FAQs

The following are answers to frequently asked questions we encounter at Curran & Watson regarding criminal defense and family law matters. If you have a specific question or would like to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case, please contact us. We serve clients throughout Southern California, including Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Riverside Counties.

Criminal Defense FAQs

Q. What happens in my DUI case if I refuse to take a breath test?
A. By obtaining a license and driving on the roads, you have given your implied consent to submit to some form of test when stopped by the police. Although you generally have the option to request a blood or breath test, if you refuse a test altogether, you face an automatic license suspension as follows: one year for a first offense, two years for a second offense, and three years for a third or any subsequent offense.

Q. Should I plead guilty?
A. Deciding what plea to enter is a serious matter and you should make that decision only after speaking to an experienced defense attorney who can analyze your case and advise you of the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution's case and any defenses you may have. In some cases it may be to your benefit to enter a guilty plea; however, an experienced attorney may be able to find a problem with the evidence, see if an illegal search and seizure has taken place, or be in a position to negotiate a more favorable deal on your behalf.

Family Law FAQs

Q. How long will my divorce take?
A. The answer to this question really depends on the issues and disputes present in your case. In order to file for divorce, you or your spouse must be a resident of California for six months. Once the petition for dissolution has been filed, the divorce cannot be finalized until six months have passed. However, the entire process may take much longer, particularly if there are contested issues that must be resolved in a trial.

Q. How much will my divorce cost?
A. The cost of your divorce will depend on the facts of your case, and whether you are able to reach a settlement with your spouse through negotiations or if the issues require litigation in court. Our goal, however, is to put your needs and interests first, and we are committed to reaching the best and most cost-effective solution for you that we can. For specific information on our attorneys' fees, contact our office.