Posts Tagged ‘DUI Conviction’

What Kind of DUI Lawyer Would I Need for a DUI Conviction?

Posted on Jul 15, 2010

California is known for being one of the worst states to be convicted of a DUI, or driving under the influence. If arrested, one needs a good attorney to represent him; otherwise he faces long jail time with fines and restricted driving conditions. A conviction can lead to long-lasting consequences affecting one’s pocket book, court costs, jail, probation, and license suspension. Also, California has one of the highest conviction rates, 70%, for DUI offenders. This is why a lawyer is a must if arrested for DUI in California.

Never should someone fool himself into thinking that he could represent himself under this offense. A good lawyer could mean the difference between long jail time, heavy fines, and severe restrictions to lesser penalties and more benefits.

It can be overwhelming to try to find the right lawyer under such conditions, but it is not impossible. First of all, one can try the good ole local yellow pages. Also, using lawyer referral services can be a big help. Now, with today’s internet, an offender can find more information about a good lawyer to represent him for his trial, giving him the much needed information and help to fight for his rights.

One thing that should not be overlooked is making sure that a lawyer is qualified to practice law in the state of California. This is the American Bar Association’s greatest recommendation. If in doubt, contact the State Bar of California at (213) 765-1000.

Asking a lawyer many questions can insure finding the best one for one’s such needs. One shouldn’t be shy or afraid to ask about anything he must or wants to know. One such question is “Are you experienced in DUI law in the state of California?” “Will you defend me?” “Is DUI your specialty as a lawyer?” “May I see proof of your qualifications as a DUI attorney?” “Have you handled many DUI cases, and what is your success rate with these cases?” “How much will it cost me to have you represent me?” “How much can I expect in court costs and overall expense?”

Comparing attorneys is an important step under these conditions. Talk one-on-one with a lawyer gives one a good idea of how that attorney would be.

When one has his questions answered and feels confident about his legal representation, then he has probably picked out the right attorney to represent him.

‘Real World’ MTV Participant Arrested for DUI in California

Posted on Jun 14, 2010

David “Puck” Rainey who acted in MTV’s “The Real World: San Francisco” was admitted to a Southern California hospital after a very bad accident which left him and his 8-year old son Bogart gravely injured.

DUI Arrest While Hospitalized

To make matters worse for the former star, California law enforcement arrested Puck for DUI. Authorities charged him while he was lying in his hospital bed in the California town of San Diego being treated for broken bones in both feet, his right hand, his neck, a fractured sternum and clavicle. He may be facing charges of child endangerment and driving without a license also.

Evidence Of Drunk Driving

The California authorities say that there is reason to believe that he was driving while intoxicated with alcohol when he was traveling along California Route number 79 on a weekend father and son fishing excursion, when he tried to miss a deer in the road and lost control of the vehicle he was driving.

Son Helps His Father

His vehicle rolled down an embankment and flipped over then came to rest in a river bed. His son Bogart received a bruised liver and other internal organs injuries, however he somehow got out of the damaged car, made it back up to the road to get help for his injured father.

Claim To Fame

41 year old ‘Puck’, became famous after appearing on MTV’s ‘Real World: San Francisco’ were he played the role of a rebellious bicycle messenger. The concept of the show was the putting together of strangers in a residence for a few months to follow their lives and relationships it was suppose to be unscripted and unrehearsed. It was one of the first shows in the “reality” genre.

Stand Out on Reality Hit Show

Puck was a notable stand out of the show because of his frequent confrontations with the character that was an AIDS sufferer. In one episode he was expelled from the house for this reason. Mr. Rainey was also known for his close relationship with his mother, grandparents and sister on the show.

Latest Roles

He also appeared in other MTV semi-reality shows Road Rule: All Stars and Battle of the Sexes. On the latter show he married the mother of his son Bogart. He also provided the voice for the animated character Spanky Ham on the show Drawn Together which is a parody of reality show like Real World.

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Drunk Driving Laws and Liability Issues in California

Posted on Apr 27, 2010

It is a crime in California to drive with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher. It is also illegal to driver under the influence of drugs – be it recreational or prescription. California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) states: “It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle.”

1st Drunk Driving Conviction

On your first DUI conviction in California you will receive jail time of no less than 96 hours and no more than 6 months. The fine will be between $390 – $1,000. Your driver’s license will be suspended for six months, however, the court may grant a temporary restricted license. Your driver’s license will not be reinstated until proof of financial responsibility and proof that you have completed a “driving under the influence” program approved by the state. Depending on the circumstances of the case, a first time drunk driving offense may require you to install an Ignition Interlock Device at your own expense.

2nd Drunk Driving Conviction

A second drinking and driving conviction in California will get you jailed 90 days and to 1 year. The fine will be $390 to $1,000 and your driver’s license will be suspended for 1 year. Your driver’s license will not be reinstated until proof of financial responsibility and proof that you have completed a “driving under the influence” program approved by the state. Depending on the terms of the license suspension, you may be required to install Ignition Interlock Device at your own expense.

3rd Drunk Driving Conviction

Your third DUI conviction in California will mean jail time of 120 days to 1 year. The fine will be $390 – $1,000. You will be considered a “habitual traffic offender” for 3 years following your conviction and have your license suspended for 2 years. Your driver’s license will not be reinstated until proof of financial responsibility and proof that you have completed a “driving under the influence” program approved by the state. You may apply for a restricted driver’s license under certain circumstances by the court; however an Ignition Interlock Device may be required.

4th Drunk Driving Conviction

On your fourth DUI conviction in California you will receive jail time in a state prison for 180 days to 1 year. The fine will be $390 to $1,000. You will be considered by the state a “habitual traffic offender” for 3 years following your conviction and have your driving license revoked for 3 years. Your license will not be reinstated until proof of financial responsibility and proof that you have completed a “driving under the influence” program approved by the state. You may apply for a restricted driver’s license under certain circumstances by the court.

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