Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in most parts of the world and can have long-term consequences. It is regarded as a criminal act in Oakland and can lead to an arrest.
If you’re arrested for a DUI in Oakland, you’d be prosecuted within a few days. Once convicted, you risk facing serious penalties like paying heavy fines and fees, having your driver’s license revoked or suspended, community service, or even a jail term.
Whether you’re a first-time offender or not, facing the consequences of a DUI charge is very intimidating and quite scary. There’s no getting used to it, and if care isn’t taken, it can result in some very serious consequences.
You may wonder why DUI is a heavily prosecuted crime in California, but look at it this way; when you drive under the influence, the dangers aren’t limited to you alone. It extends to the lives of others around you.
Suppose you’re charged with a DUI; you’ll need experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys looking out for you in this difficult time. Of course, you can always go with the government-appointed attorney, but consider hiring a DUI defense attorney for your best interest.
There are many benefits to hiring your own lawyer. For instance, an experienced DUI defense lawyer will give you the behind-the-scenes knowledge of the court system and offer legal representation while formulating your criminal defense through their extensive knowledge of plea bargains.
However, you can’t just hire the first DUI attorney in Oakland you come across. You have to ensure you’d be hiring a criminal defense attorney who focuses on handling DUI cases and is extremely good at it.
Taking this precaution will increase your chances of avoiding serious penalties associated with DUI arrests. How can you find a good DUI attorney in Oakland? Read on to find out.
Consequences of a DUI Charge in Oakland
In California, DUI laws fall under vehicle codes 23152(a) and 23152(b). According to the first, it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol, and the second, illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content of 0.8% or more. If the DUI results from drug consumption, it is regulated by Vehicle code 23152(f).
A DUI charge in Oakland can have various consequences, which include:
- Financial strain as DUIs never come cheap
- Suspension or revocation of driver’s license
- Reduced driving privileges
- Installation of Ignition interlock devices in offenders’ vehicles
- Drug or alcohol treatment
- Criminal charges that can affect child custody cases, job opportunities, or other future charges
- Community service
- Serving jail term
Although, most first-time offenders get off easily since they’re prosecuted as misdemeanors in Oakland. However, the severity of the consequences of a DUI charge in Oakland generally depends on whether a casualty is involved and the amount of previous DUI charges. If your case ticks both boxes, you’re probably looking at a felony charge.
How to Select a Good DUI Attorney in Oakland
The legal system can be so unforgiving without a proper representation. However, getting the right DUI attorney in Oakland is not easy. Here are a few tips for selecting a good DUI attorney in Oakland.
Do Your Research
A simple Google search of “DUI attorneys in Oakland” will bring hundreds of attorneys. If you add the recommendations of your family and friends, too, you’ll probably have an overwhelming list. But then, you can’t just hire the first attorney you see or pick any randomly. Therefore, you have to take time to research the attorneys to know the service you’ll be getting.
Do in-depth research on each attorney. Look at how long they’ve been practicing, their experience handling DUI cases, track record, etcetera – any information you can find that will prove they’re the right choice for you.
While researching, consider looking at their reviews from former clients who have worked with them. Seeing all these reviews can help you narrow down your list. In the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what it would be like working with an attorney. It is very important that the attorney you eventually choose is one that you’re confident will best defend your case.
Schedule a Consultation With the Attorney
After having a picture of what working with a DUI attorney will feel like, schedule a consultation with such an attorney. A consultation will bring you face-to-face with a prospective attorney and will help you decide if you feel comfortable and confident in such an attorney.
At the consultation, be upfront with all the facts and bring all the documents related to your DUI case. Let the attorney decide which fact is relevant to the case and which isn’t. Hiding facts can harm your case even before trial. That way, the attorney can give you the best advice on the way forward.
You can also talk to the attorney about their experience, success rate, etcetera. Although no attorney can guarantee the outcome of a case, it’ll be great to have one that has a high success rate on your case.
Some key things that can also influence your choice of a DUI attorney in Oakland include:
- Your level of comfort with the attorney
- How well do you communicate with each other
- The confidence the attorney exuded
Think and Make Your Decision
You’ll most likely have known the attorney you’ll love to hire from the face-to-face consultation. However, it would be best if you didn’t make your decision in a rush. After the consultation, go back home and think things over before making your final decision.
Final Words
DUI is considered a criminal act in Oakland. Therefore, you need the best criminal attorneys in Oakland to handle your DUI case like all criminal charges. Criminal law attorneys in Oakland have the skills and knowledge to discredit your arrest through various defenses and hopefully get your DUI charge overturned or secure a lighter penalty.
So why face the traumatic experience alone? Visit https://www.louisgoodman.com/dui-attorney/oakland/ and let a professional DUI attorney in Oakland take up the case.
What Happens When You Get A DUI For The First Time In California?