Legal Question in DUI Law in California

So last week I as driving and I got pulled over for a broken light. The officers smelled marijuanna in my car and had me do a sobierity test which I failed. The officer asked how long ago did I smoke and I told them 20 minutes ago right after work but really I smoked a hour ago. I told them 20 minutes becuz I didn't want them to call my boss. I wasn't high tho. So I am expecting 2 court dates from possession of marijuanna and dui. They also took my urine. What are the chances I will get this case dropped with lawyer. I'm not pleading guilty because I wasn't high.. or what's the worst comes to worst? Also will this affect my financial aid?


Asked on 2/09/13, 2:27 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Steven Mandell Law Offices of Steven R. Mandell

You really need a consultation with a criminal lawyer experienced in DUI cases. Your questions require a conversation, not just a few words jotted back. As for the question about your financial aid, if you mean student financial aid, a conviction for either charge may cause problems with your financial aid. If you'd like to discuss this further with me, feel free to call me (even over the weekend) at 310 393 0639. If I can't answer the phone when you call, leave a message with a number to call you back. Good luck. Steve Mandell

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Answered on 2/09/13, 2:54 pm
Joshua Hale Hale Law Group

Agreed.

619 663 9384

DUI and marihuana charges handled throughout the state.

Attorney Joshua Hale

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Answered on 2/09/13, 3:41 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

CAN the case end up being reduced or dropped? Sure. Is that likely, just because you want it? No. The police and prosecutors don't spend time and money arresting, charging and prosecuting cases only to drop them without a fight, and a reason to do so. You get to 'defend' these charges, with or without an attorney.

A little free advice: If arrested for DUI, whether alcohol or drugs, then upon release from jail or booking, the defendant is given documents that include a notice that he has only ten days to file a request with DMV for a hearing on an appeal of the automatic suspension of license imposed by DMV upon arrest. That is separate and runs consecutively with any suspension that may be imposed by DMV or the court upon conviction. Contact DMV and do so timely if you think you have grounds for appeal. If you don't know how to do these things effectively, then hire an attorney that does.

When questioned, arrested or charged with any crime, the proper questions are, can any evidence obtained in a test, search or statement be used against you, can you be convicted, and what can you do? No amount of free 'tips and hints' from here or elsewhere are going to effectively help in a legal defense. If you don't know how to represent yourself effectively against an experienced prosecutor intending to convict, then hire an attorney who does, who will try to get a dismissal, charge reduction, diversion, programs, or other decent outcome through motions, plea bargain, or take it to trial if appropriate.

If serious about hiring counsel to help in this, and if this is in SoCal courts, feel free to contact me. I�ll be happy to help fight and get the best outcome possible, using whatever defenses and sympathies there may be.

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Answered on 2/11/13, 4:53 pm


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