Yorba Linda, CA DUI Law Firms & Lawyers

There is no set fee schedule for how much an attorney charges for his services. All attorneys charge differently depending on their experience, locality, etc. I suggest that you interview a number of attorneys and retain the one you feel most comfortable with and can afford.

You should know that, in California, DUIs remain on your DMV record for 10 years and cannot be expunged from your DMV record. The DUI convictions may be expunged from the court records, at the discretion of a judge, but can still be used as enhancements for future DUI filings and convictions. As to how much it would costs, there is no set fee schedule for how much an attorney charges for his or her services. All attorneys charge differently depending on their experience, locality, complexity of the case, etc. I suggest that you interview a number of attorneys and retain the one you feel most comfortable with and can afford.

For a 1st time DUI, the penalties are usually a 4 to 6 months license suspension, but you may be eligible for a restricted license (to and from school and/or work). If your blood alcohol level is above .20 then there is a 10 month restriction, as well as other enhancements for excessive alcohol. Fines from $390 to $1,000 plus penalty assessments and court costs which beings to the total to about $2,000.00. Your car may be impounded for up to 6 months. Up to 3 year optional ignition interlock device installed on your car. 96 hours to 6 months jail sentence, at least 48 hours of which must be continuance. If you have had a prior DUI within the preceding 10 years, it could be charged as felony with between 1 year and 3 year jail sentence. Depending on the County where the arrest occurred, generally a 1st time DUI offender, with a good attorney, will do little, if any, jail time. However, the defendant will need to jump through some hoops and will be on informal probation from 3 to 5 years. The courts usually order that the defendant pay a fine and penalty assessments which amounts to approximately $1,800.00 plus various other court costs and fees, and either community service or community labor. In addition the defendant must enroll and complete a DUI program. Some courts also require that the defendant participate in a HAM (Hospital and Morgue) Program, MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Program and have their license suspended. Some courts also require an interlocking device be placed on the Defendant's car, although they can, and sometimes do, defer this to DMV. Considering the possible consequences, I suggest that you retain an attorney.