Articles Posted in Probation

California Vehicle Code 23600 prohibits driving with any measurable amount of alcohol in your system if you are currently on probation for a DUI. This section of the Vehicle Code is referred to as the Zero Tolerance Law.

Prior to January 2009, the aforementioned section allowed a Judge to revoke probation unless the person violating probation agreed to serve at least 48 hours in County Jail, in the situation that the zero tolerance law was violated and the Blood Alcohol Level (BAC) was over a .04%.

The current law, however, has gotten a lot stricter. If you are now caught violating the Zero Tolerance Law, the DMV will automatically suspend your driver’s license for a year. Additionally, the new law authorizes law enforcement to issue a notice of suspension and impound the vehicle of the person who is caught driving with a BAC over .01%.

In light of the new law , it is now more important than ever to hire an experienced Los Angeles DUI and Criminal Defense attorney who has defended thousands of probation violation and DUI cases. There is a crucial 10 day time limit to request a DMV hearing, which will determine the status of your license. If a DMV hearing is not promptly requested, you may lose your opportunity to state your case to a DMV officer resulting in a revocation or suspension. The knowledgeable attorneys at Hoffman and Associates prepare a powerful defense specific to the facts of your case that you obtain the best desired outcome possible. Our thirty years of experience are reflected in the solid reputation we have built among the many Judges and Prosecutors in the Criminal courts of Southern California.

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When a person is charged with a Los Angeles DUI case they are required by state law to be placed on a minimum of 3 to 5 years of Summary Probation along with a fine to be paid and a rehabilitation program to be completed. In some cases jail time will also be required.

There are two types of probation, informal and formal. Informal probation is generally the case for first offense misdemeanor DUI charges. It is unsupervised whereas formal probation requires the supervision of a deputy probation officer and is usually part of a sentence in more extreme felony charges of DUI.

There are two type of probation violations: external and internal. An internal probation violation results when a person fails to complete the required rehabilitation classes or pay the required fine. An external violation results when a similar crime is committed within the probationary period.s

Being arrested is like being kicked in the head by a mule. It probably leaves you dazed and confused for many hours. One of the most important benefits of consulting and experienced DUI and Criminal defense attorney is to understand the potential consequences of the charge you were arrested for.

Every criminal charge has a sentencing guideline set out by the legislature in one of several common places. These include the vehicle code, Penal code, health and safety code and welfare and institutions code.

Although most people think there is a set penalty, that is not true. To be more accurate, there are sentencing ranges set out for each code violation. These typical penalties include summary or unsupervised probation and formal probation where one is assigned a probation officer which oversees your compliance with the terms and conditions of your probation subsequent to a conviction by plea, court or jury trial.

Nicole Richie, former reality star and daughter of famous musical artist Lionel Richie, was granted an extension on her probation resulting from a 2006 DUI.sIn December of 2006, Richie was arrested and charged with a DUI after she was caught driving the wrong way on a Los Angeles freeway. After pleading guilty, she was sentenced to 4 days in jail and 38 alcohol education classes.

Richie’s probation was set to end in July 2010, however the actress has been unable to complete all the court requirements due to the birth of her two children with rocker Joel Madden. Richie’s attorney requested a court approved leave from her alcohol education classes, which was granted by the Judge and extended to March 2011.s

You do not need to be a celebrity to get highly skilled Criminal Defense help. A Los Angeles DUI Attorney who has been practicing for over thirty years can provide you with affordable professional representation and the zealous advocacy you need to successfully fight your case.sAt Hoffman and Associates we have helped thousands of clients with DUIS and have established a solid reputation with the many Judges and Prosecutors in Southern California courts.