1st DUI offense in California...

What is the name of your state?California

I was arrested for DUI in california a couple of weeks ago (on my birthday nonetheless.)

When I took the Field Sobriety tests, I was able to do them all with no problems. (I even heard the officer say so to another officer when we were waiting for my blood to be drawn.)

The roadside breathalizer read .10, but it was at LEAST an hour after the stop that I had my blood taken, and I hadn't been drinking for an hour before that.

That's just some background... my REAL question is: Is paying a ton of money to a lawyer for a DUI offense really worth it?? From what I understand the penalties for a 1st offender are pretty much standard... so why throw away $5000 when you are gonna get the same deal as the person who saves their money? I know every LAWYER I have talked said it is stupid not to have a lawyer in a case like this... but of course they are gonna say that. But, I haven't heard too many experiences from REAL people who have been through it.

Can anyone help me out?

I am from WA state.



I am dealing with the same situation right now - all lawyers want to assist you. My husband received a DUI, first offense and all. Passed everything but blew a .085 - limit in WA state is .08. We havn't even received a notice or ticket in the mail from the court, just the Dept. Of Licensing and his license has been punched. Good luck.

[CdwJava]

Some people have said that NOT having a lawyer resulted in greater fines and penalties as they agreed to terms they did not have to. Others have said that they wasted a few thousand dollars.

Bottom line is that you have to weigh your options. A guilty verdict could result in a suspension of your license, mandatory counseling, jail time (though not very likely), and lots of fines and fees.

So, you have to balance what you are willing to spend versus what the result might be. The time delay you mention is not a problem, so unless the blood result comes back at or below .08 there is not much wiggle room for even a GOOD (and expensive) DUI attorney to maneuver in.

However, it might be a good idea to seek a consultation with an attorney just to be on the safe side.

- Carl

[me1979]

Hi, I'm in a DUI situation as well . I got pulled over yesterday and I'd love to hear from other people who went through the process if only to ease my mind. I scored ~.12 but I have a high tolerance and know that, thus the BAC doesn't care about that. Either way, I'd like to know if you took an attorney and if so what tips did you get? How did the court session go? What happens there, what types of questions are asked... Please tell me anything which you believe could help me understand the process. I'd also like to know what you have recevied if you don't mind.


Thx

Originally Posted by grooves12

What is the name of your state?California

I was arrested for DUI in california a couple of weeks ago (on my birthday nonetheless.)

When I took the Field Sobriety tests, I was able to do them all with no problems. (I even heard the officer say so to another officer when we were waiting for my blood to be drawn.)

The roadside breathalizer read .10, but it was at LEAST an hour after the stop that I had my blood taken, and I hadn't been drinking for an hour before that.

That's just some background... my REAL question is: Is paying a ton of money to a lawyer for a DUI offense really worth it?? From what I understand the penalties for a 1st offender are pretty much standard... so why throw away $5000 when you are gonna get the same deal as the person who saves their money? I know every LAWYER I have talked said it is stupid not to have a lawyer in a case like this... but of course they are gonna say that. But, I haven't heard too many experiences from REAL people who have been through it.

Can anyone help me out?