A guide to finding the best attorney to represent you in your DUI case.
In California, driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense. Not only will you face administrative action from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), but you will be charged with a crime. Depending on the facts of your case, the offense may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Either way, you may be sentenced to jail time, probation, community service, and mandatory alcohol education classes. In addition, you will be required to pay hefty fines and fees.
Given the severity of the potential consequences for a DUI conviction, you will probably need to hire a DUI defense attorney in Rancho Cucamonga, CA to advocate for you. While you can represent yourself, this is generally not a good idea. Unless you have specific knowledge about California’s DUI laws — and a law degree — you won’t have the experience, knowledge and skills that are necessary to favorably resolving your case. The laws on drunk driving in California are complicated and technical, and the science that underlies many of these cases is also complex. Having a skilled lawyer on your side can help to increase the likelihood that you will achieve the best possible outcome.
If your income and assets fall within certain guidelines, you may be eligible for a public defender. Public defenders (PDs) are excellent attorneys who know California DUI law and the process. However, PDs tend to have heavy caseloads and may not be able to provide you with the same level of individualized attention that a private lawyer could. In addition, many people simply do not qualify for a public defender.
You can also hire a private DUI defense attorney in Rancho Cucamonga, CA to represent you. When choosing a lawyer, you will want to look for someone who focuses on DUIs and has specific experience in the field. While many attorneys advertise as DUI lawyers, they may not have much knowledge about the process or how to best negotiate a deal or win a dismissal of the charges against you. Again: California DUI law is complex and technical. If an attorney does not spend a good chunk of their time handling DUI cases, they may lack the expertise to effectively represent you.
When looking for a DUI defense attorney in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, consider the following factors:
- Extensive experience in handling DUI cases
- Excellent communication skills
- Outstanding ability to negotiate
- Connections to experts who can support your case
- Local
- Keeps up with changes and developments in California DUI law
You’ll also want to make sure that you are comfortable with your lawyer, particularly when it comes to being able to fully explain what happened and asking questions about your case.
If you have been charged with a DUI in California, the Chambers Law Firm can help. As a former prosecutor, attorney Dan E. Chambers has extensive experience both prosecuting and defending DUI cases. Contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation.
