If you have been charged with a DUI it can be a pretty confusing time.  Most of those charged with DUI have the same questions and concerns.  Here are the most frequently asked questions when you have a DUI.  Having the right information can help you deal with the situation in the best way possible.  Let’s look at the FAQs and try and get some answers.

Will I have to go to court?

Most likely yes, you will have to make at least one court appearance. Some court appearances your lawyer can handle everything for you but if there has been an accident and there is a question of bail then yes you will have to appear.

Will I go to jail?

All DUI charges come with the possibility of a custodial sentence, even for a first-time offender.  It will also depend on the facts surrounding how you were charged and whether this is your first offense or not. Your attorney cannot guarantee that you won’t be sentenced to jail time.  That being said they are there to advocate on your behalf and try and make sure that your sentence is as light as possible.

Am I going to lose my license?

Yes, you will.  At the time of your arrest your license will be suspended until at least you have a court hearing. From there the judge will decide if you can retain your license until the case is settled or not.  If convicted, then you will also lose your license for a period of time and may only be permitted to drive with a locking device in your vehicle.

What are the penalties if I am convicted?

The penalties can be varying and it will depend on the circumstances.  For a first time offender the penalty may be as simple as probation.  If you have previous convictions or if anyone was hurt by your drunk driving then the penalties will be far harsher.  You can face thousands of dollars in fines or serve time in prison  Here is a breakdown of what you can expect in California.

How much does a DUI attorney cost?

The fee for an attorney will depend on the firm you are dealing with, the jurisdiction that you are in, how much time they have to spend on your case and their record for successfully solving DUI cases.  Regardless of their cost a good DUI attorney can mean the difference in whether you go to jail or not.  They are on your side and will do everything in their power to see that you get the best outcome possible.  A good DUI attorney is worth every penny.

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