DUI arrests happen every day. Downey is filled with many law enforcement officers and there are several ways you could find yourself in jail after drinking too much at a bar or a friend’s house. It can be a scary proposition to get arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Many people don't know the basic steps to take after getting arrested for a DUI in Downey California and end up making mistakes that could lead to a DUI conviction, jail time and loss of their driver’s license.
When charged with a DUI in Downey, California, it's essential to know your rights. The Law Offices of Damian Siwek is the most skilled and knowledgeable DUI firm handling Downey cases in the Greater Los Angeles area. Click on the following video where Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, Damian Siwek, discusses the importance of hiring an experienced DUI lawyer for DUI charges in the Downey Courthouse.
Additional Information:
Downey has a 0.08% BAC limit for drivers over the age of 21; if you're caught driving with this blood alcohol content, then you can face charges under California law. Even if your BAC is lower than 0.08% there is still a strong possibility you can be charged for a DUI under California Vehicle Code §23152(a). Downey also has a zero-tolerance policy in place for drivers under the age of 21, so if you're underage and have any measurable amount of alcohol in your system, then expect to face charges that could include community service or even jail time. Downey is tough on drunk drivers and will not look kindly upon those who are caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. That being said, there may be some mitigating circumstances that could work in your favor if they're expertly handled and negotiated. The three examples of cases mentioned above illustrate why it is important to have an experienced DUI attorney by your side to get you the most favorable outcome and minimizing the impact of a DUI on your life and career.
Should you hire a private Criminal Defense attorney or use a court appointed public defender?
If possible, its best to hire an experienced private Criminal Defense attorney instead of using the public defender that is appointed by the court. There is no question that a private DUI attorney can seem expensive in comparison to the free public defender, however the public defender had hundreds of cases to handle and a few minutes to dedicate to each case. While you may save some money in the short term, the long-term implications of not having an attorney dedicate valuable time to your case to get the best results possible, can have a significant negative impact on your life and career in the long term, including impacting your finances and your ability to get hired for jobs in the future. Therefore, hiring an experienced DUI attorney to spend time on your case and get you the best results is the lesser expense in the long-term: a DUI can be an unpleasant isolated moment in your life that you move on from with minor stress, or it can become a gnarly conviction that follows you and your career around for many years.
It is important to remember that everyone deserves the opportunity to have their DUI charges dismissed, including those who are under 21 years old. If you have any questions about DUI law or would like a free consultation with an experienced DUI attorney in Downey California, contact the Law Offices of Damian Siwek today.