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Los Angeles DUI Restitution Hearings

Los Angeles DUI Attorney

When a defendant is convicted of a driving under the influence offense that involved a collision or injury to another person, he or she will be ordered to pay restitution to the victim as a condition of probation. The prosecutor will reach out to the victim, who will provide a dollar amount reflecting what is owed to them for their injuries or damages. The defendant can challenge the amount of restitution requested and is entitled to a restitution hearing at which a judge will hear evidence from the victim and will ultimately determine how much, if any, restitution is owed by the defendant.

Drivers in California are required to carry automobile insurance in order to cover them in case they are involved in an accident. If DUI drivers are in compliance with this law, their insurer may cover the victim’s damages and the driver would not have to pay the victim out of pocket. However, there are many situations where a DUI defendant may be required to personally pay victim restitution.

If the defendant did not have automobile insurance or if the victim’s damages exceeded the limits of the defendant’s policy, the defendant would be expected to pay restitution as a condition of probation. The judge would deduct any payments received from the defendant’s insurer when calculating an appropriate restitution award. In some cases, the victim may settle with the defendant’s insurer but still has outstanding medical expenses or property damage that was not satisfied by the settlement. California law allows victims to recover the full amount of any reasonable loss or expense incurred. This means that even if the victim settled for a lower amount with the defendant’s insurer in order to get paid right away, that victim can still seek the remaining restitution owed from the defendant directly. In addition, insurance does not cover every type of loss that a victim may incur. As a result, even defendants who are insured may be required to pay victim restitution.

Typically, at the time of sentencing the defendant will stipulate that he or she is liable for the victim’s damages, but will not stipulate to a dollar amount. The judge may also have the defendant make a Harvey waiver, which allows the victim to collect restitution for any counts that have been dismissed.

The restitution hearing is usually set a few months after sentencing, which gives the insurance company an opportunity to settle any claims and also gives the victim a chance to gather necessary documentation regarding his or her injuries or losses. If the defendant does not agree with the amount of restitution sought, he or she can request a restitution hearing. This hearing is held by a judge and the victim has the burden of proving that the defendant’s conduct substantially caused his or her damages. Victims sometimes are represented by their own attorneys and they are allowed to collect reasonable attorney fees as part of a restitution award.

Victims are expected to provide documentation to prove injuries, damages or lost wages and/or profits. The defense can cross-examine the victim and often may need to subpoena records to show how a victim’s restitution demand is inaccurate. If the judge awards restitution to the victim, the defendant will be required to pay this amount as a condition of probation. A willful failure to pay can result in a probation violation and possible jail time.

If you have been arrested for a DUI offense and are concerned about restitution obligations, it is critical that you meet with a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer immediately. Los Angeles DUI Attorney Michael Kraut is a former Deputy District Attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience who is highly effective at litigating complicated restitution issues in order to get the best result possible for his clients.

For more information about Los Angeles DUI restitution hearings, and to schedule your free consultation, contact Los Angeles DUI Lawyer Michael Kraut at the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers located at 6255 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 1520, Los Angeles, CA 90028. Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at 888-334-6344 or 323-464-6453.


Client Reviews
★★★★★
Michael Kraut is outstanding! He genuinely cared about my case and instructed my mom and I throughout the entire process. He was very clear on what he needed in order to receive the best results. He kept us updated until the end. I thank him so much for getting my charges rejected. I highly recommend him to anyone with legal needs! Shaquan
★★★★★
I contacted Michael with concern for my personal and business reputation. He was very reassuring and confident the entire time. After about 3 weeks it was determined that no charges were being filed by any agency and I was in the clear of any investigation. One thing that is amazing is just how FAST Michael is at replying to phone calls, texts, and even emails! We are talking under 30 minutes in most cases. That is unheard of for most attorneys! Michael is incredible and not your typical run of the mill attorney. For best results hire him if you feel like you might be under investigation or could face charges. Even if you know you are innocent it is best to take care of the smoke before it becomes a fire. Brad
★★★★★
Michael Kraut is-hands down-the best criminal defense attorney and I can't begin to thank him for all that he did for me and my family. I reached out to him in the middle of the night and less than a couple hours later, he had gotten back to me and scheduled a meeting. He's a no-nonsense attorney who knows how to get the job done! From the second we retained him, I had peace of mind in knowing that we were in the best hands possible. If Michael Kraut couldn't get it done, I knew that it couldn't be done at all. You can't put a price tag on your freedom. He was worth every single penny. Lida
★★★★★
Michael Kraut is an outstanding attorney. He was extremely professional, and straightforward, yet sensitive with my case. I am confident I made the right choice by hiring Michael. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a truly experienced lawyer. Daniel
★★★★★
Michael Kraut - I cannot thank you enough for all that you did for ​my son. When I came to you I read that you used to be a district attorney but I never knew how much that meant until I watch you in court. I knew it took 3 months but the final day when I heard the judge say that all charges were dismissed it was all worth it! I will always be grateful for all that you did for us. A.N.
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