Canoga Park DUI Lawyer

Facing criminal charges is a stressful and overwhelming reality for many individuals. Those who do not have any experience may find it difficult to navigate the legal system when facing criminal charges, such as a DUI. Attempting to fight these charges on your own can easily feel like a waste of resources and time without proper help. The penalties attached to a DUI charge are severe and can have an impact on every area of your life, so having experienced help is essential. Working with a skilled Canoga Park DUI lawyer, like the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein, can help ensure you get the most optimal outcome.

Traffic Laws in California

As a driver, you are always responsible for ensuring that you drive as safely as possible because your safety and the safety of those around you are at risk. In addition to operating your vehicle safely, this also includes being aware of your surroundings, keeping all passengers safe, and maintaining your vehicle. California works to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians with strict traffic laws. A few of the most significant types of traffic laws include:

• Parking. Knowing what areas are available for parking while you are driving is not always easy. Drivers in California use a color-coded system, which includes painted curbs to indicate parking areas, to help them navigate more easily. Parking in an area where it is not permitted can get you a ticket for $20–$500.
• Car Seats and Seatbelts. Another essential part of traffic safety is the safety of passengers, especially children. All adult passengers are required to wear a seatbelt while in the car, while children must be in the specific car seat required for their age and size. Disobeying these traffic laws can carry a fine of up to $500.
• Distracted Driving. Eliminating as many distractions as possible while you are driving is one way to avoid accidents. As another way to cut down on distracted driving, California drivers are not permitted to use cell phones while driving. Calls may only be made on a hands-free device by adult drivers, while underage drivers are not allowed to use a mobile device at all. You will likely be ticketed if caught driving while distracted.

California has an extensive network of traffic laws to ensure driver and passenger safety. Some of the most strenuous traffic laws pertain to driving after consuming alcohol. Breaking these laws often carries the most severe penalties.

California DUI Laws

A DUI charge, or Driving Under the Influence, means that a driver was operating their vehicle after consuming something that impaired their judgment. Drunk driving is the most common type of DUI, but an individual may also receive a DUI charge if they are using drugs.

Two primary laws in California deal with DUIs. Driving under the influence is illegal, according to Vehicle Code 23152(a). Driving with a BAC, or Blood Alcohol Concentration, of anything less than .08% is illegal according to Vehicle Code 23152(b). There is also a more recent revision made to include DUID, or Driving Under the Influence of Drugs.

Regardless of which vehicle code is broken, a DUI charge can carry significant penalties. Most DUI convictions may include fines, mandatory attendance at a DUI school program, time spent in jail, or the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device. These penalties, which can vary in severity, can impact nearly every aspect of your life. To avoid harsher penalties, it is crucial to work with an experienced DUI attorney.

How a Canoga Park DUI Attorney Can Help

Navigating the legal system can be difficult, so it is smart to work with an experienced DUI attorney. It can also potentially protect your future. The support of an experienced defense attorney can be invaluable. A Canoga Park DUI attorney can offer:

• Skills. The most skilled DUI attorneys have dedicated years to learning and understanding DUI law. These laws change regularly, so it takes time and attention to keep track of the most recent changes. A skilled DUI attorney will be committed to continually learning new DUI laws to serve their clients.
• Experience. An ideal defense attorney will have several years of experience working with other clients in circumstances similar to your own. They have seen what approaches are successful and which are not. That experience will allow them to analyze and assess your case to ensure your case is treated fairly and with compassion.
• Guidance. Facing criminal charges is difficult, regardless of your circumstances. It can feel very isolating, particularly if very few people understand the challenges you are facing. An experienced DUI attorney will offer no judgment because their job is to support their clients. They will also be able to offer resources, information, and guidance to help you navigate the legal process.

Working with an experienced defense attorney can be an invaluable resource. Their skills, experience, and guidance can make an overwhelming process much easier to manage.

The Cost of a Canoga Park DUI Criminal Defense Attorney

There is no way to pinpoint the exact cost of a Canoga Park DUI lawyer. Many different factors must be considered and may contribute to the overall costs of their services. Some of the key things to consider when looking for a DUI attorney are:

• Education. While education does not always indicate success in the legal field, knowing where your attorney received their training can be helpful. When you assess an attorney’s education, it is important to consider where they received their degree and whether they have completed any additional training or education. That additional training may impact their fees.
• Experience. DUI attorneys with more experience are likely able to charge more for their services. If they have a proven track record of success with other clients, that is a strong indication that they are aggressive and willing to fight for their clients. That will make their services more desirable, which may raise their prices.
• Practice Areas. Some attorneys have experience in a specific area of practice. While they may be able to practice other types of law, an attorney may have additional training and experience in one particular practice. These attorneys can often allow them to charge higher prices for their services because of the time and resources they have committed to one practice area.
• Fees. The manner in which an attorney charges their clients can also have a significant impact on the overall cost. Some choose to charge a flat rate, which means there is one single cost, regardless of the time they dedicate to each case. Other attorneys prefer to charge by the hour, so more complicated cases will require more time and money. Finding the method that works for you is important when considering legal costs.

It is difficult to know exactly how much a Canoga Park DUI attorney may cost. The factors that impact cost make each case unique. On average, you can anticipate spending several thousand dollars for the services of an experienced DUI defense attorney. Some may choose not to work with an attorney in an effort to avoid this cost, but this is not a recommended method and more often leads to further penalties that would otherwise be avoided with the help of an attorney.

Is Legal Assistance Required for DUI Cases?

If you are facing criminal charges related to a DUI, you are not required to work with an attorney. If you believe that you can handle a DUI trial yourself or you do not want to manage the hassle or cost of an attorney, you have the right to defend yourself in court. This is not a recommended course of action, however.

Understanding DUI law is very difficult. There are many laws and statutes in place, and they change on a nearly consistent basis. Each case will also present unique challenges for those involved, which can cause even more confusion. To protect your future and help ensure a better outcome, work with an experienced defense attorney if you are facing DUI charges.

James E. Silverstein is a Canoga Park DUI attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced. He has dedicated years to understanding the laws regarding DUI charges in California and has helped hundreds of clients. He will be able to analyze and assess the specific factors of your case and help you choose the right course of action. While acquiring legal representation is not required for a DUI case, it is highly recommended.

DUI charges can feel overwhelming, especially for individuals who have no prior experience with the legal system. Working with an aggressive defense attorney with years of experience is an invaluable resource as you work through the DUI process. James E. Silverstein has over 20 years of legal experience and is a skilled criminal defense attorney. He has worked on thousands of cases and can help you at every step of the process. He will fight on your behalf and work to ensure you are treated fairly. Contact the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein today for all of your DUI defense needs.