Clovis Court

If you are arrested for a Fresno DUI in the Clovis area, it will likely affect every aspect of your life.  Hiring a qualified Clovis DUI defense attorney is the most important decision you will make.  The Clovis DUI defense lawyer you hire should be local to the Clovis area and should specialize in DUI defense.  It is important to hire a Clovis DUI lawyer who knows the Clovis courthouse and works well with the judges and District Attorneys. 

Other things to consider when hiring a Clovis DUI Defense Attorney are whether the attorney is willing to take the matter to trial.  While most misdemeanor DUI cases do not warrant a jury trial as they can be favorably resolved within the arraignment or pre-trial stage – you should always consider whether the attorney is ready and willing to take the case to a jury.  Most retainer agreements for a Clovis DUI are good up until a jury trial, but do not include a jury trial.  It is important to understand all costs associated with a DUI in the Fresno area.  Also, keep in mind that simply because a Clovis DUI lawyer offers the most expensive services does not mean that he or she can provide the best services and, on the other hand, simply because they offer the cheapest retainer does not mean that you are getting the best bargain.

It is important to feel comfortable with the Clovis DUI Defense Lawyer that you hire.  Maintain an open and honest line of communication with the Clovis Defense Attorney that you hire, to that the counsel you retain can provide the best defense in your case.  You should feel confident in discussing all aspects of your Clovis DUI case with the attorney that you hire and should feel free to contact them with any questions or concerns.

Given the time sensitivity of a DUI case, it is important to hire a Clovis DUI Defense Attorney as soon as you are released from arrest.  Upon release from arrest, you will be given a temporary license in lieu of your real driver’s license, if you are a California licensed driver.  The temporary license will be good for 30 days.  At the expiration of this temporary license you license will be suspended for four months on a first offense Clovis DUI arrest.  The Department of Motor Vehicle issues this suspension and it is completely independent of the court case.  If you want to object to the automatic suspension and present evidence regarding an improper arrest or a BAC of lower than .08%, then you must contact the DMV within 10 days of your arrest.  This will allow you to request a hearing and at the hearing to present evidence regarding the invalidity of your arrest. 

Hiring a Clovis DUI Defense Lawyer within the first 10 days means that they can contact the DMV on your behalf, request the hearing and present evidence to the hearing officer.  If the case warrants a skilled Clovis DUI lawyer may want to subpoena the officer and cross-examine him or her during the hearing or may want to have an expert toxicologist testify on your behalf.  No matter what the circumstances of your Clovis DUI, it is important to contact a reputable Clovis DUI attorney to save your license and represent you at all court appearances through the Clovis Courthouse.