Drunk Driving, DUI / DWI - California Driving Under the Influence Laws

California DUI / DWI arrests occur unexpectedly, and the driver is rarely prepared for the complex legal issues that follow. However, drunk driving arrests require fast action. The most pressing issues are typically finding an experienced California DUI / DWI lawyer, locating someone in custody, finding a reputable bail bond firm, and requesting a DMV hearing to prevent the automatic suspension of a driver’s license.

Locating a driver after a California DUI arrest can be challenging without the right resources. When attempting to find a driver arrested for DUI / DWI, it’s helpful to gather certain information before beginning the process. The driver’s full name, date of birth, and the booking number if available will all make the process of locating the accused driver much easier.

Getting the driver released from jail is usually a top priority. Although some individuals arrested for driving under the influence are released on their own recognizance – also known as OR – others must post bail. Locating a bail bond provider is the first step in getting a suspected DUI / DWI driver released from jail. California bail bondsmen usually require an up-front down payment of 10 percent of the bail amount to secure the driver’s release.

Once the driver is released from jail, it’s critical to address the legal issues that stem from a drunk driving arrest as quickly as possible. A California DUI / DWI arrest actually generates two separate cases – a Department of Motor Vehicles case and a criminal court case. An individual facing a driving while intoxicated charge has only 10 days from the date of arrest – including weekends and holidays – to request a DMV hearing, or risk having his or her driver's license automatically suspended.

A California drunk driving court case begins with arraignment. The driver will be asked to enter a plea of Guilty or Not Guilty. Every experienced criminal defense attorney will advise his or her client to plead Not Guilty at arraignment until the facts of the case can be examined and an appropriate defense strategy established.

There are many proven defense strategies available to effectively fight a drinking and driving charge, and many good reasons to fight a drunk driving charge in court. Some drivers fear that a DUI / DWI arrest means an automatic conviction, but that’s simply not true. It’s possible to fight and win a drunk driving case with the help of experienced legal counsel, such as knowledgeble attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm .

Experienced California DUI Lawyers

It is possible to win both in court and at the DMV hearing to determine driver’s license status, but these procedures are extremely complex, and the cost of losing is high. An experienced California DUI / DWI criminal defense attorney can develop an aggressive strategy to attack both the court case and the DMV action. Call The Kavinoky Law Firm today for a free consultation.