West Covina DUI Lawyer
West Covina Courthouse
1427 West Covina Parkway
West Covina, CA 91790
(626) 430-2600
West Covina Court is known as one of the stricter courthouses in Los Angeles County. However, finding an attorney who has successfully handled DUI cases in this jurisdiction will ensure the best possible result.
Over the past 25 years of handling cases in West Covina, I have realized that a skilled DUI lawyer can employ several strategies.
Courthouse. This knowledge comes from years of experience and interacting with the people who run the courthouse.
One critical thing that I do is get to know my clients and what they are all about.
Each person has their own life story, and most of the time, there are good things to bring to the attention of the judge and prosecutor that can make a difference.
Further, I always encourage my clients to obtain character letters from friends, family, and professional acquaintances. These letters can provide a more comprehensive view of the defendant, highlighting their positive attributes and contributions to their community, which can influence the court's perception of the defendant.
Further, I make it a point to let the powers know that they are dealing with a person, a family, and make it clear that my client has a plan in life that does not involve being stuck in a sometimes unforgiving court system.
My client and I work as a team to solve their problem. This collaborative approach ensures that the client's voice is heard and their concerns are addressed. West Covina has been around for many years and handles DUI matters, probably within the courthouse's ten-mile radius.
It is the sister court to the Pomona court that handles more serious matters. For example, if you have a felony DUI with significant bodily injury or anything like that, your case will probably be in the Pomona court versus the West Covina Court.
DUI Lawyer Familiar With Local Prosecutors
As far as some strategies go, you want to get an attorney working with you on your DUI case who is familiar with the West Covina court, has practiced there, has dealt with the prosecutors and judges there, and is obviously familiar with the type of DUI case that you have.
Most times, DUI cases are straightforward. When you get your notice to appear from the police after they arrest you, they will cite you in court. I will guide you through each step of the process, making it less daunting.
You'll have a court date. After they take your driver's license away, they'll give you a pink slip, your temporary driver's license, and then you'll have to appear in court.
Usually, once I'm retained on a case in the West Covina courthouse, I show up first for the client so I can get the paperwork related to the point, the arrest report, and any other evidence they have. I then request any additional evidence from the prosecutors, which they will have to obtain from the police department.
We use that first court appearance to review everything, speak to the prosecutors and see what their position is, and then continue the case for a few weeks so that you can get a copy of our discovery/paperwork, review it, and then we can sit down and talk about the case and decide what the best strategy is going to be.
Sometimes clients say to me, "Shouldn't I go to the court date myself? " The answer is no because many of these courts—especially the arraignment courts where they do DUI cases—are crowded.
The prosecutors don't care whether you go to the court or not, nor does the judge. They're just dealing with your attorney. Your appearance and how you look will not make a difference in your DUI matter.
Essential Factors in a DUI Case
The factors that will help or hurt you in a DUI in the West Covina courthouse have to do with how high your blood alcohol level was, how bad or good you did on the field sobriety test, how dangerous your driving was, and a host of other factors.
The prosecutors will consider the totality of the circumstances when deciding their position on your DUI case.
Your attorney will have a significant say in the types of mitigating factors that can be considered in your case. These factors, such as your remorse, lack of a prior criminal record, or participation in a rehabilitation program, can help reduce the severity of your sentence.
Because the police often conduct one-sided investigations and do not provide all of the information to the prosecutors through their police reports, they should be required to make a fair assessment of your case.
So, if you've got a master's in the West Covina court, realize that it is a conservative courthouse. That particular area is very tough on DUIs, and you're going to want to get a drunk driving attorney who has been down this road before and had success in DUI matters in that courthouse.
Experienced DUI Lawyers
What attorneys make for the best advocates in the West Covina Court? In my experience, the best and most effective criminal defense attorneys are likable. They know how to handle themselves and what to say at the right time.
This talent comes from years of experience and a confident mental attitude. You can not be great at criminal defense and have a bad mood! People naturally like and trust those who come to court prepared and with a winning attitude.
Every time I meet with a client or anyone in my life, I try to learn something about them and connect with them on a meaningful level. If you like your attorney, then the prosecutor, judge, and even jury will feel the same way, and you will get the most bang for your buck!