DUI Attorney Los Angeles

Lawyers who specialize in DUI cases are experienced in defending those who have been charged with driving under the influence and stay up-to-date on developments in DUI law. Working with this kind of experienced attorney gives you the best chance for winning your case because of the access to specialized information and expert witnesses that a general attorney just can’t provide. If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence, you need to contact DUI attorneys Los Angeles to make sure you are represented during your case.

DUI Attorneys Los Angeles Explain Types of DUI Cases

There are two parts to a driving under the influence case in the state of California. One part of the case is based on the defendant’s level of impairment at the time that they are stopped on suspicion of DUI or at a traffic stop where DUI becomes suspected. Witnesses or law enforcement officers may testify about the defendant’s erratic driving, failure of field sobriety tests, or the defendant’s physical appearance at the time of the arrest. The second part of a DUI case focuses on chemical testing results instead of physical impairment. The prosecutor who is prosecuting a defendant based on this information must only show that the defendant’s blood alcohol level exceeded California’s legal limit of 0.08% at the time of arrest. In this case, the prosecutor does not have to prove that impairment had occurred. Since chemical testing is a complex issue, hiring a Los Angeles DUI attorney is the first step to examining your test results and being able to refute them in court.

DUI Attorneys Los Angeles Explain Driving Penalties for DUI in California

There are administrative penalties involving the loss of your driving privileges available in DUI cases. The penalties imposed will depend on your individual circumstances. If you are charged with driving under the influence, you can lose your driving privileges for four months for a first offense, one year for the second offense, three years for a third offense, and four years for a fourth offense. If you refuse to submit to chemical testing, there are also administrative penalties. For a first offense, the penalty is a one year suspension with the penalties increasing to two years for a second refusal, three years for a third refusal, and four years for a fourth refusal. Because losing your driving privileges can make life difficult, it is important to have a qualified attorney on your side.

DUI Attorneys Los Angeles Explain Criminal Penalties for DUI in California

The criminal penalties for driving under the influence in California are imposed with many factors in mind. Some of the most common factors considered before sentencing include the number of prior offenses you have been convicted of, any injuries that occurred as a result of the offense, and other special circumstances. The penalties begin at the first offense and increase for subsequent offenses. The penalties for a first offense include 96 hours to six months of jail time, $390 to $1,000 in fines, and a 6-month license suspension period. If you are convicted of a second offense within a ten year period, the penalties increase to 90 days to one year in jail, $390 to $1,000 in fines, and a 2-year license suspension period. Third offenses are considered more serious and can result in a 3-year license revocation period, $390 to $1,000 in fines, and 120 days to one year in jail. If you accrue a fourth or subsequent conviction, the case is charged as a felony and carries much stiffer penalties. These penalties include 16 months or 2 to 3 years in state prison, a 4-year license revocation period, and $390 to $1,000 in fines. Because these penalties can affect your chances of employment or your ability to meet your obligations, it is important that you have an experienced DUI lawyer represent you during your case.

Representing yourself or working with an attorney who does not specialize in DUI cases are just not good options if you want to have a chance of winning your case. Hire an attorney who specializes in DUI defense and you’ll have the best chance of a successful outcome.

By Michael Tasner