DRIVING UNDER THE
INFLUENCE
THE
INSIDE STORY
Being arrested for driving under the influence or ‘DUI’ can be an
upsetting, embarrassing, and an emotionally difficult experience. People feel like criminals,
outlaws.
The truth of the matter is, that driving with alcohol in your system is not
against the law in California. An absolutely true statement. How can this be? The law in
California is that you may not drive while physically under the influence of alcohol to
the point it impairs your ability to drive a car, and you may not drive if your blood
alcohol level (Blood alcohol content or BAC) is greater than .08%.
Unlike just about every other crime on the books, DUI requires no intent to
commit the crime. Most people who commit the crime of driving under the influence have
absolutely no intent to do so, and don’t even know when they are doing it. A crime
you can commit without even knowing it? Yes. You don’t have a personal blood alcohol
monitor with you at all times do you? There is basically no way to know if you are over
the legal limit. With recent changes in the law, the BAC limit has been lowered to the
point that many people can reach the limit with only a drink or two - long before they
begin to feel the effects of alcohol in their system.
That is why DUI affects every walk of life. All kinds of people get
DUI's: Doctors, lawyers, actors, politicians - everyone. You don’t need to feel
like a criminal, and you can get through your first DUI. Here’s how:
- Seek advice from an attorney immediately. (Did you know that you have only ten
(10) days from the date of your arrest to save your drivers license?)
- Work closely with your attorney to keep your driving privileges. (Did you know
that the vast a majority of drivers need only lose their license for one month on a first
time DUI?)
- Follow instructions. If you take the proper steps, and keep all of your
appointments, resolving your first DUI can be no worse than getting a speeding ticket in
terms of your time and worry level.
DUI - Frequently asked questions
- Will I be put in jail? Generally, If you have a qualified attorney, not only
will you not likely be put in jail, you should have to visit the courthouse no more than
one time at most. Your attorney handles the tough parts.
- Can I handle my DUI myself? Yes. You can also build your own house, and repair
your own car. It’s just a matter of how much skill and knowledge you possess. While
walking in and pleading guilty may produce perfectly acceptable results, it may also cost
you dearly.
- If I want to fight it, will I have to go through a trial? Not always. Most of
the time, a full blown trial will cost you more than the fines and fees will cost. While
very few attorneys are willing to admit it to you, trial is very expensive and always a
gamble. On a first time DUI, negotiations between your attorney, the judge, and the
District Attorney often produce better results without the expense, worry, and
embarrassment of a public trial.
- How much difference with an attorney make in my case? (SEE
SOME OF OUR RESULTS)
Who’s The Right Attorney For Me?
Retaining an attorney can be a frustrating and time consuming chore. However,
choosing the right attorney can make a big difference in your case.
Hiring an attorney is just like choosing a doctor. You want a seasoned
professional that you can talk to and be comfortable with. Some questions to ask yourself:
- Does the attorney have the time to talk with you?
(If not, will he have the time to spend on your case?)
- Does the attorney listen to you? (Will he take your individual situation into
account and handle your case in your best interest?)
- Does the attorney intentionally scare you? (Does he or she tell you horror
stories or threaten jail if you don’t hire them immediately?)
- Are the attorney’s fees higher than the fines you’d have to pay
anyway?
At THE LAW OFFICES OF DAVID J. SALVIN, we handle a few very important areas of
law for real clients - not numbers. If you call to speak with an attorney, you speak only
with Mr. Salvin. Just as you expect personal service from your doctor, you expect personal
service from your attorney. We provide that personal attention to each of our clients. Mr.
Salvin will be happy to speak with you about your DUI matter, and give you all the facts
and answer all of your questions.
Please feel
free to contact us for a free consultation by:
E-mail
or phone at (949)305-6400