DUI Law in Los Angeles, CA
What Is a DUI?
DUI, which refers to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, is a criminal offense that can lead to weighty consequences. Also known as DWI, the process of going to court to face either conviction or exoneration can change the course of your life forever.
Learn more about your DUI law defense options below, and then talk to a local attorney in Los Angeles, California who will help you in this delicate situation. You don’t have to stare down consequences alone. You can take wise steps today to protect your interests.
Possible Consequences of a Los Angeles, California DUI Conviction
Where you live, the severity of the incident, and your criminal record determine the sentencing for a DUI. The punishments can drastically increase if you have had previous DUIs, so be mindful of that. If this is your first DUI, do not go at it alone and risk costly mistakes. Get a Los Angeles law firm on your side to fight for you and your rights.
Paying Fines
If convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Los Angeles, California, you can count on fines being a part of your sentencing. Under California Law, DUI fines can range from $390 to $2000. Your first three DUIs are charged as misdemeanors, but any additional offenses will be classified as felonies.
However, other factors can drastically increase the amount you must pay, including:
- Any damage to property while driving under the influence
- If someone suffered injuries as a result of your intoxicated driving
- Cases that include child endangerment
- Any court costs associated with your case
Jail Time
Jail time is mandatory, even for first-time offenders in Los Angeles. If this is your first DUI offense, you may only have to face a day or two in prison. But if you have previous convictions for DUIs, you can be sentenced to several months or years, depending on the nature of the crime. Know that some circumstances can add even more time in a cell, including injury to other people while driving under the influence.
Probation
If you do not face jail time, you will likely be on probation, with the sentencing judge determining the duration. You will pay monthly fees, and you cannot commit any more criminal offenses, including traffic violations. If you violate the terms of your probation, count on facing time behind bars.
If you are sentenced to probation for your DUI in Los Angeles, California you can expect to pay fees and attend a DUI education program. In addition, you may also be required to receive alcohol treatment or install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. Violating your probation can result in stricter probation terms or significant jail time. For misdemeanor probations, you will report your progress to the court, rather than to a probation officer. If you are on felony probation for your DUI, you will be assigned to one of more than 30 probation offices in the Los Angeles area.
Drug and Alcohol Education Program
Following a Los Angeles DUI sentencing, the law states you must complete a drug and alcohol education program. This will teach you about the dangers of driving under the influence. These programs cost more fees besides the legal costs you already have to pay.
Anyone convicted of a DUI in California must complete an alcohol and drug education and counseling program licensed by the California Department of Health Care Services. For first time offenders, the program is either 30 or 60 hours, depending on your blood alcohol level at the time of your arrest in LA. For repeat offenders, the program is much more extensive, and can last 18 to 30 months. California does not allow the program to be completed online, however, there are more than 50 licensed providers in Los Angeles county.
The education programs also include a DUI evaluation. An evaluator asks you questions about how alcohol and drugs affect your life. If they believe that you are dependent, you may have to enter a substance abuse treatment program.
Suspension or Loss of License
No matter where you may face a DUI conviction, you have to undergo a license suspension period, at the very least. If it is your first DUI, you may have a license suspension for a few months while you go through probation and the drug and alcohol education program.
If this is not your first DUI, you may have your license suspended for much longer, or you could have it taken from you permanently.
What Should You Do When Charged With a DUI In Los Angeles, California?
If you’re facing a felony DUI charge, you must take the following steps to protect yourself:
Step 1: Contact an Attorney Familiar With Los Angeles, CA DUI Law
Immediately following your DUI arrest, you need to contact an experienced Los Angeles DUI attorney. Your attorney can help prepare for your arraignment and prepare a defense to vindicate yourself or reduce the sentencing.
Step 2: Learn About Your Local DUI Laws
Los Angeles, California has unique laws for DUI or DWI charges. Your lawyer will work with you to help you better understand your state’s laws on driving while intoxicated. It is critical to understand what charges you face and the potential outcomes of your case.
Step 3: Request a DMV Hearing
You or your attorney should request a hearing as soon as possible following your arrest. In Los Angeles, California you only have so much time to ask for a DMV hearing to keep your license until your court appearance. If you do not request a hearing, prepare for a license suspension.
When you are arrested for a DUI in Los Angeles, California the officer will confiscate your license and issue you an order of suspension. The order serves as a 30-day temporary license until the suspension goes into effect. After your arrest, you have 10 days to request a hearing with the California Department of Motor Vehicles to contest the suspension. Your hearing may be over the phone or in person at one of the 7 Driver Safety Offices in the Los Angeles area.
Step 4: Prepare for Court Appearance
You and your attorney will prepare for your appearance and arraignment in Los Angeles. If you plead “not guilty,” your DUI defense attorney represents you in court, and a judge and jury oversee the DUI law case.
Step 5: Receive Sentencing or Exoneration
You will either be “not guilty” of the charges brought against you and walk free, or you will receive sentencing for a guilty verdict.
Work With an Experienced Local DUI Lawyer In Los Angeles, California
Should you ever find yourself charged with a DUI, you need to work with an experienced Los Angeles, CA lawyer who can stand up for you in court. You cannot clear your name of the charges or reduce the consequences without help. Your life and future depend on having great legal representation during your DUI case. Contact an attorney near you today. We can even help you connect with legal help across California state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
