Merced DUI Court Information

Arrested for DUI in Merced

If you've been arrested for a DUI in Merced, you should consult a local DUI defense lawyer so that you understand all your options. Getting a DUI is a difficult and confusing process. You face criminal penalties as well as administrative penalties. It's important to have the best legal DUI representation, to have someone stand by you, to fight for your rights, and protect your interests.

Terry A. Wapner and David E. Jones have experience defending DUI clients in the central valley for over 40 years combined. They are well-known in the legal community as DUI experts among Merced County judges, lawyers, and prosecutors. Terry Wapner and David Jones are familiar with the local Merced police, courthouse officials, prosecutors and judges on your DUI case.

The City of Merced is located in the San Joaquin Valley, and is the seat of Merced County. This area of Northern California sees a high number of travelers passing through the city every year, and along with increased traffic comes an increase in DUI arrests.

The Merced Courthouse

If you have been arrested in the City of Merced for a DUI, your case will be heard at the Merced County Superior Court.

Merced County Courthouse- Criminal Division

Location:
2260 North Street
Merced, CA 95340
Phone: (209) 723-2401

The Merced County Superior Court handles many cases, including misdemeanors, felonies, and minor infractions. Most DUI cases are tried as criminal matters. After your DUI arrest, the police officer will give you a citation with the date, time, and location for your hearing.

Merced DUI penalties

After a Merced DUI arrest, you face both administrative and criminal proceedings. These are separate proceedings, and each has serious potential penalties. You only have 10 days to request a DMV hearing. After a DUI arrest, you have a very short time to request an administrative DMV hearing to keep your license from being automatically suspended. If you don't request the hearing within that short window, you lose your right to a hearing.

There are important deadlines involved in each DUI case, and an experienced DUI attorney will act fast to make sure you maintain all your options for resolving your case. If you have a DUI lawyer, they can represent you for your DMV hearing as well as the criminal matter. Terry Wapner and David Jones have been doing DMV hearings for more than 20 years. These administrative hearings have unique rules and a different process than the criminal proceedings. We are highly experienced in handling both the criminal and administrative process, and will represent you and your case throughout the entire DUI process.

California provides for minimum and maximum sentences and penalties for DUI related offenses. Therefore a judge has some level of flexibility when it comes to handing down your sentence for a DUI. If you are arrested and charged for a first DUI offense, you will generally be subject to the following:

• Minimum jail time from 10-20 days, which take place in a work program
• Approximate fine of $2,000
• From 3 to 9 months attending a DUI school
• Possible participation in Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous
• Probation from 3 to 5 years
• Possible alcohol restriction during the probationary period
• Driver's license suspension for six months by the DMV

Experienced Merced DUI Attorneys

A DUI arrest does not have to mean a DUI conviction. You have rights, and Wapner Jones, PC will help you make the best decisions for your future given the facts of your individual case. If you are arrested for a DUI in Merced or the surrounding area, contact our offices immediately to discuss your case. We make sure that each client gets the personalized attention they need for the best possible outcome. Schedule your initial consultation today.