Contact an experienced criminal law specialist (not a DUI mill that advertises as specialists) and discuss your options with him or her.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/10/2011

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First step is to consult with an attorney. Evidence is lost quickly. Often security surveillance tapes can be very valuable to a defense case. These tapes are often recorded over within a week. Another issue is with demanding a hearing with DMV. Failure to demand a hearing within the time limit will result in an automatic suspension.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/9/2011

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First off, do not say anything to anyone. Do not give any statements to the police. You should start interviewing attorneys immediately. If you hire an attorney, everything will be taken care of for you. This means that you will likely not have to attend a single court hearing and you can rest assured that your rights are being protected. Many believe that because they were arrested for DUI they will serve the same sentence as everyone else. This is simply not true. Hiring an attorney ensures that you will get the best deal possible.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/9/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

The first step in trying to medicate the penalties from a DUI arrest is to contact an attorney. Your attorney can review your case with you and together the two of you can go over the best options for you. Within ten days of your DUI arrest you need to contact the DMV and set up a hearing date. If you have an attorney within the ten days; he can set up the appointment if the DMV hearing is included in his service. The first court appearance is your arraignment. This may not take place on the date that your paper work shows. You should show up on that date and if your case is not on calendar for that day; have your notice date stamped by both the court clerk and the receptionist at the DAs office. This shows that you were present on the date shown. This is a precaution to make sure that your case was on calendar on that date you will not get dinged for not showing up.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/9/2011

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Say nothing to anyone and retain an attorney.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/9/2011

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It is a good thing you took the time to ask this question. In California there is something that you must do within ten days of getting a DUI. My advice is to hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you request a DMV hearing to preserve your driving privilege. If you do not have enough money to hire an attorney, read the back of the paperwork they gave you.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/9/2011

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You should obtain a copy of the police report and evaluate whether the officer had probable cause for the stop and whether the officer gathered sufficient evidence of intoxication to charge a DUI. If there are technical problems with the stop or with the alcohol tests, you may be able to challenge the case. A qualified DUI attorney can assist you.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/9/2011

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In California, you need to preserve your right to get your APS hearing from the DMV. This is on the back of your temporary license the cop gave to you. You have 10 days to request it otherwise your license will get suspended and you will be in a world of pain. I suggest to my potential clients to get it even if they do not plan to fight it because it keeps you driving anyways. On top of that, during this time, you will be provided with the police report and you can take this around to attorneys to get advice instead of getting the old term of I have to see the police report first.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/9/2011

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You should contact an attorney who can handle the court case and the DMV matter. The attorney will contact the DMV to schedule a hearing and get a stay on the suspension order; you will discuss the issues of the case and determine the best strategy. Every case is different. The attorney will go over the specifics of your case and develop the best plan of action for you.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/8/2011

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Contact a local criminal defense attorney ASAP. You only have 10 days to contact the DMV and request a hearing to challenge the automatic suspension of your driver's license. Your attorney can set that up, as well as discuss with you the next steps and the criminal charges that are forthcoming.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/8/2011

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You will need to request a hearing with the DMV or retain counsel to do so for you. Also, you must attend all court hearings in your case or retain counsel who can [in most situations] appear for you. You will be asked to either admit the charges [plead guilty], or refute the charges. You have a right to challenge the evidence, including probable cause and the means of testing you. I would advise you to retain counsel to avoid costly mistakes.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/8/2011

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Definitely seek the advise of a lawyer. A DUI case has two aspects to it, a criminal case and a civil case (DMV). The DMV case has deadlines that you must adhere to if you want to keep your license.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/8/2011

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The first thing you do is hire an attorney. The last thing you do is talk to a cop , DA or any person with law enforcement.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/8/2011

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First step is to sober up. Second step is to stop drinking and driving. Third step is to get a lawyer or public defender. The courts hate drunk drivers as it would be so easy to kill an innocent person while you were on the road, loaded.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/8/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Meet with an attorney. You only have 10 days to request a DMV hearing, otherwise your license may automatically be suspended.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/8/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

The first thing you must know is that you have only 10 days to try to save your license. You were given a pink slip, which most people don't bother reading. You should hire a DUI specialist as soon as possible.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/8/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.