Los Angeles DUI Lawyer

The Court Process

There are several steps the DUI court process.  It begins with the DUI arrest.  If law enforcement suspects you of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol due to speeding, erratic or reckless driving you will be pulled over.  Once pulled over you will be administered a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test, or breathalyzer test.  The law enforcement officer may also administer one or more field sobriety tests.  If you register at .08% or above on the BAC test, you will be arrested and charged with DUI.  Law enforcement will take your driver's license at that time.  Drunk driving charges are serious charges, and any person facing such charges is urged to contact a Los Angeles DUI attorney immediately after the arrest.

DUI Attorney in Los Angeles

After the arrest, you may be put in jail and have to post bail to get out.  The amount of the bail varies.  You also may released on your own recognizance.   From the day of your arrest, you have only 10 days to schedule a DMV hearing.  This is an administrative hearing in which it will be decided if your driver's license should be suspended or revoked.  These hearings are often held over the phone, and the suspension of your license can be waived under certain circumstances, which can be brought forward by your DUI defense attorney.  When facing a charge for drunk driving and the DMV hearing, it serves your best interests to have a knowledgeable DUI defense lawyer fighting for you.  At Gold & Witham the attorney can schedule the DMV hearing and represent you at that hearing.  With the help of an experienced DUI attorney handling the hearing, it improves the chances of a good outcome and the ability to continue to drive.  If you fail to schedule the DMV hearing, in 30 days your license will automatically be suspended.

The next step in the DUI court process is the arraignment.  This is a formal hearing in which you are charged with the DUI and you make your plea of guilty or not guilty.  At the arraignment, your DUI defense attorney has the ability to file legal motions to suppress specific evidence or enter a plea bargain, which is an offer to plead guilty to a reduced charge.

The actual DUI trial is the next step in your DUI charges.  The trial may take more than one day, as jury selection can take time.  Then the trial begins which has a standard format.  Opening statements are made by both the prosecution and the defense.  The witnesses including law enforcement are then examined and cross-examined.  Final statements are then made by the prosecutor and the defense.  The judge will then instruct the jury on the rules of jury deliberation.  The jury will then deliberate and return their verdict to the court.  The judge will read the verdict, guilty or not guilty, and if you are found guilty, the judge will decide on the sentence.  A seasoned DUI trial attorney is absolutely vital if your DUI case goes to trial.  At Gold & Witham, the attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers and are skilled trial attorneys.  Skillful negotiation and an aggressive defense can greatly improve your chances of a good result.  If you are convicted, an appeal is possible.

When facing DUI charges, it is strongly advised that you contact Gold & Witham immediately after your arrest.  There are many points along the way where your DUI defense lawyer can aggressively fight for you in the legal process.  Many cases never go to trial and the case is dismissed.  Often the suspension of your license can be waived.  Any of these results are the work of a seasoned DUI attorney.  Your DUI defense must be handled by an attorney who knows DUI laws and penalties, and how to successfully work within the system to increase the possibility of a good outcome.  At Gold & Witham, the attorney will vigorously and skillfully defend you.  Protect yourself with a quality DUI defense attorney if you have been arrested for drunk driving in Los Angeles.

Contact a Los Angeles DUI Attorney from Gold & Witham if you have been charged with DUI and want an experienced, quality defense lawyer to represent you and aggressively fight for your rights.