Is Contacting a Los Angeles DUI Attorney Really Necessary?

If you have found yourself in the unfortunate situation where you are charged with a DUI, you are not alone.  Many good people have found themselves in bad situations, even if they know better than to put themselves in that very situation.  If you would like to take a dangerous risk, try to fight your recent DUI charge pro se(yourself).  If that idea scares you,then you should definitely seek the advice of an attorney, such as Los Angeles DUI lawyer Ronald Hedding.

Having a DUI is not only an embarrassing situation, but it can also be a harrowing, debilitating situation -- especially without professional, reliable representation.  The important thing to remember is that just because you have a DUI against you, it does not mean that you are necessarily a bad person.  You just made a bad decision like many people do in everyday life.  Unfortunately, this particular bad decision is both a criminal and civil infraction that can land you in jail and possible suspension or revocation of your drivers' license.

In California, if you are convicted of a DUI, you can face the following:

• Four to six days in jail
• A $1400-$2600 fine plus administrative fees, if applicable
• 30 days in jail up to 1 year
• Additional penalties as decided by the judge

It should be fair to note that every DUI case is unique and is generally approached by the prosecution and judges on a case-per-case basis for first-time offenders -- and sometimes for multiple offenders.  A Los Angeles DUI attorney can help lessen penalties and make life a lot easier, especially for a first-time offender.  

Keep in mind that the penalties mentioned before are only valid if you are convicted, plead guilty, or plead no-contest.  In general, the average sentence for a first-time offender is somewhere in the middle.  The minimum and the maximum sentences are rarely imposed.  However, having Los Angeles DUI lawyer Ron Hedding representing you can help you with the following:

• Minimize or eliminate the need for any suspension of your drivers' license
• Reduce or eliminate jail time
• Offer community service in lieu of jail time
• Offer attendance at Alcholics Anonymous meetings and other therapy sessions to satisfy the court

Oftentimes, such easing of the penalties is not possible without the representation of a Los Angeles DUI attorney.  When you are not represented properly, the maximum penalties can almost always apply in your situation.  Most people who have gone through a DUI without the representation of Los Angeles DUI lawyer Ron Hedding have said that they had shot themselves in the foot, thinking their charm or the fact that they were an attorney themselves could help.  

The bottom line should be common sense.  

• First of all, do not drink and drive.  Even though most people know better, it still happens.  
• Second, hire an attorney.  An attorney can keep you out of jail, reduce fines, and help keep your driving privileges intact.
• Third, make sure any attorney you hire does not treat your DUI charge as the average traffic citation.  Unfortunately, too many "DUI" attorneys do exactly that.

Again, every DUI case carries its own set of situations and consequences.  To treat them lightly, or to hire a shoddy, disreputable attorney would basically be the equivalent to pleading guilty.  In order to find the best success with your individual DUI case, you need a great Los Angeles DUI lawyer -- contact Los Angeles DUI lawyer Ron Hedding for more information at: (866) 986-2092