When you are arrested for a DUI, DWI or OWI it is imperative that you do not talk to the police without an experienced criminal attorney present, even if the officers try to convince you that you do not require an attorney. Due to the police officers’ extensive training and skills of acquiring information from suspects, if you speak to officers once arrested you risk self incrimination. Further, never write a statement of apology or admittance, for this information can also be used against you as self incrimination to convict you in the court of law. Conviction of a DUI can lead to the infliction of California DUI penalties, which are some of the toughest in the country. These penalties can include:
- Fines
- License Suspension
- Jail Time
- Alcohol abuse classes
- Community Service
- Installation of a vehicle ignition interlock that requires you to take a breathalyzer each time you attempt to start your vehicle.
It is imperative to act quickly after being arrested for a DUI. From the date of arrest, you only have 10 days to contact and arrange for an administrative per se hearing with the DMV, or your license will be automatically suspended. During this hearing, the DMV hearing officer acts as both the judge and prosecutor and is only interested in whether the arresting officer had reasonable cause to believe you were driving under the influence, whether or not the arrest was lawful and whether your blood alcohol content was above 0.08%. These DMV cases hinge on the skillful contention of each of the technical points of issue by an experienced and knowledgeable Attorney.
Due to these potentially serious and negative impacts that a DUI conviction can impress on your life, it is vitally important that you hire an experienced Attorney to defend your rights from the very beginning of your arrest. The Law Offices of Geoffrey W. Rawlings possess the vital experience, expertise, and tools that will provide you the best possible defense for your DUI case in the Bay area. Our firm has defended hundred of DUI cases allowing us to be able to recognize when your rights have been violated and to recognize a fair resolution when it is presented. Do not hesitate, protect your interests and your rights; contact the Law Offices of Geoffrey W. Rawlings today.
For more information about being arrested for a D.U.I., please click here.
For answers to frequently asked questions about DUIs, please visit our DUI FAQ page or by clicking here.
When you are charged with a crime, time is of the essence. Do not risk your future by hesitating to enlist legal help. Call our office at (408)292-8400 or fill out our online contact form.