When you find yourself in the midst of the DUI court process in Los Angeles, the first step is to maintain your composure. This is crucial as losing your cool can lead to making hasty decisions or saying things that could be used against you. With a clear head and organized approach, you can navigate the process professionally, discreetly, and with minimal stress.
Get your paperwork together, such as your driving record, arrest report, and any relevant documents, and compile a list of questions like 'What are the potential outcomes of my case?' and 'What can I do to assist my defense attorney?' that will help put your mind at ease moving forward. Ensure you understand your responsibility in ensuring the system does not railroad you. You have to start figuring out what you can do to achieve some damage control.
As a DUI defense attorney, one of my primary objectives is to ensure that my clients leave our initial meeting with a clear plan and a sense of security in their representation. They should have a realistic understanding of the situation they are facing.
We are not talking about false hopes here. We are discussing informing the client of what they are facing, based on their specific facts and life circumstances. This is not a time to sugarcoat things and discuss defenses that do not apply to you. If you find yourself talking to a lawyer or salesperson who is rambling about defenses that have nothing to do with your case or circumstances, then run for the hills.
So, the nutshell version of step one in the DUI process is to hire an attorney who knows what they are doing and has solid experience in the courthouse where your case is pending. This decision will bring you peace of mind and control, knowing that you are in the best possible position moving forward.
Suppose your attorney is familiar with your case and what you want out of it, and knows (from experience) how your lawsuit will be viewed in the particular court by the prosecutors and the judge. In that case, they will achieve the best possible result for you. The goal in any DUI situation should be to do it once, do it right, and never do it again!
STEP NUMBER TWO IN THE DUI PROCESS:
Once you've hired your attorney, it's crucial to cooperate with them. By following their instructions, asking relevant questions, and being realistic about the case's outcome, you can actively contribute to a successful resolution.
If, on the other hand, you have a high blood alcohol content and got in an accident, then do not expect the case to be dismissed. The point is, once you do your due diligence and hire a well-respected DUI lawyer, let them do their job to help you.
Listening to your attorney's advice is crucial. If you took the time to hire your attorney and feel confident that they know what they are doing, you should trust them to fight for you and properly advise you. Their guidance will be instrumental in resolving the issue as swiftly and successfully as possible.
If you have people in your life who are concerned about you and want to be involved in your DUI process, then, by all means, have them in on the meetings and discussions between you and your attorney, so they can help you make decisions and make the right moves for your future. However, do not rely too heavily on people with very little first-hand knowledge about your case. Their opinions and comparisons to other issues have very little consequence for your particular circumstances. My point is, let your attorney be your guide.
STEP NUMBER THREE IN THE DUI PROCESS:
If you are lucky enough to get your DUI case dismissed, you do not need step number three. However, if you end up working out a plea bargain in your DUI case, ensure that you comply with all the terms and conditions of your probation. The legislature and courts in California are particularly stringent in their handling of DUI cases and probation violations.
One major violation that I see repeatedly is people who drive on a suspended license while on DUI probation. These individuals are essentially asking to be incarcerated for a period. The judges in Los Angeles County are not messing around when it comes to driving on a suspended license if your license was taken away because of a DUI. They will throw the book at you if they believe that your conduct is viewed as ignoring their orders and is dangerous to the public.
Another area to watch out for is driving a vehicle with any alcohol in your system while on DUI probation in LA County. This is another area in DUI practice where prosecutors and judges insist on jail time for offenders. Again, prosecutors and judges' primary concern regarding DUI cases is to make sure they do everything possible to protect the community at large. There is nothing worse for them if they give someone a break and it comes back to haunt them in the form of a horrible accident that hurts another person.
The moral of the above story is to comply with all of the terms and conditions of your DUI probation, and in the end, you will be eligible to have your case expunged and move on with your life. If you have a DUI case or DUI-related probation violation, call my firm, and we will help you begin the process of getting out of a sometimes unforgiving system.
