Question 1

What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in West Covina, California?

Accepted Answer

You can dial (626) 939-8500, the non-emergency contact number for the West Covina Police Department.

Question 2

Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in West Covina, California?

Accepted Answer

You can request a copy of a police report for incidents in West Covina in person at the front counter of the Records Bureau. For traffic collision requests, you can use this link: https://ecrash.lexisnexis.com/ui/home, and you can also email your request to reportrequest@wcpd.org.

Question 3

What is the minimum DUI penalty in West Covina?

Accepted Answer

For the first offense, the minimum DUI punishment in California is a six-month license suspension, three-year probation, an ignition interlock device installation in vehicles, and up to a $1,000 fine. A 36-month license suspension, five-year probation, a year in jail, up to a $1,000 fine, and an ignition interlock device installation for two years are the consequences for subsequent offenses. If you were charged with a DUI in West Covina, seek the legal help of an experienced DUI attorney.

Question 4

How long is the probation after a DUI in West Covina?

Accepted Answer

For first-time DUI offenders, the informal probation term is usually three to five years. DUI school is required as part of the probationary period, which is determined by the driver's blood alcohol content at the time of the event. DUI probation in California permits individuals to avoid the maximum sentence provided they successfully follow and complete particular requirements imposed by the court during the sentence. If you have these concerns, you should speak with a West Covina DUI attorney.

Question 5

What is the statute of limitations for DUI cases in West Covina?

Accepted Answer

In California, the statute of limitations for DUI charges is one year for misdemeanors and three years for felony DUI offenses. If DUI charges are not filed within the statute of limitations, the person cannot be prosecuted in court. If you are facing DUI charges, it is advisable to seek the counsel of a West Covina DUI attorney.

Question 6

Can you get fired from work if you are charged with DUI in West Covina?

Accepted Answer

In general, an employer may not terminate you just because you had a DUI in West Covina. However, if the Department of Motor Vehicles administratively suspends your driving rights, your employer may be justified in firing you if driving is an essential part of your job. If you opt to plead guilty to DUI charges or if the court convicts you, your employer may terminate you.

Question 7

What are the benefits of a DUI plea bargain in West Covina?

Accepted Answer

The main advantage of a DUI plea deal is that you will know your punishment before you plead guilty. A plea bargain is a negotiated settlement of your case between your DUI attorney and the prosecutors. Instead of dismissing the case, they might charge you with a lesser offense. If you want to negotiate a plea bargain, you should seek a West Covina DUI lawyer who can help you lessen your DUI charges.

Question 8

What does a DUI charge involve?

Accepted Answer

DUI, or driving under the influence, is a criminal charge applied to someone who is suspected of operating their vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant, such as drugs and/or alcohol. Every state in the U.S. has a law on the books that bans driving while intoxicated; however, the specific criteria may differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some states, a driver with blood alcohol content (BAC) in excess of 0.08% can be brought up on DUI charges while other states set a higher threshold or increase the severity of charges in accordance with the level of intoxication. In some cases, DUI is determined not via testing but by behavior; drivers who are intoxicated to the point of impairment and who cannot safely operate their vehicle may be arrested on suspicion of DUI.

Question 9

What's the difference between DUI, DWI, and OVI?

Accepted Answer

The terms driving under the influence (DUI), driving while impaired (DWI), and operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) are all legal phrases that refer to the crime of operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs (illegal or prescription), alcohol, or both. These terms are largely interchangeable though some states use only one acronym in their statutes for the sake of clarity. There are also other acronyms occasionally substituted for DUI, such as DWAI (driving while ability impaired), OWI (operating while intoxicated), OUI (operating under the influence), and DUII-CS (driving under the influence of intoxicants: controlled substances).

Question 10

How long does a DUI stay on your record?

Accepted Answer

In addition to the more immediate penalties that come with a DUI conviction, this costly mistake can have other consequences. DUIs stay on your driving record for years with the exact length of time differing from state to state — the California Department of Motor Vehicles, for instance, tracks DUIs for 10 years and may use that information to determine things like license eligibility. In Alabama, DUIs stay on the record for five years while in Alaska they're permanent. In states that use point systems to track driving infractions, DUI points may stay on the record far longer than the DUI itself.

Question 11

How much does a DUI lawyer cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of a DUI lawyer depends largely on three things: geographic area, the lawyer's experience, and whether the case is settled quickly with a plea or ends up going to trial. Attorneys may charge a flat rate, more commonly used for simple cases that are likely to wrap up quickly, or they may charge by the hour, which can add up quickly if the case requires a lot of pretrial preparations and court time. Ultimately, a DUI lawyer could cost as little as $700 or bill in excess of $4,000.

Question 12

How do I choose a DUI attorney?

Accepted Answer

Finding the right DUI lawyer is crucial, especially when it comes to preventing a suspended license and minimizing fees and other penalties. To choose the right one:

Look for attorneys experienced in DUI case law
Ask for referrals from family and friends
Check the internet for reviews, keeping in mind that no two DUI cases are exactly alike
Meet with prospective lawyers (many offer free consultations) to hear their perspective on the case and see whether their personality feels like a good fit
Ask whether the lawyer will be the primary representative or if the case could be passed to an associate and how many clients the lawyer/firm represents at one time
Discuss billing options — the difference between an hourly rate and flat fee can be considerable

Question 13

What happens when you get a DUI?

Accepted Answer

Individuals detained on suspicion of a DUI are typically taken to jail, their vehicles impounded, and either held on bail or processed and released pending a court date. That initial court appearance is a chance to enter a plea; it's a good idea to retain legal representation prior to this hearing so they have an opportunity to argue for reduced charges or even dismissal.

Drunk driving charges are often enough to warrant a suspended license pending the outcome of the case. A DUI conviction could mean losing that license entirely as well as paying fines, court costs, and DMV fees and paying for treatment or other intervention programs as instructed by the court — perhaps even completing jail time. These penalties tend to be less severe for first-time offenders and increase significantly thereafter.

Question 14

Can I contest a DUI without a lawyer?

Accepted Answer

While it's possible to contest a DUI without a lawyer present, case law is complex, and navigating those laws can be tricky. A DUI lawyer can't guarantee a positive outcome, but they are in a far better position to make crucial moves, such as challenging the legality of the original traffic stop, questioning the officer-led sobriety tests, and introducing evidence that could lead to an exoneration. In short, it's tempting to save money by going it alone, but the consequences could be costly. Before deciding against a lawyer, take advantage of a free consultation and weigh their recommendations. If budget is a factor, there are court-appointed public defenders who may take on the case.

Question 15

How much does a DUI cost?

Accepted Answer

DUIs are expensive. In addition to attorney fees that often run the gamut from $700 to over $4,000, there may also be bail costs, court-ordered fines, alcohol education courses, traffic school, DMV fees, the cost of increased insurance rate, fees associated with recovering an impounded car, and the possibility of paying for a court-ordered ignition interlock device. All together, the average cost of a DUI sits at around $6,500 not counting peripheral expenses, such as alternate transportation while unable to drive and lost income due to court dates and incarceration.

Question 16

When does a DUI become a felony?

Accepted Answer

Driving under the influence is classified as a misdemeanor unless the DUI meets certain state-specific criteria such as:

It's not the first offense. Anyone arrested for DUI who has been convicted of driving under the influence previously may be charged with a felony, depending on the length of time since the last conviction.
The offender was driving without a license. Getting a DUI with a license that has been suspended, revoked, or restricted is a felony in many states.
The DUI resulted in someone else's injury or death. Some states cite bodily harm as one of the reasons to change a DUI from a misdemeanor to a felony.

Question 17

How much does car insurance go up after a DUI?

Accepted Answer

Since car insurance rates are based on driving history and projected risk, it stands to reason that a DUI conviction will result in higher insurance rates. How much those rates go up depends on the state. In Colorado, insurance rates jump around 18% following a DUI conviction while North Carolina sees a median rate increase of more than 300%. To put that in further perspective, consider New Jersey; the state's average insurance rate is $1,419, but the average rate with DUI increases 132% to $3,292.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in West Covina, California?

What is the minimum DUI penalty in West Covina?

How long is the probation after a DUI in West Covina?

What is the statute of limitations for DUI cases in West Covina?

Can you get fired from work if you are charged with DUI in West Covina?

What are the benefits of a DUI plea bargain in West Covina?