Finding the Best DUI Attorneys

Many people have experienced driving under the influence by having a few drinks at a party and getting into the car to head home thinking that they’re perfectly capable of getting there. When you're stopped by a police officer on the road and under the influence of alcohol, it doesn't matter if you're still perfectly fine to drive, once the cop knows you've had a few, you're in trouble.

When trouble peeks around the corner you need to find the best DUI attorney you can to avoid a hefty fine or jail time, but it's not as easy as looking a firm up online! Here are some helpful tips.

1.       Don't take the lawyer's claim for their competence - any lawyer or attorney can make that claim. They've studied the law, of course they're competent! Competently doesn't always mean they are specialized, and that's what you want.

2.      Check the attorneys record & references.  The first place to start is the State Bar of California. There you can enter in the name of any attorney and find out how long they have been practicing, and if they have any negative marks on their record.  Another place to look is Avvo.com.  Avvo is a main source online for people looking for reviews of attorneys.

3.      Make sure that the attorney you're looking to hire has the knowledge of the methods police officers use to test for drunk driving. You want them to understand every step and procedure, not just the basics! You also want to make sure they're familiar with devices that some police officers use in the field as your defense could depend on it.

4.      Any DUI attorney you seek should be familiar with the testing performed by the laboratories to determine your blood alcohol content (a measure of how 'drunk' you are). Otherwise, they're not the right attorney.

5.      In the end, just remember that NO attorney can promise you a specific result.  A criminal lawyer might tell you that they know exactly how the case is going to go the first time you two meet but that is impossible. What a good DUI attorney will be able to do however, is tell you on what they think your most likely outcome will be, and how they plan on getting that to happen. 

Sometimes we get into unwanted and unwarranted trouble so if you've been accused of driving under the influence (DUI or DWI) it might be time to look into hiring a DUI attorney for your defense. The attorneys at Netzah & Shem-Tov  will promise that they'll fight for you until all options have been exhausted. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you on your DUI or DWI 818-995-4200.

Out of State DUI Convictions.

Out of State DUI Convictions.

 If you were charged with a DUI in another state within the last ten years, your chances of having your recent California DUI charged only as a first conviction depend on the specific laws of the other state.

In order for your first conviction to count as a prior in the state of California, the state that first arrested you must classify a DUI with all the same elements as a California DUI. For example, you can only be convicted of a DUI in California if you were operating your vehicle. In other words, you have to have actually been driving your car. In some states, however, you need only to be in control of your vehicle, meaning your car doesn't even have to be running. You just have to be inside the vehicle and have possession of the keys required to operate it.

Differences like these could save you from the more severe consequences of a second conviction. If you think the California DMV may be wrongfully charging your first conviction as a prior, contact a lawyer to evaluate your unique situation. You may be able to challenge this charge by filing a Writ of Mandamus--a move that could spare you the major headache of a second conviction.

Let the skilled attorneys at Netzah & Shem-Tov take a look at your case and help you determine your best options. Even if a second conviction cannot be avoided, we will fight tirelessly to ensure your judgment is as light as possible.

- Raviv Netzah, esq
Netzah & Shem-Tov
www.netshemlaw.com
818-995-4200

DMV's 10 Day Rule

If you have recently been arrested for a DUI, you should keep in mind the DMV 10 Day Rule – You have exactly ten (10) days from the date of your arrest to setup your DMV administrative hearing regarding the suspension of your driver’s license.  (10 days includes weekends and holidays.)  If you miss this deadline, your suspension with the DMV will be automatic.  If you are already past the 10 days, yet have failed to setup the DMV hearing, contact us immediately, there is still hope to setup your DMV hearing and avoid the automatic suspension.

Raviv Netzah

Netzah & Shem-Tov,

www.netshemlaw.com

818-995-4200