Honolulu DUI Attorney

Protecting Your Rights & Freedom After a DUI or OVUII Arrest in HAwaii

When you have been arrested for DUI, it may appear that you have no hope and that the case against you is unbeatable in court. With the help of skilled Honolulu criminal defense representation, challenging DUI evidence could lead to a dismissal, reduced charges, or an acquittal when your case goes to trial.

By retaining the services of a DUI attorney Honolulu from the Law Office of Steve Cedillos, you will be getting a dedicated legal representative who will take immediate action to defend your rights and could challenge the evidence against you in court. I have more than 30 years of experience as a litigator and I am prepared to take an aggressive approach to help you fight back.

What Should I Do If I Get Arrested for Drunk Driving?

If you have been charged with drunk driving, it is important to understand the types of evidence that will be used against you and how that evidence can be challenged.

For example, field sobriety tests, which are used to gain more evidence of intoxication, may have serious errors. These tests are often challenged as the officer may not have followed the guidelines in the correct administration of the tests. Additionally, the results from breath and blood tests could be challenged by proving that a lab did not follow correct procedures with testing, analysis, or preservation of the sample.

Acting quickly in such situations is crucial. Contacting a Honolulu DUI defense lawyer immediately after your arrest ensures that critical evidence is preserved and potential defenses are not overlooked. Time-sensitive defenses may be missed if action is delayed, and early legal intervention can sometimes prevent the filing of charges altogether. Knowing your rights, such as the right to remain silent and to seek legal counsel, can protect you from self-incrimination.

How Can a DUI or OVUII Charge Be Challenged?

There are various actions that could be undertaken to successfully challenge the DUI evidence presented by the prosecutor, but it takes the skills of an experienced Honolulu DUI defense lawyer to do so. If you are facing DUI charges.

**Possible Challenges Include:**

1. Blood Sample Collection Process: Ensuring it was performed accurately and legally.
2. Storage of a Blood Sample: Checking if it was stored properly to prevent contamination.
3. Method In Which the Blood Was Tested: Confirming the use of reliable and validated techniques.
4. Challenging Why You Were Stopped: Determining if there was probable cause for the traffic stop.
5. Challenging the Behavior of the Arresting Officer: Reviewing if there was any misconduct or procedural errors.
6. Results of the Breathalyzer Test: Verifying the maintenance and calibration records of the testing device.

Call my firm today and get the legal representation you can depend on to aggressively fight the evidence against you.

Charges & Penalties for DUI in Honolulu

In Honolulu, a plea bargain is not generally offered for a DUI charge. For a first-offense DUI, there is no minimum required jail time, but if there are additional aggravating factors, however, jail can be imposed. Such aggravating factors can include:

• Vehicular manslaughter
• Driving with children in the car
• An incredibly high BAC
• Zero tolerance
• Driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol
• Out-of-state DUI convictions
• Reckless driving/accident

Offenders may be required to pay a fine that ranges anywhere from $150 - $1,000 and have their license suspended for one year. The courts may also assign the driver up to 72 hours of community service and require them to enroll in an alcohol abuse program. For a second offense, a convicted individual might face fines of up to $1,500 and 14 days in jail, as well as a two-year license suspension. In some cases, 240 hours of community service might be exchanged for jail time. A third offense may incur penalties of a month in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Depending on the severity of the situation, a judge could revoke an offender's license for up to 5 years. As you can see, for every repeat offense, the DUI penalties greatly increase.

Understanding the legal ramifications and potential penalties of DUI charges is critical for anyone facing such charges in Honolulu. Engaging a knowledgeable DUI lawyer can help you navigate these complexities, potentially mitigating some of the harsher penalties through strategic legal defense. Furthermore, understanding alternative penalties such as probation or alcohol treatment programs can provide clients with options that might be more constructive than incarceration. Legal representation ensures that all potential avenues for reducing penalties are explored thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Defense

What Are the Immediate Steps to Take After a DUI Arrest?

After a DUI arrest in Honolulu, it's crucial to remain calm and composed. First, understand your rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to contact an attorney. It's advisable to cooperate with the arresting officers but avoid making any statements or admissions that could be used against you later in court. Seeking immediate legal counsel is essential as a competent DUI defense lawyer can help protect your rights from the outset. An experienced attorney from Law Offices of Steve Cedillos will review the circumstances of your arrest, scrutinize the evidence, and begin constructing a defense strategy to contest the charges and minimize the impact on your life.

How Does the DUI Process Differ in Hawaii Compared to Other States?

Hawaii's DUI process has unique elements that differ from other states. In Hawaii, an OVUII (Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant) encompasses both alcohol and drugs. There is also an implied consent rule where drivers implicitly consent to a breath, blood, or urine test when suspected of DUI. A refusal to take these tests results in an automatic license suspension. Moreover, Hawaii does not always offer plea bargains for DUI cases, making a robust defense critical. Having a DUI lawyer who fully understands Hawaii's legal landscape is imperative to navigating these challenging situations.

Can You Fight a DUI Charge if You Failed a Breathalyzer Test?

Yes, even if you failed a breathalyzer test, a skilled Honolulu DUI attorney can explore several defense avenues. Breathalyzer devices are not infallible and can yield inaccurate results due to improper calibration, device malfunctions, or even human error. Furthermore, factors like diet and certain medical conditions can affect breath test results. By challenging the accuracy and reliability of the breathalyzer results, your attorney can potentially weaken the prosecution's case, advocating for a dismissal or reduction of charges.

What Are the Long-Term Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Honolulu?

Long-term consequences of a DUI conviction extend beyond legal penalties. A conviction can lead to increased insurance premiums, a permanent criminal record, and potential difficulties in securing employment. It can also impact professional licenses and travel opportunities. The stigma associated with a DUI conviction can affect personal and professional relationships, highlighting the importance of mounting a vigorous defense. With an aggressive strategy from Law Offices of Steve Cedillos, you can work toward minimizing or avoiding these far-reaching consequences.

How Can the Law Office of Steve Cedillos Assist in My DUI Defense?

With three decades of experience, the Law Office of Steve Cedillos offers personalized and comprehensive legal support tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Our firm is committed to providing 24/7 accessibility to guide you through the legal process, ensuring no stone is left unturned in your defense. Leveraging a deep understanding of Honolulu’s legal system, we work diligently to protect your rights and strive for the best possible outcome. This client-centered approach, coupled with our local expertise, positions us as a trusted ally in your DUI defense.

Hire a DUI Attorney You Can Trust in Honolulu

Do not face your DUI charges alone. It can severely alter your case results, and you may face fines and jail time that you could have avoided or minimized with an experienced Honolulu DUI attorney's assistance. Please call my office as soon as you can to make an appointment with the Honolulu law firm that has been in practice for more than two decades!

When choosing a DUI attorney, it's essential to find someone who understands the nuances of Hawaii law and has a proven track record of effectively assisting those facing DUI charges. A personalized approach to your legal defense can make a significant difference in the outcome. With over thirty years of aiding individuals in Honolulu, my firm is dedicated to offering the compassionate yet aggressive legal defense you deserve. Early intervention by a skilled DUI lawyer can position you favorably within the legal system, providing a comprehensive defense strategy that considers all aspects of your situation.