Being arrested for a DUI in Los Angeles is a critical matter that can significantly affect your life. At Perlman & Cohen Los Angeles Criminal Lawyers, we specialize in DUI cases and know the stress and fear that come with such charges. Our team of skilled DUI lawyers is committed to defending your rights and guiding you through the legal process.
Our Los Angeles DUI lawyers know how DUI laws are applied in Los Angeles County. Our DUI defense attorneys are ready to defend your rights. You need an experienced DUI attorney in Los Angeles, CA, who can defend you against various charges.
Learn how our DUI defense lawyer can fight for you. Then, schedule a free consultation with our DUI defense attorney to discuss your case.
At Perlman & Cohen, we offer dedicated representation for those facing DUI charges in Los Angeles. Our lawyers have extensive experience handling DUI cases, from simple offenses to more complex situations. We know the nuances of California DUI laws and how they apply in Los Angeles.
We navigate the legal system with precision and care, ensuring your case receives the attention it deserves. Our goal is to provide a defense that is both aggressive and strategic, focusing on protecting your legal rights and interests. Rely on our criminal defense attorney to defend you.
DUI offenses in Los Angeles involve operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These charges can vary in severity depending on several factors, including your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and whether it's your first offense. Our lawyers are well-versed in the different types of DUI offenses and their legal implications.
In California, the legal limit for BAC while driving is 0.08% for drivers over 21. For commercial drivers, the limit is lower, at 0.04%. And for drivers under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol can lead to DUI charges. Our attorneys are experienced in addressing DUI offense cases involving various BAC levels.
We also address cases where BAC results may be disputed. Our lawyers know how to challenge the accuracy of BAC testing methods. We scrutinize the procedures used during your BAC testing, seeking any irregularities that could strengthen your defense. Our criminal defense law firm aims to ensure that all evidence against you is accurate and reliable.
Los Angeles recognizes several types of DUI charges. These include misdemeanor DUI, felony DUI, and DUI with injuries. The type of charge you face depends on factors like your driving record and the specifics of your incident. Each type of charge carries different penalties and requires a different defense strategy.
Our lawyers know the nuances of each type of DUI charge. We tailor our defense strategies to the specifics of your case, whether it's a first-time misdemeanor or a more severe felony charge. Our criminal law firm works diligently to reduce the severity of the charges against you or to have them dismissed altogether.
DUIs are prosecuted vigorously in Los Angeles, CA. One of the biggest reasons why is that driving under the influence kills numerous people every year. According to the California DMV Report on DUI Management, the number of people killed in accidents involving alcohol has remained high for the past decade:
Here is the total number of alcohol-related crash fatalities by year from 2010 to 2020, which has gone up recently:
Here are the total numbers of drug-related crash fatalities in California by year from 2010 to 2020, which saw a sharp rise recently:
For these reasons, prosecutors vigorously prosecute anyone suspected of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. To avoid severe penalties, contact us immediately for a free consultation.
DUI convictions often result in fines, license suspensions, and probation. The amount of the fine and the length of the suspension can vary. Probation terms can also differ based on the specifics of your case. Our lawyers work to minimize these penalties by advocating for lower fines and reduced suspension periods.
A quick overview includes:
Mandatory DUI education programs are often required for DUI offenders in Los Angeles. These programs aim to educate offenders about DUI risks and prevent future offenses. Our lawyers can provide guidance on navigating these requirements and ensuring compliance.
Jail time is a possibility in DUI cases, especially for repeat offenders or cases involving injuries. Our lawyers work tirelessly to avoid jail time for our clients. We explore all possible defenses and mitigating factors leading to reduced sentences or alternative penalties.
First, remain calm and cooperative during the arrest process. Remember, anything you say can be used against you in court. Our lawyers advise exercising your right to remain silent.
An experienced attorney can provide immediate assistance and guidance. Our team at Perlman & Cohen can help you through the legal challenges following a DUI arrest. We offer prompt and practical legal advice to protect your rights from the outset.
Arrest and Booking Procedures
After a DUI arrest in Los Angeles, you will go through booking procedures. This includes taking your fingerprints and photographs and recording your personal information. Remember that you have the right to an attorney during this process. Our lawyers can assist you from the moment of your arrest.
DMV Administrative Hearings
In addition to criminal proceedings, DUI charges involve a DMV administrative hearing. This hearing determines the status of your driving privileges. It's separate from the criminal case but equally important.
The DMV Administrative hearing is an urgent matter that needs legal attention as if you don’t have a hearing requested within ten days, your driver's license will automatically be suspended after 30 days. Our lawyers will request that hearing as soon as you hire us. Our lawyers represent you at these hearings, arguing for the retention of your driving license.
Court Proceedings and Timelines
Court proceedings for a DUI case in Los Angeles involve several steps, including arraignment, pretrial motions, and possibly a trial. Knowing the timeline and what to expect at each stage is vital. Our lawyers guide you through this process, preparing you for each court appearance. We handle all legal procedures, aiming to expedite the process and achieve a favorable outcome.
The DMV administrative hearing is a critical part of the DUI process. It's your opportunity to contest the suspension of your driver's license. Our lawyers represent you at this hearing, presenting evidence and arguments to support your case. We work to preserve your driving privileges, which are essential for your daily life.
There are several common defenses used in DUI cases. They include:
Breathalyzer and blood tests are only sometimes accurate. Our lawyers know how to challenge the results of these tests. We look for errors in the testing process, calibration issues, and other factors that can affect the reliability of the results. Our goal is to cast doubt on the evidence against you.
Your rights must be respected during the arrest process. This includes appropriately administrating Miranda rights and lawful conduct by the arresting officers. Our lawyers examine the circumstances of your arrest, looking for any violations of your rights. If your rights were violated, we argue for excluding evidence or even dismissing your case.
Field sobriety tests are not always accurate. Our lawyers challenge the validity of these tests in court. We question the conditions under which the tests were administered and the officer's interpretations of the results. Our aim is to show that these tests are not conclusive evidence of impairment.
The arresting officer's testimony is critical evidence in DUI cases. Our lawyers know how to challenge this testimony. We look for inconsistencies in the officer's statements and compare them against other evidence. Our goal is to question the credibility of the officer's account.
We prepare thoroughly, ensuring we can effectively challenge the officer's testimony. Our team highlights any discrepancies or biases in the officer's account. We ensure the court hears a balanced and accurate representation of the events.
Stay calm and cooperate with the officer if you are pulled over for a potential DUI. However, you should avoid admitting to drinking or making any statements that could incriminate you.
You are allowed to refuse a preliminary alcohol screening. Refusing a breathalyzer or blood test after arrest in California can lead to automatic penalties, including a suspended license. Unfortunately, you do not have the right to consult an attorney before deciding whether to take a breath or blood test.
In California, a DUI is priorable for ten years, which means if you are accused of another DUI within ten years of the first arrest, the new arrest can lead to more serious charges.
The DUI can be removed from your criminal record after a three-year probationary period, which will help with future employment. The DUI remains on your driving record for the driver's lifetime, but the points causing the effect of the higher insurance rates disappear after three years from the date of arrest.
Our lawyers have handled countless DUI cases in Los Angeles. We stay up-to-date with the latest DUI laws and defense strategies. Our team knows the nuances of these cases and how to navigate them effectively.
We are well-versed in the local court procedures and customs in Los Angeles. This local knowledge is invaluable in preparing for your case. We know how to work within the system to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.
We meticulously analyze the details of your arrest to identify any procedural errors or rights violations.
We challenge the evidence against you, including BAC test results and officer testimony.
Our team explores every legal loophole and defense strategy to strengthen your case.
A DUI charge in Los Angeles can be overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone. Contact us today for skilled and dedicated legal representation.
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