DUI Attorney
DUI Attorney in Marin County
In Marin County, being convicted of a DUI or DWI can have significant, life-altering ramifications. For example, a DUI conviction can result in probation, large fines, mandatory attendance in a DUI offender program, a suspended driver’s license, and even jail time.
If you were charged with a DUI in Marin County, the potential outcome – including the spectrum of punishments – will depend primarily on the specific factual circumstances associated with your situation (e.g., what led to the arrest, whether you have prior DUI/DWI convictions, and so forth). This is where it makes sense to contact an experienced Marin County DUI attorney. They can assess your situation and offer insight and guidance into the legal process, and what to expect going forward.
Understanding DUI Laws
In Marin County, it is against the law to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, medication or drugs, or if you have a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or greater. Local police, Marin County Sheriff’s Deputies and members of the California Highway Patrol are legally required to place motorists under arrest if they are deemed to be under the influence of alcohol, medication or drugs, or have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or greater.
Individuals charged with a DUI in Marin County need to be proactive in mounting a viable defense. Why? Because a DUI conviction carries significant consequences and harsh penalties. Those penalties only become harsher if you have a prior DUI conviction on your record, were driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.15 percent or greater, or had a minor younger than the age of 14 in the vehicle at the time of your arrest.
Nevertheless, it is important to remember that a DUI criminal case is not determined by whether you were drinking and driving. Instead, the crux of a DUI case in Marin County is whether the prosecution possesses sufficient evidence to prove you were driving while intoxicated. In fact, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving while intoxicated.
Benefits of Hiring a DUI Attorney
There are numerous benefits associated with hiring a DUI attorney in Marin County. One of the biggest benefits is simply having a counselor on your side who can explain your legal rights and options. Another key benefit is having a skilled advocate working on your behalf to build a compelling defense. Your DUI attorney can visit the scene of the stop, investigate what field sobriety test, or tests were administered by law enforcement, investigate the circumstances surrounding the administration of the field sobriety test(s), and examine how law enforcement arrived at your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). In addition, your Marin County DUI attorney can question the arresting officer and question any witnesses during a Pretrial Motion or at the license suspension hearing conducted by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Working With Kevin Heaney
The Law Offices of Kevin Heaney has a strong reputation in the Marin County community and is known for providing effective legal representation to people confronting serious criminal charges, such as a DUI. Kevin Heaney takes pride in the positive influence he has on the lives of his clients’ lives, which inspires him to work tirelessly on their behalf. Kevin believes everyone deserves a fair shot and quality legal representation when they are charged with a criminal offense.
To learn more about what it is like to work with Marin County DUI attorney Kevin Heaney, take a moment to review real testimonials from his clients.
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The DUI Legal Process
If you were arrested for a DUI in Marin County, one of the first steps to take (after calling an experienced DUI attorney in Marin County) is to contact the DMV. This is important because the DMV automatically suspends the driver’s license of a motorist thirty days after being arrested for a DUI (yes, your license can be suspended even prior to a conviction).
To contest the validity of the suspension, you are required to formally request a hearing within ten days of the DUI arrest. If you fail to request a hearing within 10 days of the DUI arrest, your driver’s license will automatically be suspended, even if the DUI charges are subsequently dismissed.
In addition to a license suspension hearing, you will need to appear at an arraignment, which is the initial appearance before a Marin County judge. During the arraignment, you will be afforded the opportunity to enter a plea of “guilty,” “not guilty,” or “no contest” to the DUI charges. In addition, bail arrangements can be made during the arraignment.
Following the arraignment, your DUI case will proceed to trial. Once the trial commences, the prosecution and your DUI defense attorney will present evidence and be afforded the opportunity to question witnesses. Your DUI defense attorney will also have the chance to challenge the results of your blood alcohol concentration test and any other evidence submitted by the prosecution.
The Importance of Acting Swiftly
If you were arrested for driving under the influence in Marin County, acting swiftly and contacting a DUI attorney right away is incredibly important and will likely benefit your defense. This is because the incident – including being pulled over, being subjected to a field sobriety test, etc. – will be fresh in your mind which will enable you to provide a more detailed and accurate accounting of what exactly happened. Your DUI defense attorney can then use this information to go to work for you and get a jump on building your defense.
Being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) is oftentimes a traumatic and anxiety-inducing event. The ramifications of a DUI conviction can be far reaching and severe. This is why you owe it to yourself to retain a top-notch Marin County DUI attorney who has the experience, skills and knowledge to effectively handle your case. If you were arrested or charged with a DUI in Marin County, take action by contacting the Law Offices of Kevin Heaney. For more than 25 years, Kevin Heaney has represented individuals charged with an array of criminal offenses, including DUI. Put his experience and knowledge to work for you. Contact his office today to schedule a confidential case evaluation.
Contact Kevin Heaney Now
Give us a call and tell us what happened
Testimonials
Here’s what clients had to say about Kevin Heaney’s work
Kevin did an amazing job. He turned a nightmare into a really manageable situation. Without going into detail, I was facing some complications due to my record that would have made for a lengthy and grand problem. He was able to get it mitigated and really came away amazing, compared to where we started. Worth every penny and more. I feel that the work he did was more than commensurate for what he charged me. I will use him in the future and I would recommend him to family and friends.
Amazing honest and efficient lawyer! Kevin knows the ins and outs of the criminal system. He is the definitely the guy to have on your side. I won’t go into the details of the case, but my brother got involve in a domestic violent situation and we needed a good Marin lawyer that wouldn’t charge an arm and a leg to take his case. I was referred to Kevin by a friend of mine. I noticed on the initial phone consultation that he really wanted to help. We were able to work out a very reasonable price for the handling of the case, so we hired him. Kevin worked hard since day one, and he got my bro a very good deal with the DA. Our family is thankful to have hired him.
I contacted Kevin when I needed legal representation in a case which I felt required a high level of client service and representation. He was always right there for me when I needed him, whether it was showing up early for hearings, to the individualized attention I received at the courthouse, and having private meetings in his office anytime, as often as needed without any rescheduling. Kevin approached my case with care and made me feel comfortable as he took the time to thoroughly review my case history, explain my options to me, and was readily available and responsive when I had questions or just needed to talk to him. He treated my case with genuine care and attention it deserved and my case results certainly reflected his strong personal and professional attributes. I wouldn’t hesitate to contact Kevin again if the need arises.
I received the best possible outcome by giving my case to Kevin Heaney. He fought for me the entire way until he got my case dismissed! I have never come across a lawyer that cares so much about his clients or what happens to them. His rates are very affordable and he is open to negotiate the numbers. It is clear that he wants to help. Kevin knows his stuff and he is on top of it. He is also very personable, kept me in the loop of things throughout the process and always returned my calls and emails. I am grateful and lucky to have found Kevin. He is a true professional and knows how to get it done.
I wanted to thank you for the excellent job you did on getting Luis Correa’s case dismissed. You were very efficient and with minimal stress to Mr Correa. He had full confidence in you and you made it very easy for him to put this case in your hands. The fact that he only had to meet with you a few times and only able to provide you with minimal information he had on his case was a blessing that you were able to get the case dismissed! You know your stuff! Thank you once again and Mr Correa is very pleased with the outcome and can get on with his life without this case over him.
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