Prior DUI Convictions
DUI charges are bad no matter who they happens to. But DUIs can impact your life even more if it is not your first offense. Dealing with prior DUI convictions in Los Angeles is a job best left to a professional.
Not only do insurance companies and police remember your prior convictions, apparently your peers remember them too. At Spike TV's recent Guys Choice Awards in Los Angeles, Brad Pitt reminded Mel Gibson of his 2006 DUI arrest. Pitt quoted part of Gibson's alleged rant against the arresting officer, when he thanking Gibson for presenting him with an award by saying, "thanks, sugar t***." Some things just keep coming back to bite you. If you have been arrested for DUI charges, and especially if you have
prior DUI convictions, you should do everything you can to fight the charges.
According to the law, an arresting officer is required to have a probable cause in order to arrest you. Did you have an accident, or did police officers or other drivers see you driving in such a way as to suggest that you were under the influence? If so, chances are the arresting officer suggested that you take a field Sobriety Test (FST), which you have the right to refuse taking. The officer should have also read you your Miranda Rights, treated you fairly, and should not have exercised excess force while arresting you. If you have prior DUI convictions, you want to think through every aspect of your arrest, looking for procedures that may not have been done by the book.
If you took a blood, urine, or breath test for your alcohol, several specific issues will be covered in court. You can prepare for your hearing by asking yourself if the following protocols were heeded:
1) Was there reasonable cause for the officer to believe you were violating Vehicle Code 23140, 23152, or 23153?
2) Were you arrested lawfully?
3) Did you have more than 0.08 percent blood alcohol by weight (or 0.05% if you're under 21 years old)?
When dealing with serious DUI matters, it is best to have an experienced attorney on your side. The Los Angeles DUI attorneys at Kestenbaum Eisner & Gorin LLP can help you protect your driving privileges. Especially in cases where prior DUI convictions are on record, it is best to have an attorney contact the DMV to schedule a hearing with them, which must happen within ten days of your arrest.
If Los Angeles police have charged you with a DUI, protect yourself with the help of The Los Angeles DUI attorneys at Kestenbaum Eisner & Gorin LLP. They are available at 877-781-1570, and they will help you take the steps necessary to fight the charges you are facing.