Once you have had a chance to look at our website, We Invite you to call us to discuss the issues pertaining to your case. You will speak directly to a DUI defense attorney and the consultation is FREE! We will tell you what the next steps are and we will aggressively fight for you. DUI cases are stressful, but they can be won!
Los Angeles Drunk Driving Defense Lawyers
In Los Angeles, police officers are strictly enforcing the DUI laws. The penalties for Southern California DUI cases have become very severe over the last several years. In addition, your reputation will be damaged for a long time if found guilty. You will be sent to jail, made to pay high fines, lose your license and your insurance rates will increase for a 10-year period, if not completely cancelled. The California laws are very complex and only an attorney who specializes in DUI law will be able to assist you.
What to do if you are stopped
Politely refuse to answer any questions the police officer might ask. This cannot be used against you in court!
Tests
Field Sobriety Tests
- Completely voluntary
- Recognized by National Traffic Safety Administration:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test – can eyes follow an object from side to side without jerking
- Walk and Turn Test – Attention test
- One Leg Stand Test – Attention test – stand with one foot 6” off ground and count – looks for swaying
- With or without, you may be arrested anyway
- You can politely refuse to take – no evidence to be used against you then
- Choose breath test if given option
- More unreliable than blood
- If breath test is not available and have to take blood test, you can refuse; however, DMV penalties are harsher if you do.
- Alcohol and/or drug program for 3 to 9 months
- $390 to $1,000 fine
- 48 hours to 6 months in jail
- License suspended from 6 to 10 months
- Restricted license possible
- Refusal to take breath test: license suspended for 1 year
- $390 to $1,000 fine + either:
- Jail: 10 days to 1 year or 96 hours to 1 year and
- 18-month or 30-month alcohol/drug program
- Interlocking device on vehicle for up to 3 years
- License suspension for 2 years
- Restricted license possible after 1 year
- Refusal to take breath test: license suspended for 2 years
- $390 to $1,000 fine and
- Jail: 120 days to 1 year and
- 18-month or 30-month alcohol/drug program if you have not completed one before
- License revoked for 3 years
- Refusal to take breath test: license suspended for 3 years
- $390 to $1,000 fine and
- Jail: 180 days to 1 year and
- 18-month or 30-month alcohol/drug program if you have not completed one before
- License revoked for 4 years
- Restricted license possible after 1 year
- Refusal to take breath test: license suspended for 3 years
Blood or Breath Tests
Penalties
First Offense - Misdemeanor
3-5 years probation |
Second Offense - Misdemeanor
3-5 years probation |
Third Offense - Misdemeanor
3-5 years probation |
Fourth Offense - Felony
3-5 years probation |
DUI with open container - First Offense - Misdemeanor
In addition to the penalties listed above, you will face a minimum of 6 days in jail and a fine of no more than $2,000.
DUI with Auto Accident - Felony
If serious bodily injury occurs, this crime becomes known as an intoxication assault. If you are convicted, you will spend 2 years to 10 years in jail. You will also be fined up to $10,000.
DUI where a death has occurred - Felony
In California, you can be charged with 2nd degree murder.
In Conclusion
The DUI attorneys at the U.R. Free Law Firm are dedicated to aggressively defending you against DUI and all Drunk Driving cases. We will work to your advantage by asking for minimum penalties or we might even be able to get the charges dismissed.
