,

Law Office of Louis J. Goodman

Search
Close this search box.
Homepage2
FREE CONSULTATION

Louis J. Goodman | Alameda County DUI Attorney

Stand a Fighting Chance Against Your DUI

Dealing with a DUI may seem like an uphill battle, especially when you’re fighting to keep your driver’s license.

Let a professional Alameda DUI attorney fight for you and restore your peace of mind.

Book Service
DUI Attorney

Be Fully Informed About Your Initial Hearing

You have been arrested for DUI charges in Alameda County. What now? The experience can be extremely stressful, and without the correct information, you may end up making a life-changing decision.

This is especially true when it comes to either pleading guilty or not guilty. You will be asked to make a plea at your arraignment which is the initial hearing in all DUI cases.

It is mandatory for you to appear in court, and if you do not, the judge may issue a bench warrant that serves as a warrant for arrest.
This failure to appear (FTA) can increase your bail or even result in bail being revoked.

Upon arrest, your driver’s license is automatically seized, and a temporary 30-day license is issued.

DUI Attorney Alameda County

What happens when these 30 days lapse?

According to Alameda DUI laws, eligible individuals can apply for a restricted license, through their criminal defense attorney, that will restore their driving privileges.

This takes place at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) hearing within ten days of your arrest.

To get a restricted driver’s license you will need to enrol in court-ordered programs including DUI school, provide proof of SR22, and pay a reissue fee. You may also have to install an Interlock Ignition Device (IID) to regain full driving rights.

Your Quick Guide to IIDs

Your Alameda County DUI lawyer may advise you to agree to install an IID in your vehicle in order to get a restricted license with full driving rights.

  • What is an IID: This is a miniature breathalyzer that is installed in the dashboard of your car. It requires you to provide an alcohol-free breath sample or your car won’t start.
  • How does it work: Once you start driving, the device will ask for a sample after around 5 to 15 minutes, and then every 45 minutes during your trip. If you do not give a sample, a fail report will be logged and sent to the court.
  • Will I Have to Get an IID: A judge will order you to get an IID if you have repeat DUI offenses. For first-time offenders, you may be ordered to install an IID if you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .015% or higher. If you refuse to give a chemical test, you may also have to install an ignition interlock system.
DUI Attorney Alameda

What are DUI Programs and Do I Have to Enroll?

Six men sitting in a circle in a dimly lit room at a group therapy session.

In addition to installing an IID, you will need to enrol in a state-approved program at an accredited California DUI school. 

These programs include:

Wet Reckless Program

Cost: $300 – $800

If you have a DUI conviction for reckless driving with a BAC of .08, you must finish a 12-hour DUI class. 

First Time Offender DUI Program

Cost: $600 – $1,200

For a BAC less than .20, you must attend a DUI education program for 30 hours over a period of three months. 

However if you are arrested with a blood alcohol content reading of .20 or higher, or if you refused to consent to a chemical test, you must complete a nine-month DUI program for 60 hours. 

Second Time Offender DUI Program

Cost: $ 1,800 – $1,900

Offenders with a second DUI within 10 years will be required to enrol and complete an 18-month multiple offender program. 

Third Time Offender DUI Program

In the event that you are arrested three or more times for a DUI and have an extremely high BAC, you may have to take a 30-month DUI program. 

If you are unable to afford the DUI school fees, you may be eligible for a waiver depending on your financial situation.

SR22 Insurance Explained

Unless you’ve faced a California DUI and gone onto a restricted license, you probably do not know what SR22 insurance is. Here’s what you need to know about SR22 car insurance.

Having an SR22 certificate proves that you have sufficient car insurance coverage that meets state minimum insurance requirements.

After being arrested for driving under the influence, or driving while intoxicated (DWI), you are considered a high-risk driver.

This will have an impact on your car insurance including increasing your premiums and your insurer could even cancel your policy.

You will then need to find an insurer that offers coverage for high-risk drivers and can provide SR22 certification.

Green and white road signs with the words safe driver and high risk written on them

Let’s summarize this for you quickly:-

You can expect to spend $300 – $800 for an SR22 certificate and the cost will be determined by various factors including your:
  • age,
  • driving history,
  • driving experience, 
  • marital status, and
  • place of residence. 
Because SR22 is linked to your car insurance coverage, you are likely to pay higher premiums and may be required to pay the entire coverage period at once.  Any person arrested on drunk driving charges will usually have to maintain an SR22 on file at the DMV for three years from the date of their most recent suspension. That said, the judge may order DUI offenders to have an SR22 for longer.  Having up-to-date car insurance as well as an SR22 insurance certificate is a prerequisite to getting a restricted driving license in Alameda County.

Leave It to The Experts for Top-Notch DUI Criminal Defense

After being arrested for a DUI in California, fighting the charges might seem like a futile endeavor. You might unknowingly give up your rights and freedoms too.

Without the legal advice of a knowledgeable Alameda County DUI attorney, you might face much harsher consequences than you deserve so it is important to engage the best possible attorney as soon as you are arrested.

Louis J. Goodman is one such attorney. Having been an accomplished Deputy District Attorney, Louis has a unique insight into the tactics of prosecutors and brings 30 years of legal experience fighting DUI criminal charges.

Our legal team pays particular attention to the evidence collected at the scene of your arrest, police reports as well as the conduct of the arresting officer.

DUI Attorney Alameda County
We focus on ensuring the reasons for your initial arrest are accurate and reasonable. This includes exploring key areas including:
  • Testing procedures and equipment
  • Police conduct
  • Adverse environmental conditions
Even in the absence of the person arrested, Louis Goodman can liaise with judges and prosecuting attorneys to negotiate favorable plea bargains for your DUI charges. These may result in jail time and require you to pay hefty fines. You do not have to fight this battle alone as we are on hand to provide advice and to support you throughout the legal process. To schedule your free consultation, contact The Law Offices of Louis J. Goodman online or call (510) 582-9090

Contact Louis J. Goodman Today

=