Should I get a Van Nuys DUI attorney?

Should I get a Van Nuys DUI attorney?

Question: I was pulled over in Van Nuys after driving through a yellow light that changed to red after I went around< the corner. I pulled over immediately when the cop car lights went on and cooperated with the police officer after he pulled me over.

After answering some questions the officer had me do some balancing tests. I was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol with a blood alcohol content of .10. I did drink earlier that night as I told the cop and told him I had just finished a beer before getting my car.

I felt completely fine though and did not think that I was impaired to drive. I think that the breath test was high since I did not eat earlier and just finished the drink.

I am a good driver. I have only had two speeding tickets my whole life and they were both in Chatsworth several years ago.

I know that if I am convicted of a DUI my license will be suspended, but I can’t figure out how long it would be for. I work close to 50 miles away from where I live and a driver license suspension would be really tough for my job and other things. Plus I don’t want to go back to jail. That was a horrible experience.

The arresting officer told me to call the Sacramento Office about dealing with the driver license suspension, but I have no idea why or what he was talking about.

I know that I broke the law and that I need to be accountable for what I did. I’m just do not know what I should due and what the next step is. I need my driver’s license to get to and from work. I assume I should get a Van Nuys DUI Attorney? Is it best to have a DUI Attorney in Van Nuys who has an office near the court?

Van Nuys Court date for DUI charges?

Answer: First and foremost, yes, I you should speak to and hire a DUI attorney .   It is a good idea to hire a DUI attorney who is familiar with the court. Truthfully, the attorney doesn’t have to have an office next to Van Nuys Court to be familiar with the Judges and prosecutors at there. For example, I handle DUI, Criminal and traffic matters regularly all across Los Angeles and surrounding counties. Even though my main office is closest to Van Nuys court and I am very familiar with the Judges and Prosecutors there, I am very skilled in competent in defending DUI’s in other courts, and familiar with Judges and prosecutors in courts across southern California.

That being said, if your court case was in Santa Barbara, or San Diego, I would likely recommend you to an attorney who was more familiar with those courts.

It is important to have an attorney who is familiar with defending the kind of case that you have. For example, I know the ins and outs of DUI defense, DMV hearings, etc. If I were hiring an attorney for a DUI, I would want an attorney that knew how to defend DUI’s , was familiar with the Court, and who I felt comfortable working with. Very rarely do DUI cases get resolved right away.  It is important to have a DUI attorney who knows how to defend your case to mitigate potential consequences, potentially avoid a DUI conviction, as well as a driver’s license suspension.

There are many variables in DUI cases, and many defenses. There could potentially be a good suppression motion based on lack of probable cause to pull you over initially, as well as defenses to your actual blood alcohol level at the time of driving. In short, a rising alcohol defense. That is just the tip of the iceberg.

In regards to the DMV hearing, what the officer apparently informed you is not entirely correct, although there is only a 10 day window to request an Admin Per Se hearing through the DMV to request and fight a driver license suspension.

It sounds like you have a good case to defend. I regularly and successfully handle DUI defense in Van Nuys Court and would be happy to speak to give you a free consultation about your case.

Thanks,

Phil Hache
DUI Attorney in Van Nuys