Defending Your Rights in 2016

 Posted on January 03, 2016 in DUI

Another new year is upon us and I sincerely hope you did not start it off with a DUI arrest. Spending four or more hours in a drunk tank is one of the most demoralizing experiences one can have, but now that you're out let's try to minimize the consequences.

Depending on whether you submitted to a chemical test of your breath or blood, or refused to do so without a warrant, you are most likely looking at a license suspension ranging from 4 months to one year.

If you have one or more prior DUI convictions or alcohol-related license suspensions the period may be as long as three years.

So the first thing I will do for you is get a hearing request submitted to the DMV - there is a 10-day deadline from the date of arrest for getting this done, so let's not procrastinate.

In most instances, I can also go to Court for you and you need not personally appear even if you posted bail. The only reason you would have to personally appear with me is if you injured or killed someone and the prosecutor is filing felony charges against you.

SERIOUS CHARGES REQUIRE A SERIOUS LAWYER

Do yourself a favor and don't rely upon mail solicitations, misleading rating services, or phony accolades (e.g., "Top 100 Lawyer"). Get a lawyer with experience that specializes in DUI defense. Hire an attorney who is "Board-Certified in DUI Defense" as recognized by the American Bar Association.

There are potential defenses in almost every DUI case, and there is always room to minimize the consequences even if there is no viable defense. Even if the police had a legitimate reason for detaining and arresting you, it may be possible to suppress from evidence the chemical test results or demonstrate a flaw in the administration of the test or the equipment.

There are also ways to minimize or avoid the amount of actual license suspension time, even for multiple offenders. I have been handling these cases for 30 years and you will be hard pressed to find anyone with my level of experience in this field. Check out my website at www.burglin.com for further information about me and/or contact me at 415-729-7300.

Have you been charged with a DUI San Francisco, DUI Marin, DUI Sonoma or DUI Napa? Paul Burglin is a Board Certified in DUI Defense San Francisco Bay area attorney who for over 25 years has specialized in drunk driving defense in San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, Napa and surrounding communities. He is also the co-author of "California Drunk Driving Law"