying the fact that there are a number of reasons for you to hire these professionals if you are charged with a DUI offense. There is no time to lose and you must act swiftly and speedily and handover the entire case to the best DUI lawyer in Orange County.    

Hire the Right Talent 

   

However, with so many options being available, making the right choice is not an easy job. You have to do your research and then select the right professionals. Here are a few points that you must bear in mind when it comes to choosing a good DUI lawyer in and around Orange County    

Experience and Expertise: 

While qualification, licensing and affiliations to local bar councils are vital, you must not be lost sight of expertise and experience. You must always look for professional lawyers who have with them at least 10 to 15 years of experience.     

Good Track Record: 

Any good DUI lawyer will most certainly have an excellent track record of handling at least a few dozen DUI cases. They also will not hesitate in handing over the right credentials and feedbacks from customers.  

Friendly and Cooperative:

Professional DUI lawyers are always well behaved and are extremely professional and friendly with their clients. They show empathy and understand the mental and emotional state of the clients who have been charged under DUI offenses.

Tips on How To Find The Best Orange County DUI Lawyer

Driving under influence in orange county is a serious offense. If you are found guilty, then you risk spending a long time in jail, having your licensed withdrawn or being compelled to pay a huge fine. If you have been charged with a DUI, then it is imperative to work with an experienced DUI to help you get a lesser sentence or have your case dismissed. However, finding a good orange county DUI attorney is a daunting task. With so many DIU lawyers around, it is possible to get confused about which lawyer to choose to represent you in court. In this article, we are going to give you tips on how to find the best orange county DUI lawyer.

1. Consider reputation

This is a very important factor that you need to consider when choosing a DUI lawyer. You need to choose an attorney who enjoys a good reputation from his current and past clients. Don’t associate yourself with a lawyer who has had discipline issues in the past. If you do so, then you will greatly reduce your chances of winning your DUI case. Take your time and read reviews of past clients to know their views about the lawyer. Also, research to know if the lawyer has past criminal or disciplinary issues. If you realize that some of his past clients were not impressed with services that he rendered, then you should avoid that particular lawyer. Only choose a DUI attorney who enjoys a good reputation.

2. Consider skills and experience

If you want to get a favorable verdict, then you need to choose a lawyer who is skilled and experienced. Being skilled means that the lawyer has the right academic qualifications. Reputable lawyers in the orange county usually post their academic qualifications on their website and support their claims with documents. Take your time to check the lawyer academic qualifications and crosscheck with the relevant authority to verify their authenticity. In addition to that, also check the lawyer's experience. Typically, more experienced DUI lawyers usually give a favorable outcome than those who are new to the industry. We recommend that you choose a DUI lawyer who is skilled and has a minimum experience of 5 years.

3. Ask for referral

Another way to find a good DUI lawyer in orange county is by asking for referrals. If you have a friend, a family member or a colleague who had been charged with DUI that is similar to yours but managed to overcome that challenge through the help of a DUI lawyer, then you can ask that particular person to connect you to that particular lawyer. The good thing about referrals is that they enable you to connect with a DUI lawyer whom you already know the quality of service that he delivers. However, not all referrals will direct you to the right lawyer. This means that you need to conduct your own background research to verify if the DUI lawyer that you have just been referred to has what it takes to help you win the DUI case.

4. Consider the success rate

How many DUI cases has the lawyer handled and what is his success rate? This is a very important factor that many people usually ignore when searching for a DUI lawyer. The primary role of a lawyer is to defend you in the court of law to help you get a lesser sentence or have your case dismissed. If the DUI is not able to do any of the above, then he is not worth your time and money. Only choose a DUI lawyer who has a high success rate (more than 95%). This way, you will be certain that your chances of getting a favorable outcome are high.

5. Consider the lawyer relationship with clients

You can only work with a lawyer who understands you. Before you make your final decision, take your time to know how the lawyer relates with his clients. If you don’t like the way he is relating to his current clients, then don’t even think of choosing that particular lawyer. Remember that you will communicate with the lawyer frequently so long as your case is still active. You need to choose a lawyer who will not only listen to you but one who will also understand you. You should feel comfortable to talk with the lawyer about everything.

6 Reasons why you should hire an Orange County DUI lawyer

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a very serious crime not only in Orange County but across all the US states. This is because a person who is driving under the influence poses a risk to other motorists and pedestrians walking on the sides of the road. If you have been arrested and charged with a DUI offense in orange county, then you are likely to get imprisoned, get your driver license suspended, get fined or a combination of the above. If you are facing DUI charges, then your best bet is to hire the best orange county DUI attorney. The DUI lawyer helps you get a minimum penalty for your DUI offense or have the case dismissed. In this article, we are going to give you compelling reasons why you should hire an Orange County DUI lawyer. 

1. Thorough understanding of the law

If you decide to handle the case on your own, then chances are that you will lose the case because you lack experience and thorough understanding of the law. However, if you hire the services of an experienced DUI attorney, then you can greatly reduce your sentence of having your case dismissed. This because they are well familiar with the local policies and how these cases are conducted. They will use their vast knowledge and experience to present your case in court to ensure that the court issues a favorable verdict.

2. Reduced sentence

A DUI attorney will negotiate with the prosecution and the court on your behalf to have your case reduce or dismissed. They have been in this industry for a long period and have dealt with cases that are similar to yours. Regardless of how challenging your case may look, the DUI attorneys will use their legal knowledge and experience to have your sentence reduced. Hiring a DUI lawyer can help you avoid a long jail sentence, being charge higher fines or have your license revoked

3. They will help get the offense removed from your record

Being charged with a DUI offense not only risk jail term, hefty fine and withdrawal of your driving license, it also damages your reputation as a person. This may have a huge consequence because it may deny you the opportunity to seek good employment or get the promotion that you have been eyeing for. Although hiring a lawyer does not guarantee you that your case will be dismissed, the lawyer will do all he can to get your record expunged from your record so that your reputation remains intact.

4. They can help you get your license back

In the unfortunate event that you get an administrative DUI action or you get convicted and your license is withdrawn, the lawyer will use his experience to negotiate with the department of revenue to help you get your license back and within the shortest time possible. Even if you are serving a DUI sentence, there are certain provisions within the law that allows you to drive under specific conditions. The lawyer will use those provisions to help you get your license back.

5. DUI lawyer understands the legal system

Many people charged with DUI usually think that the case is simple and straightforward. However, that is not usually the case. DUI charge is very complex and requires a thorough understanding of the system and that is exactly what DUI attorneys are good at. They have been on the system for a long period of time and they know which channels to take advantage of to help solve your special issue. For instance, your arrest may have some legal flaws that the lawyer can take advantage of to help get a lesser sentence or have the case dismissed.

6. The DUI may know the officer involved 

DUI attorney usually interacts with the local police and they know more information about them you don’t. Depending on your particular case, the Best DUI lawyer can use the officer reputation to help you get a lower sentence or have the case dismissed. For instance, if the officer in charge is known to arrest people without any tangible reason, then the lawyer will use that to your advantage to have your sentence reduced or dismissed. 

In conclusion, if you have been charged with DUI in Orange County and you are wondering whether hiring a DUI attorney is a good idea, then we assure that Yes it is a good idea. The main goal of a DUI attorney is to help protect your rights and will work tirelessly to ensure that your case is dismissed or in worse case get a lesser sentence.

All You Need To Know About DUI Laws

Driving is always dangerous, even when you’re sober and fully aware. That’s why driving under the influence (DUI) laws exist. These laws prevent the driving or operating of a vehicle after consuming alcohol or impairing drugs, which put other users of the road at risk.

In Orange County, California, a person can be charged with a DUI if they are found to:

•        Have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or more.

•        Be under the influence of any drug.

•        Any combination of the two.

Note that drugs include prescription medication as well.

While these laws serve as a necessary precaution for the general public, they are strict. In the State of California, being arrested under DUI charges could mean jail time, fines and the revoking of your driver’s license.

The penalties for each DUI offence can differ based on whether children were in the car, having an overly high BAC, a collision being involved or possible injuries and fatalities. Each subsequent DUI charge also means a more severe punishment than the last.

While most general cases of DUI are classified as misdemeanors, they still result in jail time and fines. If you’re convicted of a felony DUI, the penalties are far more severe. The 5^th repeated DUI offence will automatically be considered a felony, as are DUI cases involving injury to another person.

What if I’m Charged With a DUI?

If you’re arrested for driving under the influence, you’ll be subject to the court system to determine whether you’re guilty or innocent. You’ll undergo two hearings, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) hearing for your driver’s license and a court hearing for the criminal charge.

Pleading guilty might seem tempting, especially if it’s your first DUI offence, but having a criminal record is something you’d do well to avoid. You not only lose your driver’s licence, but you also run the risk of losing your job and livelihood. The court does allow you to represent yourself, but the ins and outs of court procedures can be daunting to the non-legally-trained public.

That’s where an experienced DUI lawyer comes in. DUI counsel are familiar with the intricacies of the legal system, and can assist you throughout your case. Even if you’re not sure about hiring a DUI attorney, most firms provide free case evaluations, letting you know how hiring a DUI attorney can help, whether by mitigating the penalties or by acting as a middleman between you and the prosecution.

Having a DUI lawyer means that you have a fighting chance, and you’ll always know what comes next. For example, most people might not realise that the DMV hearing needs to be held within 10 days of receiving the Notice of Suspension during the arrest. Having an attorney means you’ll always be well-informed, and never caught off guard.

Even if your license gets suspended after the DMV case, a DUI attorney will guide you through the process of applying for a restricted license or getting an ignition interlock device (IID) installed as soon as possible, ensuring you’ll still be able to drive with minimal limitations.

Contact Us

If you or your loved ones need professional legal DUI counsel, contact us at Miller & Associates for a free case consultation. Experience matters in the business, and we’re proud to say that our team has a long list of successful case results to back us up. We’ll fight for your rights, and do our best to get you the best possible results.

Facing An Orange County DUI Charge? You Need A Lawyer

Driving under the influence (DUI) in Orange County is risky. So if you’re facing DUI charges, it’s essential to have a lawyer appear in court on your behalf. Whether or not this is your first time, hiring DUI legal services are a necessary component of handling an Orange County DUI charge.

Why You Need An Orange County DUI Lawyer

Without proper legal representation, you’re minimizing your chances of having the best options available to you. Getting the best terms for bail, appropriate advice regarding how to take legal action, and understanding the chances of winning a suit are benefits you’ll have with a DUI lawyer on your side. It’s even possible for an attorney to argue for a warning or lesser penalty. In essence, you’re better prepared to handle everything appropriately when you have legal representation.

DUI lawyers in Orange County understands court procedures. As you go through the court process, you’ll need someone who knows these procedures to make court appearances and your defense. These cases can be long and complicated, involving scientific and legal defense statements. An expert in DUI law will also know the potential outcomes of your case, psychologically preparing you and helping you understand your options.

Having an experienced DUI lawyer especially helps when handling an unexpected arrest. Once you are at the police station, you’ll have a phone call you can use to contact your lawyer. The legal knowledge your DUI lawyer possesses will ensure police officers cannot take advantage of you as well.

Without a lawyer, you’re increasing your chances of receiving the following punishments:

First Time DUI In Orange County

If this is your first time getting a DUI in Orange County, you’re in luck. Those convicted generally receive 3 years of summary probation. The fines and penalties you’ll need to pay are around $2,000. You’ll also have to complete a 3-month drug/alcohol program.

If convicted, you’ll also need to complete a one-day MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) course. Also, your California Driver License will be suspended for six months, although it’s possible to continue driving if you install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your car.

Second Time DUI In Orange County

The punishments for an Orange County DUI is harsher for repeat offenders. You’ll have between 3 and 5 years of summary probation, as well as fines and penalties totaling at around $2,000.

Jail time is normal, with defendants serving between 96 hours and one year in the county jail. It’s actually quite common for a 2nd time DUI offender in Orange County to serve a sentence of 45 to 90 days in the county jail. At times, some defendants can receive home confinement or Caltrans instead.

This time around, you’ll have to complete an 18- to 30-month drug/alcohol program. You’re also more likely to receive additional duties assigned to you, such as attending AA classes or completing community service. An Orange County Judge might also demand you install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for one year.

Third Time DUI In Orange County

Your third DUI in this the county is even more intense. While you’ll still face 3 to 5 years of summary probation, the fines and penalties you’ll have to pay are around $2,800.

You’ll receive a minimum of 120 days in jail, but you could have to serve more time. It’s also mandatory for you to complete a 30-month drug/alcohol program. When all is said and done, you’ll also have to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IDD) in your vehicle for 2 years.

Tips For Choosing A DUI Lawyer

DUIs can cost you much. When convicted, you can be slapped with hefty charges. Thus, you need to hire a solid and competent DUI lawyer to robustly represent you.

There are many specialists DUI criminal defense lawyer Orange county who can successfully represent you. However, it’s a daunting task to get the best one.

Thus, in this article, we have shared useful tips to help you choose the best lawyer among the Orange County criminal law lawyers to represent you.

Below are factors to put into consideration in order to get the best DUI attorney:

•  Specialization

Ensuring the attorney you have settled on has specializations in the field is vital. Ensure you have checked and confirmed they had handled DUI cases before and the success rate.

This will give you a real picture of their competence and have more confidence with their services.

If they are specialized in DUI cases and have handled such cases before, it indicates that they have clear law knowledge and understanding as well as familiarity with the presiding judges.

Since they will have handled many cases similar to yours previously, it means they will be equipped with enough knowledge and skills to take on judges on your cases appropriately.

Thus, keep off from a general law attorney, hire a specialist.

•  Experience

Hiring attorney who is well experienced in the same field will be an added advantage. Go for the attorney who has worked on the same field for years and attained a high level of experience.

An attorney who has years of experience in the same field will definitely be equipped with strategies and tactics that will make it easy for you to successfully win the case compared to attorneys who have not gained much enough experience.

Basically, make sure you have done thorough research on various attorneys finding out the time they have been practicing in the field and the success rate.

Hiring an attorney who has more than five years working on that field is much advisable since will have all that you deserve to win the case.

•  The  Costs

Let the attorney costs not be the basis to hire them. However, engaging the attorney who you can afford their charges it’s much advisable.

Thus, it’s crucial to ask the attorneys how they charge and their plans for payments prior to hiring them. This will help you get the most appropriate attorney who will not lead you to a situation whereby you can go bankrupt as you try to win the case.

•  References

If a professional is confident in his work and himself, should give you references. It’s crucial to hire an attorney who has no hesitation in giving you references and testimonials in order to be aware of his/her services delivery.

Once you have got the references, don’t hesitate to contact them and inquire what was their experiences when they hired services from the attorney.

Their responses will guide you to get a clear understanding of the attorney you are working with. With such information, you will be able to determine what you will get from them when you hire them.

•  The Firm Size

Understanding the firm size as well as the case the handle is relatively important. This will give you a clear figure of the time as well as the attention that can be dedicated to your case.

So you will have to look at various factors when looking at the size. There is a situation whereby a small firm can be having fewer cases thus having a capacity of getting direct interactions with you.

At the same time, a large firm may have much time in disposal but instead of handling you directly, they may end up handing off some parts of processes to clerks and legal aides.

So, hire the service from the firm that is guaranteeing your comfort and attention you deserve.

Conclusion

As discussed above, the factors to put into consideration when choosing the best DUI lawyer to hire are many. Don’t pick any attorney blindly, do thorough research so you can find more details about various attorneys and at the end of it, you will come up with a firm and informed decision.

A DUI is not laughing off the offense. It has the capacity of impacting your life in endless ways. So, ensure you are competently and robustly represented. Finally, you should ensure the attorney you have selected suits all your needs.

Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer For a DUI Charge

DUI which means driving under the influence has been of the most outlawed and committed offenses in the society. There have been a lot of deaths caused by drink driving and that is why the offense is handled with a lot of seriousness. It is always advisable to stay away from the wheel to avoid endangering your life and that of others.

The penalties for drink driving varies from one state to the other. All the 50 states have agreed on stringent penalties for the offenders which include heavy fines, you may be sentenced for up to 180 days, you may also receive 10-year probation or even risk to lose your driving license.

How can an Orange County Criminal defense lawyer help you?

In a number of states the DUI offense generates two cases, the first case is filed in a criminal court and the other case is filled with the department of motor vehicles. With the kind of experience our attorneys have, they are familiar with the strategies pulled by an opposing attorney and with that, they will simply know how to defend you.

Once an attorney takes over your case, he/she will want to know everything as it happened from when you were pulled over by the police officers. You are advised to be open with the attorney so that both of you are not surprised by a simple strong fact that would make the whole difference. After you narrate everything as it happened, the lawyer will explain what is likely to happen once you go to trial. He/she then goes through the police report, interview any witness if there was any and also examine the evidence.

When you are arrested on the account of drink driving you are expected to appear in the court of law within 10 days from when the arrest was done. In the courtroom, you are requested to take a plead of whether you are guilty or not to the charges. Our criminal defense attorneys will advise you to take the not guilty plea so that they can take time to carefully review your case.

After the defense is established, the attorneys come up with a tactic that will help him/ her win the case by questioning the motive and the evidence brought to the table. They pay attention to the smallest of details, for example, they may argue that there was a lack of probable cause for the initial stop. If there's no probable cause the attorney will submit a petition to suppress any evidence produced by the police officer.

Another way the lawyer can help you win the case is by disputing the BAC results stating inaccuracy and unreliability. If the lawyer manages to prove that the equipment used was not up to standard or was faulty then you may have a chance to win this case. The attorney may also argue that the test was not properly administered and if proper evidence is produced to support his/her claims then you also stand a chance to win this case. The attorneys also go through your medical history to try and show if you have a medical condition that would have affected the reliability of the test. The lawyer will look at every possibility and minute detail to help you.

Our attorneys also pay a lot of attention to what the police officers testify in an attempt to spot any inconsistencies to their statements. If inconsistencies are spotted then the ruling maybe on your favor.

When things fall apart and no loopholes are detected, and things fail to work on your favor, our DUI lawyers advise you to accept the plea agreement the police. They can help you get lighter sentencing but if you don't want to negotiate, you can choose to go to court with enough and strong evidence.

Acquiring the services of Orange County criminal attorney for DUI charges can help you avoid things like huge fines, limitation to future employment opportunities, enter in a permanent felony record, lose your driving license and also increase the insurance rates of your car.

We are a reputable law firm with lots of experience in dealing with DUI cases in Orange County. Visit us at expertlawfirm.com and book an appointment with our highly qualified lawyers and get the help that you need.

Finding the Best DUI Lawyers in Orange County

If you have been arrested for DUI and are facing charges in the Orange County court at an upcoming court date then you must find the best DUI lawyers in Orange County as soon as possible to help you out of this troublesome situation. In fact, the prosecutors and courts in Orange County are very strict on drunk driving. So, you may have to face serious consequences due to any delay in pleading your case effectively.

Penalties in DUI cases in Orange County

You may not be able to understand at first how worst your situation can be unless you know what maximum criminal penalties you may have to face, even if you do not have any DUI case previously. It can be:

·         Jail for up to 6 months

·         Mandatory education about alcohol

·         Fines, costs and fees up to $5000

However, the minimum penalty for a first-time offender with no aggravating facts can be:

·         Probation for 3 Years

·         Mandatory education alcohol program and classes

·         Fees and fines up to $2200

In fact, the facts of your case are more important to make a decision in your favor. You may not be able to plead your case in the Orange County courts unless you hire the best DUI attorney.

While choosing an Orange County criminal attorney or law firm to support you, there are certain things you should keep in mind, like:

Experience: The law firm you choose for this purpose must have knowledgeable and experienced lawyers who have handled thousands of the cases of criminal defense, including the cases of DUI, in Orange County since many years.

Expertise: The Orange County criminal attorney you shortlist should have worked with various law firms as well as his link with the panel of private bar attorneys so that he can handle even those cases that are not eligible for the public prosecutor. He must be able to handle all types of criminal cases ranging from minor cases of drug possession and shoplifting to serious crimes of all kinds.

Well versed with legal tips and tricks: The DUI attorney you choose in Orange County must know all the tricks and tips to defend a criminal case on the basis of factual as well as legal points of views. He should also know the strategies used by the juries during a criminal trial. The most important thing he must know is the way to present any information to the judges, juries as well as the prosecutors to mold the case in favor of the clients of his law firm. He must have handled several cases of expungement in Orange County court. He should also have knowledge of how to clear the records of one-time convicted people successfully

Favorable reviews of previous clients: The reviews of previous clients of the Orange County DUI attorney you choose should tell his success stories. There should be a number of satisfied clients on his website instead of any dismissal or guilty verdicts at trials.

Reputation: The DUI attorney you hire for your case should be known to follow the best approach, while handling criminal cases of his clients, on the basis of his consistent training and education about the latest laws in this field. He must be well versed with the latest legal technologies and case laws used in legal motions and defenses. He should be able to provide the best services to the client of his firm, on a personal level, by concentrating on the results of their case. He must have reputation earned by the mouth publicity of the clients, who were satisfied with the ways of handling their cases as well as their results.

So, if you have been arrested for drunk driving and have to face charges on an upcoming date then you should call Miller and Associates by phone or email us to fix an appointment to discuss the case and make a final decision about hiring us. We fulfill all the conditions required to be the best DUI lawyers in Orange County. We not only plead the DUI case of our clients in the orange county court but also educate them about the DUI laws and the consequences they have to face in any worst condition. Though we have the track record of successful cases still it is necessary for people to know about it in detail.

Remember, if you or your loved one is facing a DUI case in Orange County then you should call us now as any delay can worsen your position.

Orange County DUI Attorney

Driving under the influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) cases involve defenses which are a complex and multi-faceted specialty in law. You have to select an Orange County DUI lawyer who understands every aspect of the investigation, urine and blood test analysis, field sobriety testing and metabolic systems biology. Only a few attorneys have the legal skills and knowledge that will help you achieve successful outcomes based on careful analysis, logic, legal expertise and insight. Our law firm provides a higher level of representation and guarantees the best results.

DUI defenses require the knowledge of attorneys who have adequate knowledge on the latest defense strategies, law changes and technology. Our law firm has existed for 23 years. In those years, we have specialized in handling driving and DUI matters within courts in Orange County, California. We understand that it is our duty as defense lawyers to remain knowledgeable in the area and to know the judges, prosecutors, and procedures involved to win your case.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) are serious charges. Therefore, an attorney should be ready to fight for all your rights and protect your future. You should expect several serious consequences if charged with DUI or DWI, which range from a criminal conviction that remains with you throughout your life and driver license suspension. That is why you should call us immediately because we are the best DUI lawyers in Orange County.

Keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with drinking and operating a motor vehicle - if you are above the age of 21 years in the state, and if your alcohol level is below a .08 or below what impairs your driving. Most individuals believe that drinking and driving is a crime, but it is not.  It would only be a crime if you happen to operate a vehicle after you have lost your normal use of physical or mental faculties or if your blood alcohol level is beyond .08 when driving. 

A few facts about DUI and DWI in the state

-    Intoxication refers to lack of normal use of physical or mental faculties due to the introduction of substances like alcohol, drugs, controlled substances or dangerous drugs or their combination in your body. It also refers to exceeding the legal limit of alcohol concentration.

-    The blood alcohol concentration level in the state for drivers charged with DUI stands at 0.08% during the time of driving.

The differences between DWI and DUI

Most people use the two terms (DUI and DWI) interchangeably and do not know the difference. However, there is a huge difference between the two. DUI is a criminal offense applicable to individuals under the age of 21 years and only if they have detectable amounts of alcohol in their blood systems. DUI charges are usually misdemeanors and are punishable by fines not exceeding $5000 (including penalty assessments and other costs). Therefore, an individual below the age of 21 years and with a detectable blood alcohol level might get charged when the intoxication level is below 0.08%.

An officer who believes that a driver below the age of 21 years is intoxicated might also choose to charge him/her with a minor DWI charge, which is more serious. DWI criminal offenses, for both adults and minors, relates to operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The two charges‚ DUI and DWI‚ both carry the risk of license suspension and fines, and would, therefore, require the services of the best DUI lawyers in Orange County.

Types of DUI and DWI cases

-    Intoxicated assault

-    Intoxication manslaughter

-    DWI‚ as a Felony

-    DUI as a Misdemeanor with priors, an accident, or speeding allegations.

DMV License Hearings

The purpose of Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearings is to help determine whether the court should suspend the license of a driver charged with DWI. The ALR hearings are important and we try to win all of them. In addition to preventing license suspension, winning ALR hearing saves you money and time in the long term. You should request ALR hearing within the first 15 days of your arrest.

An officer might ask you to provide blood or breathe sample after arresting you for DWI. Under the Implied Consent Statute, the officer should physically confiscate your license and offer you two documents if you refuse to provide the sample. The first document will be your temporary driver’s permit while the second is the warning advising you that you only have 15days to contest your driver’s license suspension.

What to do when arrested

After your arrest for DWI or DUI, you should call us immediately so that we can discuss the way forward. We will defend your rights against the charge(s) and represent you at the Administrative License Revocation hearing. We have handled hundreds if not thousands of DUI and DWI cases within the last 23 years and we know that there are many ways to win your case. We will make sure that the officer’s reason for stopping your car was proper and the officers followed the right procedures when collecting blood or breathe samples.

So, for you to be safe, make sure you have our contact information. You can call us at (877) 568-2977 or email us at info@expertlawfirm.com and we will be there to defend you.