DUI Attorney In Van Nuys | Former Van Nuys Court Prosecutors
Every state in the U.S. has set a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) level, which after exceeding, it becomes a criminal offense in that state to operate a motor vehicle. If you or a loved one have been arrested for a DUI in Van Nuys, you should immediately contact an experienced DUI defense attorney with extensive experience defending drunk driving cases in Van Nuys Court. In addition to DUI with alcohol, driving under the influence of drugs is another common criminal offense in Van Nuys and carries very similar punishments. Whether you were arrested for driving under the influence of marijuana or cocaine, or a prescription drug such as Vicodin or Ambien, you should consult with an experienced Van Nuys DUI attorney to protect your future and license.
Van Nuys, California DUI Laws
California has strict laws and punishments associated with drunk driving convictions, and these penalties are dispensed harshly in Van Nuys. Under California Vehicle Code 23152(a) and California Vehicle Code 23152(b), it is a misdemeanor offense to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC level of 0.05 and above, or 0.08 and above. DUI charges are priorable offenses and, therefore, the mandatory punishment increases with each subsequent conviction within 10 years of the first offense. The charge level can be elevated to felony DUI level for repeat offenders facing their 4th offense DUI within the last 10 years or causing an accident resulting in serious injuries due intoxication.
DUI Defense Lawyer in Van Nuys
Most DUI cases in Van Nuys involve the facts and testimony related by the arresting officer and chemical evidence (Blood Test or Breathalyzer Test), which prosecutors must rely upon to secure their conviction. Therefore, your conviction rests upon the credibility of the officer’s testimony and reliability of the chemical evidence. Weaknesses in any area of the prosecution’s evidence can be leveraged by your DUI attorney to reduce your charges, lessen your punishment, or even dismiss your drunk driving case. Only a skilled DUI defense attorney can identify the factual weakness crucial toward developing the strongest possible defense for your case. Although the majority of Van Nuys drunk driving arrests are misdemeanor 1st offense DUI charges that typically do not involve jail time, they should not be taken lightly. DUI convictions carry consequences that can extend beyond the court-imposed punishments and DMV license suspension, such as immigration and professional licensing consequences. Therefore, trust experience and competency when choosing your DUI attorney, as he or she may be the most critical factor in the successful resolution of your case.
A DUI Attorney Will Stand by You
From the moment you contact a DUI attorney, they will be there to represent you. They will be there as your case progresses through court, they will show up at your DUI hearing, and they will fight to help you keep as many of your driving privileges as you can. When possible, an attorney may appear in court on your behalf, saving you time and energy.
Your Chances for Success Are Better With an Experienced Attorney
The numbers don’t lie. Several surveys show that individuals who hire private DUI attorneys are able to negotiate a plea bargain for lesser offenses that are non-DUI related. These may include impaired driving or reckless driving. The success rates are lower for individuals who try to defend themselves or only use a public defender. Of course, every case is unique, and DUI attorneys do not guarantee an outcome for their clients. However, hiring a competent lawyer can be the difference between a favorable and unfavorable outcome.
DUI Attorneys Understand DUI Law
The law is always changing, and DUI law is no exception. When you work with an experienced DUI attorney, you are dealing with someone who knows the latest changes to DUI law. DUI attorneys can use their experience and knowledge in court and can also use it to walk you through what the charges you face mean and the impact these can have on your future. An experienced attorney can examine the circumstances surrounding your arrest to build a good defense for your case.
Some Are Former District Attorneys
Former district attorneys who become criminal defense lawyers have a considerable advantage over their competition. Throughout their profession, they were wholly committed to prosecuting criminals. They know firsthand the tricks and maneuvers prosecutors use in order to jam people up in court.
Additionally, during their time as criminal defense attorneys, they spent more time in front of a judge than most lawyers during a comparable amount of years. There is no substitute for the courtroom experience a district attorney gets through the duration of their career.
No amount of book learning or training can replace the years of courtroom confrontation these experienced attorneys have. They have the ability to analyze a criminal case and understand the harsh realities that come with being in the courtroom day in and day out. They are able to take what they have learned and use their insight on the other side of the courtroom.
Getting the Best Result in Court
Being charged with a DUI can change your life. Working with the right DUI attorney in Van Nuys could lead to reduced charges and help you hold onto some of the freedoms needed to keep your life moving forward.
Sitkoff & Hanrahan, LLP | Van Nuys DUI Attorneys
Being arrested and booked into jail is a terrifying experience for most anyone. However, it is important for you to remember a DUI arrest does not correlate with a DUI conviction, making your decision on your defense representation that much more significant. The California DMV only gives you 10 calendar days to request an administrative hearing to contest your automatic license suspension. Therefore, it is imperative that you act quickly and contact a skilled DUI attorney with extensive experience successfully defending drunk driving charges in the Van Nuys Court and Driver Safety Office. Van Nuys DUI attorneys, Eugene Hanrahan and Stephen Sitkoff are top rated drunk driving defense attorneys and former Van Nuys Court prosecutors. If you or a loved one has been arrested in Encino, Reseda, Tarzana, Van Nuys, or anywhere in the Valley, contact our Van Nuys DUI defense firm today at (818) 475-7090 for your initial FREE consultation.
