One of the most common misdemeanor offenses which carries some severe consequences if convicted. First time DUI carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail, 3-6 month alcohol classes, and $2,000.00 in fines and fees. A second DUI within 7 years guarantees a minimum of four days in jail or a maximum of up to one year in jail, and a mandatory 18 month alcohol class. Throw in an accident where someone is injured, and things are upgraded to a felony DUI with the potential of another strike under California’s Three Strikes Law. Either way, you need to take your DUI very serious and hire a qualified Vista Drunk Driving Lawyer with extensive experience representing drunk driving cases in Vista and San Diego Superior Court.
Most of the time, you’ll be released from jail around 12 hours after you’re booked and giving all the information concerning your arraignment. Before you show up for that court date, YOU MUST HIRE AN ATTORNEY familiar with the San Diego County area so that they can start preparing your DUI case. If you delay the hiring of a qualified drunk driving lawyer, things like potential witnesses or evidence might not be available anymore. Although attaining legal representation is crucial, you don’t want to hire any random Vista or San Diego County DUI Attorney who will just encourage you to plead guilty. Pleading Guilty is NEVER a good idea! There are numerous potential defense arguments or even plea bargains that you might not know of without an experienced drunk driving lawyer. Vista DUI Attorney, Ken Elliott, is looking out for your best interests, not his. Look at it this way, the State has their attorney, so why shouldn’t you??