Los Angeles DUI Lawyer Blog
If you have been stopped for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, it is important to remember that you have not yet been convicted. In order to be convicted a plea or a finding of guilty needs to be entered. If you have not had a trial, or have entered a plea of not guilty or no contest, then you cannot be convicted.
Being arrested is a nerve wrecking experience. You do not know what is going on, nor do you know what steps to take next. In addition, you probably do not fully understand the legal ramifications of your arrest, and the reasons you were arrested.
If officers find that you are intoxicated, they will take you into custody. There are several reasons officers may determine that you are intoxicated. One is if you submit to a breathalyzer test and your blood alcohol level indicates intoxication. Another is if officers observe signs of intoxication. These include watery eyes, slurring, smell of strong alcohol and disorientation. You may also make some statements that may indicate you are intoxicated or be construed as confessions of intoxication.
Once arrested, you will have to leave your car where it is and go with the officers. Your car will likely be towed at your expense, unless an officer allows a passenger to drive the car home. When you are taken to the station, you will be asked to submit to another BAC test, and then booked and put into custody.
This can be a very scary experience. However, it is a very common experience that many people go through. If you are not being charged with a felony, you will likely be released in the morning. You will have to pay the cost of the towing of your vehicle and its storing overnight.
Many times people leave the station and very distraught and disappointed and try to push it to the back of their minds. However, this is a very common criminal offense, but still needs to be dealt with in a timely and efficient manner. There are certain deadlines that need to be met to assure that your Constitutional rights are protected. For example, you must schedule a DMV hearing within ten days of your arrest. If you do not do this, you lose your right to a hearing regarding your driving privileges.
In addition, you should order any evidence that officers may have turned over to Prosecutors. This would be police reports, video or audio surveillance, and the blood or breath test reading. If you have been arrested for a Los Angeles DUI, the very first thing you do should be to contact a Los Angeles DUI Attorney as soon as possible. The attorney will act swiftly to take the steps necessary to assure that you are giving your case the best fighting chance at a strong argument and a probability for the case to be dismissed or reduced. A simple phone call could make all the difference to your future, so don’t hesitate, call today!