Christopher Paul Sohovich's Answers

What does California do if you have no job or money to pay DUI fines, etc.?

In San Diego, it is 5 years of probation, about a $2000 fine, 3 month classes which cost several hundred dollars and a 1 hour MADD class, which requires a donation. Without paying for and doing the classes, his license will continue to be suspended. My advice is to have him get a job or else he will be unable to drive legally for a very long time. Chris Sohovich www.sohovichlaw.com

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If I cant pay for a private attorney, are public defenders good at defending a DUI?Arrested Costa Mesa Due Harbor Court on May 6

Another option is to find a private attorney who would be willing to have themselves appointed to represent you by the court. A good DUI attorney will know how to get this done.

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Restricted license in these economic times (unemployed, underemployed)

It is my belief that this would be considered "in the course of work." If you are working or attempting to find work you should be OK. You have to realize however, that it will be up to the police officer to cite you and then you will have to go into court and explain. Be prepared with as much documentation as possible. If you feel the need, you can hire an attorney to help you if you do get cited. Chris Sohovich www.sohovichlaw.com

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In California, what is meant by "in the course of work" on the restricted license. Would this include a job interview?

Absent explicit language in the terms of your probation, I think having as much documentation of the job interview as possible if pulled over. Reading the code section it is difficult to tell whether a job interview is covered or not. I think the best course of action would to modify the conditions of your probation to include job interviews.

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Court hearings

AVOP is a violation of probation hearing.

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CA DUI law, is a DUI in CA a felony or a misdemeanor

Contact a DUI lawyer in your area immediately. You are most likely being charged with DUI with injury which is a felony. A skilled DUI attorney will be the most beneficial to you in this case. Find one in your area.

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I got a dui in 1997 and i went to get a printout from dmv anits still there how csn i make it go away

What type of printout did you ask for? There are different printouts the DMV does.

I have 2 DUI's in CA and moved to NYC because I couldn't afford to stay in Ca.

Unfortunately, your DUI classes in NY are most likely not going to count towards the CA ones since you don't have court permission. It may if it's an approved program but you should hire a San Diego DUI lawyer to go to court for you and attempt to get it worked out. www.sohovichlaw.com

In San Diego, in lieu of fines and community service hours.........

I wouldn't give up so quickly. Like the first poster said, consult with a DUI lawyer to explore defenses. Typically, you can do jail time for the majority of fines and public work; you can even do jail time in lieu of probation. However, your best course of action is to hire a competent DUI attorney to handle your case. Chris Sohovich www.sohovichlaw.com

DO I need a lawyer to attend my 1st court appearnce for a DUI?

You should hire an attorney in California, long before your court date. You have 10 days to request a DMV hearing to avoid a license suspension. You can attend and plead not guilty at your first hearing or arraignment, but hiring a competent DUI attorney is the better choice. http://www.california-dui-lawyers.org/ Chris Sohovich www.sohovichlaw.com