So my Stupid friend got a D.U.I last night. I found out this morning when she called me.

They put her in the Drunk Tank all night.

She is a Permanent Resident with a Teaching Job for disabled senior citizens and Children.

Does anyone recommend any Lawyers in the Bay Area or have any advice.

Part of me wants her to pay the full penalty so she learns her lesson which I don't think she has but the other more caring gentle side wants me to take care of her 

Ouch!

Where did she get picked up? A lawyer who knows that particular county's court may be a good idea.

Quote from: desmoquattro on September 09, 2008, 01:16:16 PM
Ouch!

Where did she get picked up? A lawyer who knows that particular county's court may be a good idea.

Not sure. I will recommend that to her.

I am rather pissed at her right now. I warned her about this and have driven her home before when I thought she could not or should not drive.
I really hope this is her Wake Up Call 

Permanent resident as in not a US citizen?  That's not good.  She needs an attorney.

Quote from: Spidey on September 09, 2008, 01:27:53 PM
Permanent resident as in not a US citizen?  That's not good.  She needs an attorney.

That is correct. I already told her to consult a Lawyer.

I read online and thats normally for offense more severe like if someone was actually injured etc.

I imagine the penalty now, and subsequent insurance hike later, will get her attention.

Why, what difference does the permanent residency make? Shouldn't affect her current status.

I am here on a greencard myself, the only thing I know where that *might* (not necessarily) bite her in the ass is when she should try to get the citizenship later.

Quote from: krif on September 09, 2008, 03:27:59 PM
Why, what difference does the permanent residency make? Shouldn't affect her current status.

I am here on a greencard myself, the only thing I know where that *might* (not necessarily) bite her in the ass is when she should try to get the citizenship later.

I know someone who was in the process of getting a citizenship and when he got a DUI they made him start over again.

I believe its up to the discretion of the Immigration department if they want to deport you or not in regards to a DUI. But what I can tell online thats is normally considered when someone is harmed because of your Actions.

Seriously though I am glad this happened to her.  She was on a road to destruction. It was just a matter of time she hurt herself or others.  I really hope this is her wake up call.

Quote from: ROBsS4R on September 09, 2008, 04:17:42 PM
I know someone who was in the process of getting a citizenship and when he got a DUI they made him start over again.

I believe its up to the discretion of the Immigration department if they want to deport you or not in regards to a DUI. But what I can tell online thats is normally considered when someone is harmed because of your Actions.

True.
Any felony may cancel your US citizenship process.
And let's be honest, it's fair, IMHO.

Ok, it would be even more fair that US citizens loose their citizenship for DUI but well...  

Quote from: ROBsS4R on September 09, 2008, 04:17:42 PM
Seriously though I am glad this happened to her.  She was on a road to destruction. It was just a matter of time she hurt herself or others.  I really hope this is her wake up call.

It sounds like she needs an AA meeting as well as an attorney.

They say that a DUI ends up costing close to $40k after all the fees, insurance hikes, etc.  I bet that'll catch her attention.

She's lucky she didn't kill anyone.  That'd be something fierce to have on your conscience.

Quote from: Michael Moore on September 10, 2008, 08:43:50 AM
It sounds like she needs an AA meeting as well as an attorney.

Oh shee'l be going to some of those alright! That is, if she ever wants to drive again.

_{Dont ask how I know.}

Quote from: Le Piou on September 09, 2008, 08:02:32 PM
True.
Any felony may cancel your US citizenship process.
And let's be honest, it's fair, IMHO.

Ok, it would be even more fair that US citizens loose their citizenship for DUI but well...  

Actually, a felony makes it impossible for you to get the citizenship. Nowadays a misdemeanor can already mean you're out of luck.

Quote from: Michael Moore on September 10, 2008, 08:43:50 AM
It sounds like she needs an AA meeting as well as an attorney.

Oh I already had that talk with her.

She basically is a Social Alcoholic. She may have Glass of Wine by herself but when she goes out she gets wasted 

I think she already consulted a lawyer so she is looking at 48 hours of community service, 1 month license suspension and 3 months of DUI School not to mention all the other wonderful stuff that comes with having a DUI.

I am a friend of hers and I will help her through these troubled times but she got what she deserved... actually perhaps not enough IMO.

Quote from: ROBsS4R on September 10, 2008, 03:54:31 PM
She basically is a Social Alcoholic. She may have Glass of Wine by herself but when she goes out she gets wasted 

Who doesn't? 
I got wasted myself every single time I go out, I don't think it's a big deal, unless you're driving to go back home...

Quote from: ROBsS4R on September 10, 2008, 03:54:31 PM
I think she already consulted a lawyer so she is looking at 48 hours of community service, 1 month license suspension and 3 months of DUI School not to mention all the other wonderful stuff that comes with having a DUI.

Make sure that the lawyer is aware of those immigration/citizenship things. I don't know how a "not contest" may be better than a "guilty" if she needs to apply later for the US citizenship... But it might be a real problem for her in the future...