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Expert California DUI Lawyers
 Defending a case in court is just like going into battle; if you’ve been charged with a DUI, whom do you want in the foxhole with you? The consequences of a DUI conviction can be serious: jail, loss of driving privileges, a criminal record, and more. If you are accused of drunk driving, you need professional help.
You should interview as many lawyers as it takes for you to find one you feel comfortable with. Each attorney has his or her own individual style. Take the time to find one that matches yours. Hiring a lawyer should not feel like buying a used car. It is an important decision; someone is going to stand up in court and represent your legal interests. It is up to you to make sure that you hire someone that knows what he or she is doing, and conveys the poised, polished, and professional image that is necessary for success, whether at trial or by way of a negotiated resolution.
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Help in Specific California Counties:
Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura and San Diego
Darren Kavinoky (pictured right), DUI Lawyer
A professional corporation with offices throughout California
www.NoCuffs.com
National association of top DUI/DWI
Lawyers
www.1800DUILAWS.com
Free Initial Consultation
Any California DUI lawyer you interview should offer a free initial consultation. A face-to-face meeting is best, since it gives you a chance to judge what kind of first-impression a prospective attorney makes upon you. Remember, your case may someday be going to trial, where your fate will be decided by 12 jurors who have never met you or your lawyer before. Does your prospective lawyer leave you with a good first impression? If not, how can you expect him or her to leave one with the jury?
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| DUI Lawyer, Darren Kavinoky, offers professional defense service throughout Southern California (see DUI Lawyer). |
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Experience and Training
DUI defense is a specialized area, and success in the field requires focused experience and training. There are several professional organizations that many of the dedicated DUI defense lawyers belong to, including the National College for DUI Defense, the California Deuce Defenders, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, and several others. Make sure you are dealing with a lawyer that stays on top of the DUI field by belonging to one or more of these organizations.
There are seminars for lawyers to attend to enhance their knowledge in this field. Make sure you choose a lawyer that invests several hours per month engaging in Continuing Legal Education by attending seminars that focus on DUI defense. Ask to see the proof of attendance from all the seminars he or she has attended in the last two months.
Aggressiveness in Court and the DMV
It is critical to hire an attorney that knows how to win in court, and at the DMV. While every case is different, and no attorney can guarantee a particular outcome, a winning track record at trial and at the DMV Hearings is a good sign for possible success in your case. Ask to hear about cases that he or she has handled in the past that are similar to yours, and ask what the outcome was in those cases. Ask specifically how any successful outcomes were achieved. Remember, the criminal court case and the DMV case, while related, are fought separately, and a winning approach is required on each front. Don’t hesitate to ask a lawyer specifically what the game plan is for your case.
Pre-trial Motions
During your meeting with a California DUI defense lawyer, it is worthwhile to ask what pre-trial motions he or she thinks may be worth pursuing. While a definitive answer may not be possible at these early stages, your version of the events will trigger possible grounds to suppress evidence, to suppress statements, to exclude the Preliminary Alcohol Screening Test, to fight an illegal sobriety checkpoint, to obtain specific items of discovery, and more. Ask any potential attorney to explain these to you.
Expert Witnesses
The successful defense of many DUI cases will require the use of a forensic alcohol expert. Does a potential lawyer have such an expert that he or she uses regularly? What are the expert’s qualifications? What are the expert’s fees? How often is the expert used? Is the expert needed both in court and at the DMV Hearing? These are all questions that should be addressed in your initial face-to-face meeting with a prospective California DUI defense lawyer.
Reasonable Fees
Fees vary, depending upon whether your case is a first offense, second, or third or more offense within seven years; whether there was an accident involved; whether there was a breath or blood test taken or a refusal; whether there are any other sentencing enhancements, such as speeding above certain levels or children in the car at the time of the alleged drunk driving. There are many factors to consider.
Choosing a lawyer based solely on price is probably not the best way to go; think about choosing which doctor will perform an operation based only on price! Good lawyers aren’t cheap, and cheap lawyers tend not to be good. However, fees should be reasonable based on the particular facts in your case. Don’t be afraid to ask how a particular fee quote was reached.
Responsiveness
How quickly did your first phone call get returned? Is your lawyer willing to give you his or her cell phone number, so you can reach him during the evenings or on weekends if there is a question or emergency? Are you left with the feeling that this is someone who cares about you and your case? If there is any doubt, it should be addressed at the outset. It is not unreasonable to expect that your questions and concerns will be addressed promptly. This is part of the service that you are paying for.
Choosing the best lawyer for you is one of the most important decisions you will make in defending your case. I hope this information has helped. If we may be of service to you, please feel free to call, day or night.
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You have 10 days to have your attorney file an extension to avoid a suspended driver's license. If you haven't filed for an extension, call this number now for free assistance: (818) 346-4646
