DUI Defense Lawyer In Los Angeles, California

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DUI Laws & Penalties Explained by Los Angeles DUI Lawyer

DUI is a serious crime that carries major penalties in California. People from all walks of life, backgrounds, and economic circumstances get pulled over for this crime every day in the state. For many, it is their first brush with the law. Being arrested for DUI can be frightening, humiliating, and confusing. You may have little understanding of the law, the procedures, or what the consequences will be and may believe there is nothing you can do about it. This is not true. Many aspects of a DUI can be challenged, but you will need an experienced and competent San Fernando DUI lawyer on your side to do it.

At DCD LAW, you can retain the services of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer, one with a decade of experience, who has extensive knowledge about how to defend against DUI charges. Whether this is a first offense, a repeat offense, an under-21 DUI, or a DUI complicated by driving with a minor, having an open container in your vehicle, or having an excessive blood alcohol concentration (BAC), our firm can help. Before you assume the evidence against you is unbeatable, turn to our Los Angeles DUI lawyer for a professional assessment from an experienced criminal law firm.

Are you facing DUI charges in California? Call the best DUI attorney at DCD LAW today at (818) 722-8793 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our DUI defense attorney in San Fernando.

Common DUI Defense Strategies Used by Top Los Angeles DUI Lawyers

1. BUILD A RELATIONSHIP

Attorney/client trust is vital to a successful defense. To defend our clients effectively, we take the time to hear and understand them. The first step in our process is to establish open communication so that trust may follow. Our team is always accessible, and we pledge to be open and honest every step of the way.

2. BUILD A FUTURE

We care about the life our clients face after a criminal charge. We understand that a brush with the legal system can be both disruptive and life-altering, and we are committed to helping you to get your life back on track.

3. BUILD A DEFENSE

The law states that every individual is innocent until proven guilty, and we will make sure that the burden of proof is high. As we build your DUI case, we will gather evidence, conduct interviews, and more. By challenging our prosecution system, we ensure that the law functions appropriately, and we take great pride in what we do.

Types of DUI Charges in Los Angeles and Their Consequences

DUI Vehicle Code 23152(a). This refers to driving while impaired from alcohol and/or drugs, regardless of your BAC level.
DUI Vehicle Code 23152(b). This refers to driving with a BAC of .08 percent or higher, which is the legal limit.
Information about what happens in a first DUI conviction.
Information about what happens in a second DUI conviction.
Wet reckless.
Dry reckless.
Speed Ex.
DMV hearings.
Felony DUI (Vehicle Code 23153).
DUI defined.
Information about after someone is pulled over.
Lookback period.

Understanding the DMV Process After a DUI Arrest

After a DUI arrest in Los Angeles, the DMV process runs separately from the criminal court case and focuses only on your driving privileges. Key points include:

Two parallel proceedings: A criminal court case and a separate DMV administrative action.
10-day deadline: You must request a DMV hearing within 10 days of arrest to avoid automatic license suspension.
Scope of the hearing: The DMV reviews probable cause, the legality of the stop and arrest, and breath or blood test results.
License consequences: Missing the deadline leads to an automatic suspension of driving privileges.
Legal representation: A Los Angeles DUI lawyer can appear at the hearing and fight to protect your license.

Penalties for Los Angeles DUI Charges

DUI penalties in Los Angeles depend on prior convictions and the circumstances of the case. Common penalties include:

First-time DUI: Fines, probation, mandatory DUI school, and license suspension.
Repeat offenses: Increased jail time, longer license suspension, higher fines, and IID requirements.
Felony DUI: May apply in cases involving injury or multiple prior convictions, resulting in severe, long-term consequences.

How a DUI Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights in Los Angeles

A skilled Los Angeles DUI lawyer protects your constitutional rights at every stage of the case. Your attorney reviews police reports, challenges unlawful traffic stops, questions the accuracy of breath and blood tests, and identifies procedural errors. Legal representation can help suppress evidence, negotiate reduced charges, or seek dismissal of the case when violations occur.

Why You Need a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer

Early legal intervention is critical after a DUI arrest. An experienced DUI attorney ensures deadlines are met, represents you at the DMV hearing, and builds a strong defense strategy immediately. Acting quickly can mean the difference between keeping your license and facing long-term penalties.

Los Angeles DUI Lawyer Explains the Critical Aspects of a DUI Arrest

You can be arrested and charged with DUI for driving while impaired to the point where you do not have complete control over your mental or physical faculties OR because your BAC level was at the legal limit or higher.
The penalties can include jail time, fines, probation, community service, license suspension, DUI “school,” and more. Our DUI attorney in San Fernando can thoroughly investigate your case to look for any flaws or weaknesses that could put your guilt in doubt.

Steps to Take After a DUI Arrest in Los Angeles

Many aspects of a DUI arrest can be bungled by law enforcement. For example, field sobriety tests are known to be highly inaccurate, and breathalyzers can be faulty due to poor maintenance, BAC levels can be false based on medical conditions, subjective testimony from a police officer asserting that you were drunk because of red and watery eyes can be debunked (you were tired, you wear contact lenses, you have allergies, etc.).
In some cases, it may be best for your attorney to negotiate a plea bargain of a lesser charge, such as wet reckless, dry reckless, or other charges.

FAQ

How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Los Angeles?

The cost of hiring a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles varies depending on the complexity of your case, the experience of the attorney, and whether it’s a first offense or involves aggravating factors. At DCD LAW, we offer personalized consultations to help you understand your legal options and potential costs upfront.

Will I go to jail after a DUI arrest in Los Angeles?

Jail time for a DUI depends on factors like your BAC level, prior offenses, whether there was an accident, and other aggravating circumstances. A first-time DUI can lead to short-term jail time, probation, or DUI school, but an experienced DUI lawyer from DCD LAW will give their best to negotiate reduced penalties or alternative sentencing.

How Can DCD LAW Help Me in My DUI Case?

DCD LAW brings well over a decade of criminal defense experience to each case. Our Los Angeles DUI lawyer will evaluate your arrest, challenge the evidence, and represent you in both court and DMV hearings. We build strong defenses and offer guidance every step of the way.

What defense strategies does DCD LAW’s Los Angeles DUI lawyer use?

We investigate every detail, from how the traffic stop was conducted to the accuracy of breathalyzer results. Common strategies include questioning the reliability of field sobriety tests, highlighting flaws in BAC testing, or demonstrating that physical symptoms were due to medical conditions, not intoxication.

How long does it take to resolve a DUI case?

The timeline varies. A straightforward first-time DUI case may be resolved in a few months, while more complex cases involving injuries or felony charges can take longer. DCD LAW aims to resolve your case efficiently while ensuring the best possible outcome.

What happens at a DMV hearing after a DUI arrest?

The DMV determines whether your license will be suspended based on arrest legality and test results.

What are the penalties for repeat DUI offenses in Los Angeles?

Penalties increase significantly and may include jail time, IID installation, and longer license suspension.

Can medical conditions affect DUI test results?

Conditions like diabetes or GERD may impact breath or blood test accuracy.

Will a DUI conviction affect my job or insurance?

A conviction can lead to higher insurance rates and employment complications.

What is a dry reckless or wet reckless plea deal?

These are reduced charges that may result in lighter penalties than a DUI conviction.