Legal Question in DUI Law in California
I recently got pulled over for driving with suspended privileges in the state of california for a dui I had gotten about 4 years prior. At the time I had a hawaiin drivers license that was never taken from me. I moved back to hawaii and everything was fine. When I came back to california I got a cali ID, at which time I believe I signed something saying that I recognize the fact that I can't drive in this state without a cali license. A few years pass and I had gotten pulled over a couple of times, showed them the hawaiin license, and they let me go. Than I got pulled over for not having a light on my license plate and they nailed me. Since the arrest I have gotten my cali license in order to reduce the charges and stay out of jail. The prosecutor offered me an additional 3 years summery probation (forgot to mention I was on summery probation for mistimeanor hit and run at the time I got pulled over) a large fine, lots of community service, and I have to have a breath ignition lock on any car I drive. Is this a good deal? Do you think at very least I can get the breath ignition lock removed from the plea bargain? Thank you soooooooo much for your time. I really can't afford a lawyer, and the public defender I have is worthless.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Many public defenders are very good lawyers, but they have a huge caseload and never have as much time as they would like to spend with clients. It doesn't make their job any easier when a client has an attitude, so I would try to talk with the PD instead of describing him or her as "worthless."
This may also be a case where your lawyer is working very hard to obtain the necessary information. You don't even know what you signed at DMV, and it would be impossible for any lawyer to answer your questions intelligently without getting all of the documentation. The Public Defender is in a far better position to advise you on this case than anybody on LawGuru.
Recent changes in California law make the ignition interlock mandatory for driving on a license suspended for a DUI, so the judge has no authority to remove it from the deal.