Experienced DUI Defense
Serious Consequences Even for a First Offense
The consequences of a DUI (even a first offense) are staggering.
The fines alone will total almost $2000. Additionally, a DUI conviction usually results in cancellation of the motorist’s automobile insurance policy and referral to the assigned risk pool, often at an increase of $1500 - $2500 annually.
There is a mandatory DUI class which will cost more than $500.
The conviction will stay on a motorist’s record for 10 years (assuming California’s Senate Bill 1694 passes).
Most companies refuse to rent cars to anyone with a DUI on her record.
The fines alone will total almost $2000. Additionally, a DUI conviction usually results in cancellation of the motorist’s automobile insurance policy and referral to the assigned risk pool, often at an increase of $1500 - $2500 annually.
There is a mandatory DUI class which will cost more than $500.
The conviction will stay on a motorist’s record for 10 years (assuming California’s Senate Bill 1694 passes).
Most companies refuse to rent cars to anyone with a DUI on her record.
Unfortunately, there are many attorneys in Santa Barbara County who will take a DUI case for a nominal fee of $750 or $1000.
These lawyers typically believe the myth that a DUI is unbeatable. They typically read through the police report and tell you that you have to plead guilty because there’s "nothing you can do."
We call these lawyers "dump trucks" because they wheel their clients up to the courthouse and dump them on the court.
You don’t need a lawyer if you’re just going to plead guilty.
These lawyers typically believe the myth that a DUI is unbeatable. They typically read through the police report and tell you that you have to plead guilty because there’s "nothing you can do."
We call these lawyers "dump trucks" because they wheel their clients up to the courthouse and dump them on the court.
You don’t need a lawyer if you’re just going to plead guilty.
Avoid the Dump Trucks
Unfortunately, there are many attorneys in Santa Barbara County who will take a DUI case for a nominal fee of $750 or $1000.
These lawyers typically believe the myth that a DUI is unbeatable. They typically read through the police report and tell you that you have to plead guilty because there’s "nothing you can do."
We call these lawyers "dump trucks" because they wheel their clients up to the courthouse and dump them on the court.
You don’t need a lawyer if you’re just going to plead guilty.
These lawyers typically believe the myth that a DUI is unbeatable. They typically read through the police report and tell you that you have to plead guilty because there’s "nothing you can do."
We call these lawyers "dump trucks" because they wheel their clients up to the courthouse and dump them on the court.
You don’t need a lawyer if you’re just going to plead guilty.
Spend an Hour in Department 8
Misdemeanor arraignments in Santa Barbara happen at 8:30 a.m. in Department 8, located downstairs in the 118 E. Figueroa Division. In Santa Maria, they happen in Department 9 at 8:30 a.m. in the Miller Division at 312 E. Cook Street.
If you want to check out how different attorneys handle DUI cases, spend an hour in one of these departments watching the arraignments.
Count how many lawyers plead their clients guilty (or "no contest") at the arraignment.
With few exceptions, pleading guilty at the arraignment is ill-advised because the attorney has not yet been able to evaluate the case properly at such an early stage.
If you want to check out how different attorneys handle DUI cases, spend an hour in one of these departments watching the arraignments.
Count how many lawyers plead their clients guilty (or "no contest") at the arraignment.
With few exceptions, pleading guilty at the arraignment is ill-advised because the attorney has not yet been able to evaluate the case properly at such an early stage.
