California DUI Frequently Asked Questions

Knowledgeable Advocacy from a Long Beach DUI Lawyer

Qualified as Criminal Law Specialists with over five decades of combined legal experience, the team of Long Beach criminal attorneys at our firm is dedicated to assisting prospective and current clients. One of the ways we desire to help is by providing commonly asked questions, accompanied by our knowledgeable answers. By looking at the following list of inquiries, we are hoping that you can feel better equipped to understand the logistics of your DUI case. Additionally, we hope that you will not hesitate to get in touch with our office if you have any further questions or concerns.

What options do I have after a DUI arrest?

Penalties for driving under the influence in California can be extremely harsh. We highly recommend that you ask for time to obtain a DUI lawyer that is not only knowledgeable, but passionate about defending your rights. Working with a legal representative, you can seek out a potential plea bargain, case dismissal or trial in a court of law.

How do I know if a DUI attorney is qualified?

It is important to consider the whole package when looking at DUI defense lawyers in the state of California. Many large firms can promise a big game, but fail to follow through with their promises. Check out the attorney's qualifications first and consider their accolades. Have they been rated by Martindale-Hubbell®? Are they specialized in criminal defense or DUI cases? Look at their past case results and testimonials as well to see what kind of success they have had.

What penalties will I be facing if convicted of a DUI?

Under the California Vehicle Code §23152 the penalties for drunk driving greatly depend on the circumstances of the arrest. In a broad sense, they are as follows:

• Jail time for as little as a few days or as much as decades in prison
• Informal or formal probationary period
• Having your vehicle impounded
• Ignition Interlock Device installation
• Attending alcohol or drug abuse treatment programs
• Thousands of dollars in fines or restitution
• License suspension for a number months or even years

As mentioned earlier, the severity of these consequences varies on the amount of alcohol found in your system, if any injuries or death were a direct result of any DUI related accidents, and if you willingly submitted to breath or blood tests upon arrest. Speak with a knowledgeable Long Beach DUI lawyer at our firm to determine the specifics of your case so that you understand what you are up against.

Is it really necessary to schedule a DMV hearing within 10 days of my arrest?

You will have to go before the DMV and the court at two separate times when fighting your DUI charges. The temporary license that you receive at your arrest will only last for 30 days. If you schedule a DMV hearing within 10 days, your ability to drive will be extended until your DMV hearing has occurred and a decision reached. Additionally, if you win your DMV hearing, there could be a greater chance that the judge will look more favorably on your driving privileges when determining your future in court.

How long will my case take from start to finish?

Every case is unique and a question like this cannot be fully answered; however, approximations can be made. Typically a DUI case will take at the very minimum a few months to settle, unless you plead guilty from the start. The more complicated the case is, the more time it will usually take. In more difficult cases, it can take up to a year or more to come to a verdict. Felony DUI cases may continue for several years until a final sentence is reached.

If you fill out our free case evaluation regarding the basics of your case, we can at least give you a general estimate of how long your case might take. The answer we provide is in no way definitive and should not be taken as truth.

AV® Rated Long Beach Criminal Attorney

If you are currently facing accusations for drunk driving in the state of California, it is critical that you obtain an aggressive DUI lawyer as soon as possible. In 2011, the Law Offices of Damone & Schroeder was selected for inclusion in the list of Southern California's Best Lawyers, denoting our experience in the field of criminal defense. Given the highest possible AV® rating by the esteemed Martindale-Hubbell®, our lawyers have demonstrated both knowledge and high ethical standards when it comes to their practice. Contact our office today at (562) 567-0511 to better understand how our legal team can prepare a solid defense on your behalf.