A few years ago, I was in a pretty serious car accident. During the aftermath, I became really familiar with a lot of different types of lawyers. I worked with personal injury lawyers, insurance lawyers, and many others. Perhaps the most important, though, was the estate planning lawyer. I was really young, and neither my wife or I had thought about starting a will. But the accident kind of scared us into it. What would happen if one of us were to die? Even when still in the hospital, I was working with the lawyer to draw up a will. Now, I have some peace and security about what the future will be like if something should happen to me. And I have a lot of experience working with various types of lawyers! The accident was kind of a blessing in disguise in that way.
A DUI case isn't something you should take lightly because the consequences can be devastating. It is more involving than most people think, especially those who haven't faced the charges before. Here are three things you may not know about a typical DUI case:
It Usually Involves Two Hearings
You are likely to face two separate hearings if you are arrested for a DUI. One of them is the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) hearing that concerns the suspension of your license. The DMV hearing usually takes place within ten days after the arrest. The DMV hearing is an administrative procedure that is not concerned with guilt; its aim is to determine whether your license should be suspended or not. It is an optional process (although your license suspension automatically stands if you opt out of the hearing), but you can have legal representation.
The second is the court hearing, which is not optional. Its main aim is to determine whether or not you are guilty of the DUI charges, and then sentence you appropriately if you are guilty. This means both the court and the DMV have the power to suspend your license.
It's More Costly than You Probably Think
A DUI case can be more costly than you think. According to one estimate, a first offense can cost you anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000. This includes different direct expenses, such as:
There are also indirect costs, such as increased insurance premiums and loss of income, for example, if you have to leave your business unattended and attend DUI classes.
You May Be Required to Attend and Pay for DUI Classes
The other thing you may not know is that you may be required to attend a DUI school, and foot its bill too. These schools are meant to rehabilitate DUI convicts and teach them the dangers of intoxicating substances and the consequences of DUI. The cost of the classes varies, but it can be as much as $650 in California
It's not just the court that may order you to attend a DUI school; even the DMV has the authority to do so as part of the prerequisites for lifting your license suspension. This means winning your court case doesn't guarantee you will keep your license.
As you can see, a DUI arrest can be a costly, time-wasting, and stressful affair. Approach it with the seriousness it deserves, which includes hiring a DUI attorney, such as Boehmer Law.
Share30 December 2015
