California Criminal Lawyer Blog

You have probably seen countless headlines that read, "Famous Actor Checks into Rehab Following DUI Charge." With DUI cases, the accused driver will often be held until he or she sobers up. Then the jail will release them on a citation and their promise to appear in court. Or they may have to post bail before they can be released. The defendant will be allowed to leave if bail is posted and the judge approves of the release. The arraignment is the next time an alleged DUI offender will have to appear in court. If it is a felony, a preliminary hearing is later held to determine if there is reasonable cause to have a trial. In California, a DUI conviction does not always mean a jail sentence. But it is important that you have a knowledgeable DUI lawyer on your side who can get you the help you need. If addiction is your problem, jail is not the answer.

One reason, so many people immediately go into rehabilitation clinics for alcoholism following an arrest, is to show an acceptance of their alcohol and/or drug problem and a desire to make a change. When determining California penalties for a DUI conviction, judges have many factors to consider. Repeat offenders and drivers that cause accidents and injuries face stiffer penalties than first-time DUI offenders who are arrested without causing injury or harm to others.

Continue reading "Seeking Rehabilitation to Lessen DUI Charges" »

Californians charged with driving under the influence of alcohol face stiff penalties. Anyone convicted of a DUI faces jail time, driver's license suspension, fees, points on their license and mandatory enrollment in alcohol treatment programs. Each case is different and some face harsher consequences than others, which is why those accused of drunk driving should become more familiar with California DUI sentencing. Whatever the seriousness of the charges, it is important that defendants have an experienced Ventura County DUI lawyer on their side.

Many people are unaware that they do not have to spend time in jail after a DUI conviction. California has created alternative sentencing options for those convicted of a DUI. Depending on your case, you may be able to avoid jail time or license suspensions by accepting alternative sentencing options. If you have been charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, contact an experienced Ventura DUI lawyer right away to discuss what options you may have. You may even be able to continue to reside in your own home with electronic monitoring and then be able keep your job while serving your sentence.

The idea behind alternative sentencing is to punish a DUI offender while allowing him or her to keep their job. There are programs that allow a DUI offender to avoid jail time by spending that time doing something productive such as community service. Instead of going to jail, a person convicted of DUI may be able to participate in freeway cleanup, live in a sober living environment or attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

If you have been charged with a DUI, please contact the experienced California DUI attorneys at Takakjian, Sowers & Sitkoff LLP right away to discuss the charges against you. We have years of experience in having DUI cases dismissed, reducing charges, negotiating alternative sentences and having charges dropped against our clients. Call 866-430-8383 to find out how to get the help you need. Serving all of Southern California.