What is the best defense against a DUI?
The top 10 legal defenses to driving while intoxicated (“DUI”) charges fall into three categories. These are that:
- You can fight DUI charges by arguing that you were merely driving erratically or poorly–but NOT driving under the influence. This defense is especially helpful with charges that you were “driving under the influence” under Vehicle Code 23152(a) VC.
- Your physical appearance plays a big role in your DUI investigation. The officer who arrested you will testify that you were “under the influence” because you had
Incidentally, these “objective signs and symptoms of intoxication” are all listed on a pre-printed DUI arrest form called Form 5.2.5. This form is used by the CHP, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), and other local law-enforcement agencies. Using Form 5.2.5, an officer can simply “check off” that you displayed these signs / symptoms, without further elaboration.
- We rebut this evidence by having the officer testify about all of the ways that you drove properly and safely. We elicit testimony from the arresting officer that:
- Experienced DUI defense attorneys know that “the smell of alcohol on your breath” does not necessarily mean you drank alcohol.
How much does a DUI lawyer cost in California?
Between fines, court costs, DUI school, DMV fees, increased car insurance premiums, and attorney fees (if you hire a private attorney), a DUI in California can run you from $8000.00 to $25,000.00 out of pocket. However, the net cost will likely be much lower if you successfully fight the charge and avoid a conviction.
In general, the costs for a first-time DUI breakdown are as follows:
Expense | Cost Range |
---|---|
Fines | $390 – $1000 |
Court Costs | $300 – $500 |
DMV Fees | $125 |
Increased Car Insurance Premiums | $4000 – $8000 per year for 3 years |
Attorney Fees | $3000 – $15000 |
Total | $8,615 – $24,565 |
This amount can increase if your DUI:
- Resulted in an accident
- Caused injury
- Involved a fatality
Note that the above costs are for a first-offense DUI. The costs will increase for a second DUI or subsequent DUI.
The above table lists attorney fees at a dollar amount between $3,000 and $15,000.
This amount varies so much because the complexity of your case directly impacts the total amount of your attorney fees. Simple cases will result in lower attorney fees when compared to more complicated ones.
Consider, for example, a simple first-time DUI where you were arrested for driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08%. You agree to plead guilty to the offense as part of a plea bargain.
Here, your legal fees would be on the low side of the dollar range because your case is relatively straightforward and your attorney could help resolve the case with relatively little work.
In contrast, consider the scenario where you deny the charges with great feeling and believe the police stopped you without probable cause.
Here, your attorney would have to put in much work to help you challenge the DUI charge, resulting in higher attorney fees.
Costs would increase even more if your DUI resulted in an accident, injury, or death.
Several factors can affect how much your insurance rates would increase following a DUI. Some of these factors include:
- Being a repeat offender
- Having a poor driving record
- Being under 21 years old
If you plead guilty to a first-time DUI and have an otherwise clean record, your rates would likely increase in the area of between $3,000 to $4,000. But your rates would increase even more if:
- You caused an accident
- You injured someone
- You have multiple DUI convictions
You usually have to complete some type of DUI school if convicted of drunk driving in California.
Note that the school can range in terms of its length (for example, from a 12-hour program to a 30-month program). The length of a program will increase depending on the severity of your case.
You will incur more expenses for DUI school as the length of your program increases.
Note that California does provide financial assistance for those who cannot afford DUI school.
Is it worth getting a DUI lawyer in California?
A DUI lawyer can help you avoid jail time. One reason why getting a DUI lawyer is worth is because they may be able to help you avoid jail time. In some cases, a good lawyer can get the charges against you reduced or even dismissed. If this happens, you will likely not have to serve any jail time.
How much is a DUI lawyer in Florida?
A DUI charge, or Driving Under the Influence, is a very serious and life-altering event in any state. DUI penalties in Florida are severe and are often zealously pursued by prosecutors; if a person is charged with multiple DUIs, expect the consequences to increase. It is imperative to remember your rights after a DUI charge and, with the help of a dedicated and aggressive DUI attorney, determine the right course of action depending on your unique case and the circumstances of your arrest.
The overall costs of a DUI in Florida can add up. They encompass everything from court fees to insurance rate hikes, fines, and attorney fees. Expect to pay for most or all of the following costs:
- Court fees
- Towing costs
- Fines
- Probation fees
The above costs do not take into account the potential loss of income incurred while someone is serving a jail sentence or completing a mandatory treatment program.
In every state, including Florida, DUI penalties are taken seriously by the courts and are pursued relentlessly by the prosecution. In Brevard County, the alleged perpetrator’s eventual penalties will depend on their level of intoxication at the time of the arrest, any other crimes on their record, and what, if any, injuries or damages were a result of their driving. Intoxication tests done at the police station post-arrest can use urine, blood, and breath to determine the exact level of inebriation.
Once the test for alcohol intoxication is completed, know that anything over a .08% blood alcohol content (BAC) is considered a DUI; if you are a commercial driver, this amount is much lower at just .04% BAC. Furthermore, commercial drivers under the age of 21 cannot have any percentage of BAC as this is a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking.
Every person has physical differences that cause them to metabolize alcohol or other illicit substances at a different rate, and not every person will outwardly manifest intoxication in the same way. For example, a person who is arrested for DUI may still have drugs detectable in their bloodstream while not feeling as though they are intoxicated if several hours have passed since they consumed the drug. This also varies depending on how frequently the person uses this drug or other drugs.
There is no exact way to determine the effect your intoxication test will have on your DUI case. A DUI defense attorney can approach and analyze the events leading up to and after your arrest and offer sound legal advice regarding your impending case and possible defenses that will lessen or even eradicate your charge based on the test’s timing, method of administration, lab analysis, or other circumstances. Because DUI penalties are so costly and severe, a criminal defense attorney with a personalized, passionate, and highly skilled approach can offer legal counsel to help you understand your rights and ensure the greatest possible outcome for your future.
DUI costs vary from case to case on a multitude of factors. The average cost includes court fees, towing costs, fines, probati.
What is the best case for a DUI?
THE BEST DUI DEFENSES
1
Suspect Not Given Opportunity to Contact an Attorney during the DUI Investigation. …
2
Breath Alcohol Testing Can Be Inaccurate. …
3
Illegal Stop of Person or Vehicle. …
4
Field Sobriety Test is Inaccurate or Invalid. …
5
No Evidence of Suspect Driving Vehicle or Being in Actual Physical Control.
How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Florida?
Lots of people ask us what the true cost or average cost of a DUI in Orlando, Florida. Knowing these costs isn’t just essential for those who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law—it’s crucial for all of us. In the following article, we’ll dissect every potential DUI Costs in Central Florida. This isn’t a light topic, but it’s one we should all be informed about.
The State of Florida punishes DUI harshly; as such, there are a number of penalties a court will enforce if you are convicted of DUI. In addition, repeat DUI offenses and aggravating factors (such as the presence of minors, or damage to property) may lead to a more severe sentence. Contact our Orlando criminal defense attorney near you to help get your life back on track.
In addition to the criminal penalties for DUI, you may be subject to administrative driver license penalties by DMV as well as financial and personal collateral consequences, including loss of a job, immigration issues or professional licensure discipline. Here are some ranges of costs that you might expect to pay after being arrested for a DUI in Central Florida.
1st Time Offender | 2nd Time Offender |
---|---|
$264 | $395 |
1st Suspension- by DHSMV
2nd Suspension- by judge, if Convicted
$223 | $223 |
DMV hardship license
co-owned by the defendant
+ $67.50 (monthly)
1st Time Offender- 6 months = $575
2nd Time Offender- 2 years = $1,790
10 days for each vehicle
Insurance Hikes
FR-44 Form required for 3 years
Expect premiums to increase by 200-400%.
$300,000 total per accident, and
$50,000 property damage
The first financial hit you’ll take is likely the towing of your vehicle. And let’s be clear: this is no small expense. You’re looking at anywhere from $100 to $300 just to get your car off the road. And don’t forget, that’s just the initial fee—every extra day your car sits in the lot will cost you more. This is just the beginning of a long and costly journey that goes far beyond a simple fine.
After the initial shock of being arrested, you’ll soon face the practical matter of securing your release. That’s where bail bonds come into play. A bail bond is essentially a guarantee to the court that you’ll show up for your future hearings. It’s a financial arrangement that temporarily gets you out of jail—but it comes with a price tag.
For a first-time DUI offense, you’re generally looking at bail amounts ranging from $100 to $3,000. It’s a wide range, largely influenced by your criminal history and the circumstances of your arrest and whether you pay your bail in full (which will be refunded to you later) Or if you just pay 10% to the bondsman (which is not refunded, that is just their bail bond fees.) Thus for a first time DUI, the average bail is $100-$200 if they pay the bondsman or $500-$1,000 bond for a first DUI offense if they pay the bond directly to the court. Although this is a one-time payment, it’s a significant one, and it’s essential to account for it in your overall DUI budget.