Fashion, Fame and Fines

Los Angeles is the City of Angels- home to sunny weather, sports championships, never-ending traffic and most notoriously, Hollywood. For many, the Walk of Fame is a hopeful reminder of the fame, fortune and promises of a better life. However, with fame comes attention, and with attention comes compromise. More and more often, celebrities are caught after a night out and pay one of the ultimate prices: a DUI.

Most recently the news has been targeting Lindsay Lohan for her multiple DUI convictions and probation offenses.  With previous blogs stating a first offense penalties, be aware of multiple offenses to not make the same mistake.
A second offense entails:

• Jail: 90 Days to 1 Year
• Fine - From $390 to $1000
• License Suspension: 2 Years
• May Apply for Restricted Driver License (IID Required)
• Must Complete a Driving Under the Influence Program
• California SR22 Certificate Required for Restricted License

The third and fourth offenses increase to much greater penalties that no one should find out first hand. Protecting yourself with an attorney who is experienced in DUIs is in your best interest. Talk to them and weigh out your options, because the costs of a mistake gets higher each time. A good attorney will be experienced in both  federal and state tactics and will be aggressive in handling your case.


So let's take a cue from our fallen comrades, and in the search of fame- be careful of the choices you make. A mug shot is not the first image the public needs to see.

'Tis the Season: Be Aware and Protected

Winter holidays are quickly approaching; family outings, holiday parties, and Eggnog are in our near future. As joy and warmth spread upon the greater Los Angeles area, so does an increased risk of danger and consequences. The fact is, more drunk driving arrests and accidents occur between Thanksgiving and New Year's than the other designated "drinking" holidays (i.e. St. Patrick's Day; Cinco de Mayo; 4th of July.) 

As it is, 10% of drivers on the road are reported to have consumed some sort of alcohol daily. In Los Angeles alone, that's nine-thousand people at risk! Statistically speaking, Thanksgiving is the largest holiday for DUI arrests. Not meant to be a scare-tactic, but here are the facts:

-1397 DUI arrests were reported for the 2009 holiday season
-251 of those DUI arrests were reported in Los Angeles
-2 in Los Angeles were fatal

As Los Angeles is not known for it's public transportation, there are still many options available. The Metro runs 24 hours a day, with connections to the Culver City and Santa Monica bus systems, that run until at least Midnight. And if a designated driver is not an option, a taxi driver is your best friend. As it may be sixty dollars from Burbank to West LA, it's petty cash in comparison to the thousand dollar fine you could receive if arrested for a DUI.

But, mistakes do happen, and in the event of one, you should be prepared and aware of your rights.  Often times, mistakes are made: there is a DUI machine error; protocol error; or in the incident of samples (blood or urine) contamination error is possible. However it may be possible, accusing policemen of error without an attorney to validate such allegations is not in your best interests. Leave it to the professionals.

With 2/3 of all DUI cases being first time offenses, it is wise to hire an attorney that can be aggressive in helping you. California is unforgiving for first time offenses, and six months without a license is not an affordable luxury. A proper criminal law attorney will investigate your arrest, your options, and the least punishing of consequences.

As tempting as another one of Uncle Fred's Thanksgiving Special Drink may be, Grandma would much appreciate your presence for her Christmas Eggnog. So if you're going to drink, please be responsible. If you're going to drive, please be aware. If you're in trouble, please be wise and choose an experienced professional to help you.

Criminal Defense Attorney in Los Angeles

Welcome to sunny Los Angeles! A place where's constant excitement and there's never a dull moment-never. But for all of its palm trees and shady treeline streets, Los Angeles is not free from problems, including serious ones. Yes, like many other places throughout the USA, sunny and warm Los Angeles is beset by criminal acts and DUI, or Driving Under the Influence.

Sometimes the person is a victim, sometimes the defendant. But whatever the case, sooner or later they are going to need someone to legally represent them in court. That's where getting a good criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles comes in.

THE SERVICES
Criminal defense lawyers serve as the guardians of the right. They properly represent persons whom personally or loved ones have been a victim of a criminal act. They also represent the defendant-whether they are actually guilty of a crime or not; after all, everyone's entitled to a lawyer, that's the law.

You may have been a victim of a robbery or rape, or you may have been an eyewitness to such an act. In that case, you may be called upon to be a witness or corroborating witness to such an act. And a criminal defense lawyer can help toward this end.

Perhaps you may have been a victim of a DUI, or may have been accused of such. You may feel that such a charge is groundless or even unjust. In that case. you have a right to have a criminal defense lawyer to represent you in court.

THE COST
How much does it cost to hire a criminal defense lawyer? That can depend in part upon the individual circumstances of the the victim or defendant. Obviously, if the person has the financial means to defend themselves legally, this is not going to pose a problem. But for those who cannot, there are lawyers who offer their services for free to the economically disadvantaged; you only pay them if they help you win your case.

DUI is not a pretty sight. A police officer's demanding that you step out of your vehicle perhaps in front of friends and loved ones can be an embarrassing situation indeed. That's why you have rights. You have the right to an attorney who will represent you and defend your good name and reputation.

On the other hand, if the individual is an actual defendant, they still have rights as well-they have the right to a fair and just trial; perhaps there may have been factors that may have been overlooked, there may even be mitigating circumstances that may absolve or free the defendant from being criminally prosecuted.

Life is full of uncertainties-and injustices. No matter where a person may live, things are going to go wrong sooner or later. Perhaps-hopefully not-you may find your self in a court of law where you may need an attorney to represent you. When you're in trouble, an attorney can be your best friend.

And even in sunny, warm and relatively peaceful California, sometimes there are some that need legal assistance as well.

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles

Despite the fact that DUI are charged as a misdemeanor in their first crime, their cases are prosecuted with the same aggressive force as serious crimes in Los Angeles. Driving under the influence occurs when a person is operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, to the extent that their mental abilities are impaired and or blood alcohol level is above the limit.

A DUI first offense normally result in a substantial fines, license suspension, community service and a compulsory class to a program approved by the state DMV. When someone is arrested for a DUI in Los Angeles, they are to spend the night in jail, and sometimes are required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. Offender in general, will remain a convict for several years, resulting in bad credit and higher insurance premiums.

If you have been convicted, is very important to contact an experienced lawyer immediately. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help identify important issues before trial and dramatically improve your chances during the case.

5 steps to find a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles

1. Have a knowledge of the crime you have been charged with. Recommendations for criminal lawyers from your colleagues and friends is a good one. Word of mouth is a great way to find a lawyer that is right for you. Recommendation by someone you trust will give more confidence hiring a criminal defense legal representation.
2. Do research online to expand your list. The internet is a good place to find good criminal lawyers. Simply type in the field of law and consultation to determine your location. For example, "the drug trafficking attorney in San Diego", or more precisely, "Riverside criminal attorney"
3. Research from the list of lawyers that have been put together. Find out how long they have been practicing criminal law (rule of thumb is at least 10 years), the number of criminal litigation law court who have won / lost. In the State Bar of California website, you can find a lawyer for the education of undergraduate and law school and how long they have been admitted to the bar.
4. Ask about fees for the Legal representation. According to counsel, the fees can vary widely from $100 per hour to over $750/hour. Get the timing of their costs in advance to know exactly what you are going to pay.
5. Take time to meet with the lawyer in person. Be sure to see if there is an initial consultation fee before the meeting. Ask as many questions relating to criminal cases as possible. Get a general sense of how comfortable you feel and if he / she is competent enough to represent you in court. Does the defense counsel ask appropriate questions? Does he or she handle the case or let the junior partners do the job? Ask to see their history in writing and then go to court and check it before you hire a criminal defense lawyer.

The Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney 2010

The Attorney
Representing within the Los Angeles courthouse has seventy-plus years of experience within local courthouses. Criminal defense lawyers deal with issues involving client Fourth Amendment and Fifth Amendment rights. The public defender, or lawyer will access your case immediately. Criminal Defenders ensure the process of designing a solution to all case relevant problems.

Within the United States of America criminal defendants are entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

Credentials
All public defender lawyers are well seasoned, and active within the court system and courthouses. Hiring an lawyer, within a criminal case is a more positive alternative choice, to maintain your freedom and receive the best support system, throughout your situation. Lawyers will make every attempt to lower charges against you,or they may have certain court cases dismissed entirely. Lawyers dedicate their time to provide the most concern, for the successful outcome of the criminal case.

Court Procedures
Many clients have been incarcerated for DUI offenses. Criminal defense lawyers within the United States, who are employed by governmental entities, such as counties states, and the federal governments, are also a public defender. The public defender will work with clients, in reference to scheduling hearings for DUI license cases. The L.A. firms will continue to assist their clients throughout their arraignments, and pre-trial occurrences. The defenders encourage DUI criminal offenders to save their licenses within ten days after the arrest date. Contact a skilled dedicated public defender today.

Consultations
Law firms offer free consultations, and long affordable payment plans including fees for their clients. The criminal defense lawyer, will discuss your case within a private professional setting, and answer any question you may have. A criminal defense lawyer will offer professionalism, and excellent legal service for criminal cases.

Descriptions
Criminal Defense lawyers within the United States are employed by governmental entities. such as counties, states and the federal government. These lawyers are also called public defenders. Public defenders are recent graduates from law school seeking to gain courtroom experience. Older Los Angeles extremely experienced lawyers, have dedicated their public defending expertise to a lifetime vocation. Private defense lawyers may all also be retained by the clients, on a case by case basis.

Lawyer and Clients procedures after incarceration
What happens after a person is arrested? Police officer writes a statement and reports in relevance to the crime. Background checks, witness statements are obtained, before submitting a report to the investigative detective. The detectives within the assault unit follow-ups, by contacting an eye witness, and alleged victim, to confirm wither statements obtained by the responding officers are accurate, and thorough. Next, the Criminal Defense Lawyer, completes a domestic Impact in a Pre-filing Intervention. The police know little about the person arrested.

Police then submit their statement to the District Attorney’s office. Statement is reviewed and evaluated. Prosecutor then determines, whether the charges rate a misdemeanor or felony charge. When charges are filed, then a court arraignment date is set. A defendant has the right to attend the arraignment date within 2 days. Defendant may stay within custody, or bail out of jail, while the case is reviewed for criminal filing. Meet the Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney.

The Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney 2010 for DUI's

DUI Regulations
Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal. The common charge for this crime is known as driving under the influence of alcohol. The fines for a DUI are approximately five hundred to two thousand dollars. DUI charges are the most common misdemeanors, within the United States of America. These charges can be serious legally and financially, and rate jail time.

Laws representing these violations differ from state to state. In California, a person is considered guilty, when alcohol content is found within the blood concentration limits of .08% or higher.

If you have been consuming alcohol, and get behind the wheel of a vehicle, then you should be asked to participate in a sobriety testing. You are considered under the suspicion of breaking a law. The officer may ask you to perform a breathalyzer test. These tests calculate the amount of blood alcohol concentration, within your body. The breathalyzer test also calculates, whether your Blood Alcohol Quantity is higher than the normal legal standards of the state. If so you will be arrested, booked, and placed within custody in jail.

Attorney representation for Driving Under the Influence Cases
A lot of DUI cases, can be fought and won. There are a variety of attorneys that are able to, use the aggressive legal representation, that clients need. Arrests are experiences that can lead to extreme financial penalties, driver’s license suspensions and revocations, and even jail or prison time. Most drunk driver’s cases can be defended appropriately, resulting with satisfied clients. Attorneys within Los Angeles, will vigorously and tirelessly, represent their clients to see that clients are treated fairly, and within the courthouse and DMV. The Criminal Defense lawyer will begin your case by research, investigation, and police reports in reference to the case. Attorneys do not rely on police documentations to defend client cases. The Criminal defense lawyer, are able to uncover flaws, and legal concerns that benefit, a successful result. Independent reviews of the facts and the circumstances of the arrest, places the attorney within a more relevant situation, to argue the cases to prosecutor, and later to a judge and jury trial if held as the DMV.

Attorneys
The attorneys within Los Angeles use experience, and have the acquired deep understanding, and knowledge of the law. The majority Los Angeles Criminal Defense lawyers practice specifically for, under the influence driving cases, and proven representation defense. The Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer is capable of staying informed and knowledgeable, about the newest laws and court decisions, on regards to driving under the influence cases. Intensive information that concerns laws, penalties, police evidence, license suspension, is available at attorney offices, for criminal defense. Administratives held by the department of Motor vehicles, provide a professional resolution afforded to all drivers. Notification of proposed actions should be responded to immediately. Not all hearings are alike. If you have any questions, in regards to your hearing, contact any of the DS offices, listed within your publications, or the attorney.

Do you need a DUI Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney?

As you well know it takes time to go through the process of clearing a DUI record in Los Angeles. Some helpful tips on how to find the right Criminal Defense Lawyer will make the difference in getting an attorney that will help you clear your driving record.

How can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help me?
To make sure that your rights are protected through the legal process it is important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer. In Los Angeles most criminal law cases can lead to a prison sentence. If you have been accused of a crime a defense attorney can defend your DUI case in court.

What should I know about DUI laws and penalties?
Drunk driving laws can vary from state to state. In California those driving under the influence can face heavy fines and penalties. The State of California charges drivers if their blood alcohol content is .08% or higher. The police officer that gives the sobriety tests will determine if your driving is unsafe. Those arrested will face a criminal court case as well as a DMV hearing.

How do I get my suspended license back?
A qualified Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer can help you with the necessary paperwork for getting your suspended license back. If you are arrested for drunk driving in California you will be required to go to First Offenders School. The consequences of driving under the influence can lead to jail time. Get help from a qualified professional who can work to get you a reduced sentence.

What to expect from First offenders program
You will be required to attend and complete a level one program. You can expect a fine, probation, freeway cleanup, license restriction, in addition to attending a first offender school for 3 months. You may qualify for a restricted license. Alcohol education will be required after receiving a court order. Hiring a legal representative will help you through the process of the arrest to license reinstatement. Although enrolled in a first time offender program it is still necessary to attend a DMV hearing.

Why it is important to get legal representation
Driving while impaired or intoxicated is a criminal offense. To avoid penalties as well as jail time it is important to use a experienced law professional who can help you regain your driving privileges. As you are probably aware having all the documents, evidence, witness details from the prosecution will help in your defense. The goal is to minimize or avoid court penalties.

Convicted drivers can expect an increase in insurance premiums or canceled coverage. Negotiating lower rates with your insurance provider may be difficult so hire help to find out about your options. The services of a skilled criminal defense team can help you navigate the court and DMV system. Operating a motor vehicle while impaired can lead to conviction so its best not to try and represent yourself in a trial case. To keep your drivers license and avoid jail, legal counsel can help you understand the consequences you will face.