Property Damages

Damages to property in a DUI case may influence the judge to sentence you to additional fines, longer treatment programs, and a lengthier jail or probation time. Property damages will also incur a larger increase in your insurance rates, and you may be expected to pay over four times your usual amount in insurance costs just to remain insured. At your DMV hearing, property damages will likely weigh in as to the length of your license suspension, and whether or not you are eligible for a restricted or provisionary license. Having a qualified Vista DUI attorney is your best chance at having a successful outcome in cases which involve property damages. Your Vista DUI attorney will be able to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, and build the best defense possible for your case. Remember – even if you were not at fault, if you have elevated blood alcohol levels and are in an accident, you will still be charged with DUI, and the penalties surrounding your case may be enhanced because of the accident.

Personal Injuries

If you have been charged with a DUI that involves an accident, and that accident causes severe injury or death to another party, your DUI will be charged as a felony rather than as a misdemeanor. Felony DUI cases require special handling and should always be represented by someone who has had extensive training in Vista DUI law. Felony DUI cases involve much higher penalties, including prison time, and you will be required to attend all court dates – unlike misdemeanor cases, where in some instances your attorney can appear before the court on your behalf.

If the injuries are minor, your case may be handled as a misdemeanor, but because the prosecuting attorney has the option to charge these types of offenses as felonies, it is prudent to hire a skilled Vista DUI attorney who can contest specific issues of your case during the pretrial phase. Regardless of the type of charge you face, DUI charges in Vista that involve personal injury always have enhanced penalties and fines – another reason to have an experienced Vista DUI defense attorney representing your case.