Frequently Asked Questions

I wasn’t read my Miranda rights. Does that mean I can win my case?

Miranda only has to be given if there is post-arrest interrogation. Most cops in a DUI investigation are trained to get everything they need out of your mouth “prior” to cuffing you, so Miranda usually doesn’t apply. However, there are instances when a cop will conduct further questioning at the station, where Miranda WOULD have to be given in order for the statements to be admissible in court.

I missed my 10 days to request a hearing from the DMV. Is there any hope for my license?

Yes. DMV does allow late requests, especially when the cause for delay is justifiable. For example, some people remain in custody, or are not given the pink slip (temporary license) containing the 10-day rule. However, the longer you go beyond the 10 days, the less likely a late request will be granted.

I missed my court date and have a warrant. What should I do?

You should hire a lawyer to go to court to recall the warrant. A lawyer can usually do this without you present if the underlying charge is a misdemeanor, so it is less risky for you.

I just got cited for a DUI. Do I need to file SR-22?

SR-22, or proof of insurance, has to be filed for 3 years AFTER conviction of a DUI. Your first order of business after being cited for a DUI is to figure out how to avoid being convicted.

I have a DUI from many years ago. Can I have it expunged?

You need to have successfully completed the entire term of probation, have nothing criminal pending, and not be on probation for any other offense(s). If the DUI was a felony, you need to have it reduced first to a misdemeanor before you can proceed with expungement. The level of difficulty varies from county to county, so it is advisable to hire a lawyer familiar with the various courts in Southern California.

What are the most important things I should look for when hiring a DUI lawyer?

Ask yourself 3 things: a) Will this lawyer actually be the one representing you? Or does this lawyer simply pass the case off to “one” of the associates. b) Does this lawyer specialize in DUI? Or does this lawyer take whatever walks in the door? c) Is the quoted fee the “actual” fee that you will be paying? Or are there plenty of hidden fees that will hit you when you don’t simply plead guilty?

I just got arrested for a drug DUI and I wasn’t drinking. What can I do?

While the consequences of a drug DUI are largely the same as those of an alcohol DUI (less the DMV portion), drug DUIs are harder to prove, because there isn’t a specific concentration level that the state deems as impairment. Therefore it is even more important to fight the case in court.

I just got a letter in the mail from law enforcement, with a request to contact a detective regarding an accident/incident involving my vehicle. What should I do?

You should absolutely NOT respond to such a letter. You have the right to remain silent, and that means the right to NOT speak to investigators/cops. Remember, no matter what you say it will be twisted around and used against you later. In short, no benefit can be derived from responding. You should contact a lawyer ASAP if you have received such a letter or voice mail.

I just got arrested for a DUI and I refused all tests. Can they still convict me?

Absolutely, especially if you forgot about the right to remain silent and copped yourself out. Remember, no matter what you said it will be twisted around and used to make you look guilty. Also, many refusal cases still (unfortunately) involve Field Sobriety Tests, which are designed to make anyone, sober or not, look impaired. With that said, a refusal DUI is usually more defensible than a regular DUI, since there isn’t a specific number that prosecutors can point to, but the consequences of conviction are more severe.

I just picked up a DUI and I blew over the legal limit. I’m guilty, so what’s the point of hiring a lawyer?

First of all, being over the legal limit is just the starting point, and all DUI cases that are won involve people who are at or above the legal limit (or they refused). If you were under the legal limit, you wouldn’t even have been cited. Second, just because you feel you are guilty, it doesn’t mean you need to have the full brunt of the consequences crash down on you. With proper representation, things like jail time, license suspension, fines, probation, alcohol school…etc. can be reduced or eliminated, guilty or not.

I got a DUI over 10 years ago, and I didn't finish the alcohol program. I am living in out of the country now. Can I get my driver's license back without finishing program?

No, You cannot get your license unless and until you finish the alcohol program. If you did not finish the program, there is probably a warrant for your arrest. You will need to recall the warrant first, then have the Judge reinstate you back to the program.

The Law Office of “The DUI Specialist” Jeff Yeh is proud to serve clients in all of Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. The firm handles DUI and criminal cases in Torrance, Long Beach, South Bay, Downey, San Fernando, Santa Monica, Westminster, Santa Ana, Newport Beach, Hawthorne, Fullerton, Laguna Niguel, Alhambra, Hollywood, Yorba Linda, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Burbank, Pasadena, Santa Clarita, Valencia, Newhall, Whittier, West Covina, Calabasas, Garden Grove, Tustin, Foutain Valley, Anaheim, Inglewood, Buena Park, Cerritos, Lakewood, Los Alamitos, Bellflower, Norwalk, Chino, Carson, Redondo Beach, Orange County, Los Angeles County, San Diego County, Ventura County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, El Monte, Manhattan Beach, Gardena, Compton, South Gate, La Puente, Pomona, Costa Mesa, San Clemente, Mission Viejo, Laguna Beach, San Pedro, Glendale, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Temple City, Westwood, Van Nuys, Woodland Hills, Encino, Sun Valley, La Canada, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Azuza, La Verne, Pomona, West Hollywood, Marina del Rey, Chatsworth, San Fernando, Orange, Placentia, La Crescenta, Corona, Bellflower, Rosemead, Montebello, San Dimas, Vernon, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, Diamond Bar, Sherman Oaks, Eagle Rock, Bel Air, Chino Hills, Brentwood, Simi Valley, Lancaster, Fontana, Riverside, Big Bear, Barstow, Indio, Murrieta, Blythe, and all other cities in Southern California.

The information on this Los Angeles DUI Defense Attorney‘s / Lawyer’s website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this or associated pages, documents, comments, answers, emails, or other communications should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information on this website is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing of this information does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. The only way to establish an attorney-client relationship with a criminal defense attorney or DUI lawyer is to sign a written retainer agreement and comply with its terms. 

Copyright © Law Office of Jeff Yeh 2022

(213) 446 - 2495
1HR FREE CONSULTATION