California laws are strict when it comes to driving under the influence (DUI), and if you have been charged or arrested for DUI in Los Angeles, you are probably wondering how you can get out of it. The consequences of a DUI charge can be harsh and long-lasting, even for first-time offenders, and your situation may seem hopeless, but successfully beating a DUI charge in California is far from impossible.
On the contrary, DUI cases are thrown out all the time, often because of errors made during the initial traffic stop or the resulting arrest. Our DUI defense attorneys at Los Angeles Criminal Attorneys have helped clients throughout Southern California get their DUI charges reduced or dismissed, and we can help you, too. Contact our firm as soon as possible to discuss your legal options with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
The consequences of a DUI in Los Angeles vary greatly depending on the circumstances of the charge. The following are some examples of DUI cases our attorneys have experience handling:
California Vehicle Code § 23152 VC covers most driving under the influence issues in Los Angeles. Under this law, the following unlawful behavior can result in criminal charges for DUI:
A DUI may not sound as serious as a violent crime or drug-related crime. However, some DUI offenses in Los Angeles still carry jail time, heavy fines, and other serious penalties, even for a first offense where no one was hurt. You could also have your driver’s license suspended or revoked for a DUI and be required to complete a mandatory DUI program and/or install an ignition interlock device (IID) before you are permitted to drive again.
Unfortunately, the consequences of a California DUI can continue long after you have paid the necessary fines and served any required jail time. If you are convicted of a DUI in Los Angeles, the conviction will remain on your driving record with the DMV for 10 years following the arrest and on your criminal record permanently, unless you have the conviction expunged.
Now that you have been apprised of the serious penalties you could face upon conviction for a California DUI, you can understand why we often see clients who want to beat a DUI charge. One of the greatest advantages of hiring a reputable DUI attorney lies in the attorney’s knowledge and expertise regarding effective DUI defense strategies. If you have been charged with a DUI in the state of California, you have the right to represent yourself in court. However, a criminal defense attorney who specializes in DUI cases is better suited to protect your rights, advocate for you, and represent your best interests at every stage of your case.
Our DUI defense attorneys can review the circumstances of your DUI arrest, the prosecution’s evidence, and other aspects of your case, and prepare the strongest possible defense based on your specific situation. The following are some possible defenses to DUI charges in Los Angeles:
If you have been arrested for impaired driving in California, you know that there are criminal consequences you could face if you are convicted. We have detailed above the potential penalties a DUI conviction carries and how our DUI defense lawyers can help you avoid these penalties.
However, you must know that a DUI arrest can also come with significant administrative penalties that can severely restrict your freedom and impact your personal and professional life, even if you are not convicted of DUI.
These administrative actions imposed by the DMV against your driving privileges are immediate and independent of any jail sentence, fine, or other criminal penalty you could face upon conviction for DUI.
For instance, following a DUI arrest, your license will be automatically suspended pending an administrative review by the DMV, and a 30-day temporary license will be issued in its place. You have the right to ask for an administrative hearing with the DMV, which pertains to your driving privileges and the circumstances surrounding your DUI arrest, but this hearing will not happen automatically.
It is up to you to contact the DMV and request the hearing within 10 days of receiving the suspension or revocation order, or risk losing your driving privileges at the end of the 30 days. At that point, your temporary license will give way to a suspended license unless you win your DMV hearing.
This is where we come in. Not only do our DUI defense attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in DUI cases in criminal court, we can also appear on your behalf at the administrative DMV hearing and ensure that the strongest possible case is presented in your favor. If we can show that the license suspension is not justified, you may be able to have your license restored.
Our reputable lawyers at Los Angeles Criminal Attorneys know that even a first-time DUI charge can have devastating consequences for convicted offenders and their loved ones, which is why we work so hard to get our clients’ DUI charges reduced or dismissed.
When you choose Los Angeles Criminal Attorneys following a DUI arrest or criminal charge, we will do everything in our power to help you beat the DUI charge, get your driving privileges restored, and avoid the long-lasting penalties associated with a DUI conviction.
