Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

To reach the Whittier Police Department, call (562) 567-9200.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

To obtain a police record from the Whittier Police Department Records Unit, call (562) 567-9131 to inquire about its availability. Then, you can visit their office at 13200 Penn Street.

Question 3

Can you refuse a breathalyzer test in the middle of a DUI investigation in Whittier?

Accepted Answer

This is possible. If you have no prior history of getting arrested for DUI before and you are not on probation, then taking the breathalyzer (or the Preliminary Alcohol Sensor/Screening test) is totally voluntary. There is, however, a chance that you may get your license immediately suspended for refusing. On the other hand, drivers under 21 years of age or those who are on probation cannot refuse a breathalyzer test.

Question 4

Are there different blood alcohol content limitations for motorists in Whittier?

Accepted Answer

Whittier and all of California impose different BAC levels depending on the types of motorists. For instance,

Non-commercial drivers over 21 years of age have a legal limit of 0.08%.
Non-commercial drivers under 21 (who are legally not allowed to drink alcohol anyway) have a legal limit of 0.01%.
Commercial drivers have a legal limit of 0.04%.

Question 5

How much is the expected cost of hiring and retaining an attorney in Whittier for a DUI charge?

Accepted Answer

The total cost of hiring legal counsel to defend you against your DUI charge in Whittier will depend on experience, reputation, and specialization. As always, you get your money's worth, and hiring a cheap attorney might end up costing you so much more in the long run. A cost range is provided below:

$1,000 to $2,000 - Most likely inexperienced with DUI $4,000 to $7,500 - Has a good reputation with both prosecutors and judges; immensely experienced

Question 6

What are the wisest steps to take if you're being pulled over and charged with DUI in Whittier?

Accepted Answer

DUI, while still a criminal offense, is generally considered a misdemeanor. However, it can almost instantaneously elevate to a felony if the arresting officer notes you as being combative or uncooperative. Be polite to the officer, but know that you are not required to answer any questions, comply with field sobriety tests, or submit to a breathalyzer test. Immediately consult with a Whittier attorney after this ordeal.

Question 7

What if you need your driver's license to work in Whittier but you are required to surrender it because of a DUI charge?

Accepted Answer

You will have no choice but to surrender it to the Whittier DMV. Still, it doesn't mean that you cannot go to work. You will be provided what is called a Temporary Driving Permit, which should allow you to operate your vehicle until the date of your hearing and a verdict is reached.

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 Whittier, California?

Can you refuse a breathalyzer test in the middle of a DUI investigation in Whittier?

Are there different blood alcohol content limitations for motorists in Whittier?

How much is the expected cost of hiring and retaining an attorney in Whittier for a DUI charge?

What are the wisest steps to take if you're being pulled over and charged with DUI in Whittier?

What if you need your driver's license to work in Whittier but you are required to surrender it because of a DUI charge?