Los Angeles DUI Lawyer Blog
If you have been charged with a Los Angeles DUI, it does not mean that you cannot be charged with anything else. Many charges can arise out of one specific incident, resulting in multiple charges against you and multiple cases.
The best way to understand this process is to walk through an example. Dina has been at a friend’s house for a party. At the party she has consumed several alcoholic drinks, and used some methamphetamine with her friends. Dina is also the one that has provided the drugs and the paraphernalia at the party.
When she is driving home, she runs a stop sign. Officers stop her for the traffic violation, and notice a strong odor of alcohol and red watery eyes. In addition, her mannerisms are eradicated and she seems intoxicated. Officers ask Dina to submit to a field sobriety test, which she does and fails. They also ask her to take a blood alcohol test, which she does and is promptly arrested.
However, Dina is not just charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, she is also charged with the possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. These are three different serious charges. The result is not just enhanced consequences or sentencing for a DUI, if she is convicted. It is three separate cases that must be proven, and three different sentences. So if she is sentenced to informal probation for three years based for the DUI charge, she may still be sentenced to additional years of probation on the other two charges.
A case will be opened against Dina for all three charges. She will need to prepare a defense and an argument for each charge, and the Court will hear the facts and evidence for each individual charge.
Three different charges can arise out of one single incident and can lead to some serious consequences. It is highly imperative that you consult with and retain a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer. You will need to work through the facts and prepare a strong argument so that at least one of the charges may be dismissed or in the very least reduced.
An experienced and knowledgeable attorney will review all the evidence for each individual charge against you. Each charge must be treated as its own specific case and must be prepared separately. The combination of all three charges can result in a complex case with some potential jail time. This is why it is extremely important that you have a Los Angeles DUI Defense attorney to represent you. When there are several charges arising out of one incident, it can become very complex and will require significant preparation.
If you find yourself in such a situation, and are facing significant charges, do not take a chance on your future. There is a lot at stake. Do yourself a favor and be sure to retain a legal expert as soon as possible!