Pre-Trial

How Important is a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer’s Experience?

June 18, 2015 | Ronald N. Hoffman

Many of our clients are talking to several different attorneys when they come meet with us. Unlike many other attorneys out office offers a free consultation with no obligations. The result is that when you come and talk to us, you are under no pressure to retain our office, nor are you required to pay anything when you visit us.

We take the time to talk to you about your case. About the different facts, the things that make your case unique, as well as your available defenses and arguments. This helps give you a good idea as to the strengths and weaknesses of your case, and the potential outcomes. While we cannot guarantee an outcome or predict how the case will turn out, we can give you a good idea as to how your case will be presented.

We are able to offer a realistic idea as to the potential consequences and outcome of your case because of the extensive experience our attorneys have. This can make a very big difference to your case. Many Los Angeles DUI attorneys are vey educated and reasonably priced, however, that is not always enough to win the case.

What is a Pre Trial Hearing in a Los Angeles DUI Case?

April 2, 2015 | Ronald N. Hoffman

When you have been stopped on suspicion of driving under the influence, you have not yet been convicted. Chances are you were arrested, and charged under California Vehicle Code §23152 or 23153. These are the California DUI statutes. You have yet to be found guilty of these charges before you can be convicted.

At the time of arrest you will be given a citation. This citation will state the date of your first court appearance and the courthouse at which you must appear. This is not optional, there is no mail in plea option, it is mandatory. Failure to appear at this court date or prior to that court date can result in a warrant out for your arrest and additional charges or sentences. It is a good idea to be present in court the day you are required to be. If you hire a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, that lawyer may appear on your behalf as long as it is not a felony. In most DUI cases, a lawyer is allowed to appear on behalf of the person being charged. This is a great benefit because it saves you the time, hassle and trouble. It is a very anxiety provoking event and most people would rather not have to address it or deal with it.

That first date on your citation is called an Arraignment. At the arraignment you will be read your rights, potential sentences against you, the charges and you will be asked if you would like to enter a plea. You will also have the opportunity to speak to a prosecutor who will give you a plea bargain, or an offer as an incentive for you to plead guilty and resolve your case right then and there.

Can I Appear at my Los Angeles DUI Pre-Trial Without an Attorney?

December 26, 2013 | Ronald N. Hoffman

While your case is pending before a Criminal Court, you have certain Constitutional Rights that are protected. One of those rights is the right to an attorney.sThe criminal justice process is a complicated one, and entering a plea can have certain consequences to your freedom, or your rights. Because of this, each and every person has the right to an attorney, so that they do not waive any rights that are given to them without understanding what it it is that they are waiving.

On the flip side, you also have the right to represent yourself through the criminal process. If you choose to do this, you will not be given special considerations because you are representing yourself. You will be held to the same procedural standards, deadlines and laws as a person who is represented by an attorney.

At any point in the proceedings you have the option of asking the Judge for a continuance so that you can hire counsel. Just because it is a fundamental right for a person to be represented by counsel in criminal proceedings, that does not mean that everyone can afford to do so. If you would like to be represented by counsel but do not have the funds to do so, the government will provide you with a public defender and will charge you based on your financial situation.