4 Common San Diego DUI Defense Mistakes
You or a family member has recently been arrested and charged with driving under the influence in San Diego or Southern California. Although you may feel panicked and anxious, now is not the time to make rash decisions. Consider this list of common San Diego DUI defense mistakes before taking action.
1. Failing to request a San Diego DMV hearing within ten days of your arrest.
California law mandates that individuals arrested for DUI have their licenses suspended if their BAC levels are measured at 0.08% or above. If you don’t request a hearing, you could lose your license for months or longer. If you do request a hearing, on the other hand, you can at the least make a case to maintain your right to drive.
2. Accepting the maximum punishment the state doles out.
Often, people charged with San Diego DUI feel terrible and guilty about their actions. Obviously, driving drunk is generally irresponsible and dangerous. But even if you did break the law, you need not bow your head and accept the maximum penalties the state can throw at you. Indeed, with a strong legal defense, you may be able to avoid the stiffest penalties, such as jail sentences and steep fines, in exchange for probation and a commitment to safe driving.
3. Pleading guilty to avoid the hassle and expense of paying for an attorney.
If you plead guilty without putting up any kind of legal defense, you may save money in the short term on attorneys fees. But over the long term, the downstream effects of your cavalier response can create financial problems for months if not years to come. For instance, if you lose your driver's license, you may lose your job and thus stunt your career. And if you're convicted of charges that your San Diego DUI attorney might otherwise help you avoid -- such as a felony count, for instance -- your criminal record could haunt you for years, making it more difficult for you to find work, secure housing, apply for government jobs, and so forth.
4. Choosing an attorney who's merely “adequate” to represent you.
If ever there's a time to invest in quality, that time is now. Obviously, some public defenders deliver outstanding service. But when you go the public defender route, it's essentially a grab bag when it comes to who you'll get to take your case. Give the fact that your freedom itself may be on the line, it makes sense to opt for the best legal defense available to you. Fortunately, Attorney Stephen R. Brodsky may be able to help. Attorney Brodsky has practiced DUI law in Southern California since 1988. He’s dealt with literally hundreds of cases. He knows the laws on the books as well as the best practical approaches. Explore more about Attorney Brodsky’s firm at WWW.CRIMINALATTORNEYSANDIEGO.COM, and call 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE as soon as you're ready to discuss your case. (Initial consultations are free and confidential, and hablamos Español).
