Having a child who has a run in with the law is never an easy experience, but parents often become the resource and lifeline children need when they face serious consequences. If your child has been arrested for driving under the influence, it is important to understand that you can play a role in helping them fight the criminal charges and penalties they face – penalties that could very well result in significant consequences and limitations to their future.
At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, our Ventura DUI attorneys have represented clients charged with all types of DUI offenses throughout Ventura County, Los Angeles, and the surrounding areas. These include cases of underage DUI, multiple DUI, and more serious charges involving aggravating factors or felony allegations. In every case, we devote the necessary time and attention to guide our clients through their legal journeys and toward the best resolution possible.
- Understand the charges and penalties – When you know what’s on the line, you can better understand the importance of taking the right steps to help your child. DUI charges are a serious criminal offense, and they pose short and long-term penalties, including large fines and fees, court ordered classes, probation, and possible terms of imprisonment. These penalties can be greatly enhanced if there are aggravating circumstances involved, such as accidents, injuries to victims, previous convictions, and more. A criminal record can also place limitations on your child as they attempt to find employment and become productive members of society. The stakes are real in DUI cases, and they demand the attention of attorneys who have the time, resources, and experience to handle them effectively, something that overworked and underpaid Public Defenders do not.
- Know that DUI cases have two components – It is important for you to know that DUI cases are unique from most other criminal cases in that they involve two separate and distinct proceedings. This includes the criminal case, which determines whether your son or daughter is guilty of committing a criminal offense and what penalties they may face, and administrative hearings with the Department of Motor Vehicles concerning their driving privileges and any suspension of their driver’s license. Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP represents DUI clients during both aspects of their case.
- Know that time is a factor – Time is a critical factor in any criminal case. In DUI cases, it becomes even more important, as individuals arrested for DUI only have 10 days from the date of an arrest to request an administrative DMV hearing to avoid the loss of driving privileges and contest license suspensions or revocations. Bringing your case to the attention of our team as soon as possible after an arrest can also ensure you have guidance throughout every phase of the case, and that there is ample time to create an effective defense strategy.
- Consult an experienced attorney – One of the most important things you can do as a parent, and really one of the most important things anyone can do following an arrest, is to consult and experienced lawyer. Our legal team understands that arrests can happen at any time, which is why we make ourselves available days, nights, and weekends. We can help you take the necessary steps to address any immediate issues, including bail, and work toward representing your son or daughter in all aspects of their case. Our team is here to immediately help when you and your child are in need, whenever that need arises.
Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP has earned a reputation as an aggressive and accomplished law firm that has helped many clients throughout the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles County, Ventura County, and beyond. Over the years, our award-winning legal team has leveraged over 50 years of collective legal experience to secure more than 300 case dismissals, as well as numerous successful resolutions in which we were able to mitigate charges and penalties and preserve clients’ rights and freedoms.
If you have questions about a recent DUI arrest involving your child, do not hesitate to contact our legal team. We are available 24/7, and are ready to review the case at no cost. During an initial consultation, we can help you better understand the nature of the charges your child faces, as well as the penalties at stake, and what we can do to help.
For a FREE and confidential consultation, contact our firm today.
