DUI
DUI Defense Attorney in Los Angeles
Experience in Every Court, with Every Judge
DUI is an extremely common charge. However, that does not mean every court or every judge handles DUI cases in the same way. On the contrary! In fact, Los Angeles is an especially challenging city if you are facing DUI charges. Because L.A. is so massive, it has 20 different criminal courthouses. In addition, each courthouse has 10 different judges. What constitutes an effective defense depends in large part on which of the 200 judges will be hearing your case.
While there is very little uniformity in how judges prefer DUI cases to be presented to them, there is unfortunately some uniformity in sentencing. Los Angeles is a “pilot county” for California and tests new penalties for the state. Currently, the pilot penalty is a mandatory ignition interlock device (IID), even for first-time convictions. Being required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle can be more than an inconvenience, it can be a job killer.
If you have been charged with driving under the influence and are hoping to avoid maximum penalties, you need a DUI defense attorney who is familiar with more than the law itself. While that is certainly important, you also need someone who has experience in every court, with every judge. You need someone who is familiar with each judge’s preferences and requirements. You need someone who knows which alternatives are possible in which court and how to present your case in the most effective manner possible.
We have over a decade of experience with DUI in Los Angeles county and have helped thousands of clients reach the best possible outcome for their specific case. Knowing how to phrase a plea agreement or whether applying for early release from jail will actually lengthen your stay can be important. We will craft your defense strategy not only around the details of your individual case, but also around the court and judge where your case will be heard.
Our Firm Handles both the Criminal and DMV Aspects of DUI Cases
When it comes to criminal charges, procrastination is never the answer. However, time is an especially important factor when it comes to driving under the influence. This is because there are actually two parts to a DUI charge. One part is the criminal charge, and the other is the DMV hearing. While you will need to deal with both aspects of your charge, they are actually handled through separate processes.
Beginning with the date of your arrest, you have 10 days to request DUI DMV Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing with the California DMV. If you do not request this hearing within the time frame, your license will be suspended automatically, even if you do not have a California driver’s license. Our firm handles both the criminal and DMV aspects of DUI cases. If you contact us as soon as you are charged with a DUI, then we will request the DMV hearing and challenge the suspension.
A DUI conviction can lead to many consequences, any of which can have a significant negative impact on your life, but which can be overwhelming to consider as a group. Penalties if you are convicted may include:
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Suspension of your driver’s license
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Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
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Jail time
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Fines
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Increased insurance costs
Depending on other factors including whether this was your first DUI, whether anyone was injured, who was in the car, whether you refused to submit to chemical testing, and other circumstances, the severity of the penalties you are facing may be even more serious. Don’t wait a single day to contact our firm for assistance if you have been charged with DUI in Los Angeles county. The sooner you call, the sooner we can get to work for you.
