Those getting DUI's in Canoga Park will appear in the Van Nuys courthouse. That court controls any DUI that is caught in the Canoga Park jurisdiction. Usually, I see people getting pulled over by the LAPD and sometimes the Sheriff, and then they have them take the field sobriety test and a blood or breath test, either at the hospital or the police station.
They'll often bring them into Van Nuys police station, and then they get a notice to appear, a blue ticket indicating they have to appear in the courthouse for a DUI.
Also, they'll get a pink piece of paper, their temporary driver's license, because now the DMV will be notified. Their driver's license will be automatically suspended if the person doesn't do something about it.
Case Review
It's crucial to take proactive steps and seek legal advice as early as possible. With 30 years of experience in the San Fernando Valley, I've handled numerous DUI cases, many in the Canoga Park area. The decisions you make at this stage can greatly influence the outcome of your case, and early legal advice can put you in a position of control.
There are a lot of checkpoints that are set up, especially on Topanga and other streets, where they catch people driving. They pull them over and ultimately get arrested for a DUI.
So, I have you come in, and we sit down and go over everything. Bring your paperwork with you. We'll discuss what can be done – whether you have a potential defense to the case. We'll look to see:
- If the stop for the DUI was legal;
- Whether or not they took your blood or breath legally and
- Whether the police complied with all of the rules they had to;
- Whether you failed or passed the field sobriety test and
- How you were driving at the time;
- We will also look at your blood alcohol level, see how high it is, and where it falls in with other similarly charged people.
Defenses for Drunk Driving
There are many different ways to look at a DUI in Canoga Park. One way would be to say, well, I did drink and get caught drinking and driving. That's not the end of the inquiry, though, because we have to see how high your blood alcohol level was. There are potential defenses we can explore, such as challenging the legality of the stop or the accuracy of the breath or blood test.
Someone who blew a .08 versus someone who blew a .16, which is double the legal limit, versus someone who blew a .24, which is triple the legal limit – all of those people will be treated differently regarding their DUI cases.
All of those people are going to be looking at different punishments because the more alcohol you have in your system, the higher your blood alcohol level is, the more dangerous you were from the prosecutor and judge's standpoint. The prosecutor is responsible for proving your guilt, while the judge will determine your punishment. Therefore, the more punishment they need to heap on you to deter you from future criminal activity and to protect the public.
One of our main focuses will be on your blood alcohol level. I'll provide you with a clear understanding of your situation and any potential defenses. Together, we'll devise a personalized strategy tailored to your circumstances, ensuring the best possible outcome for you and giving you the reassurance that your unique situation is understood and accounted for.
Having worked for the district attorney's office and as a criminal defense attorney, I've defended hundreds of DUI cases. I'm here to help. Don't hesitate to reach out for a meeting with Ron Hedding. The Hedding Law Firm offers a free case review because your case matters to us, and we want you to feel valued and cared for during this challenging time.
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