Charged with a DUI?
Get Help from a Los Angeles Criminal Lawyer
A DUI or DWI charge in California is not something to take lightly. Both the City Attorney and the Department of Motor Vehicles prosecute your case. A DUI conviction, for even a first offense, has the permanent consequence of a criminal record that effects your employment, your future, and your personal freedoms. The sooner you have an experienced Los Angeles criminal lawyer working on your side, the better chance you have of moving forward with the rest of your life.
DUI stands for “Driving under the Influence” and DWI stands for “Driving while Impaired.” Both are crimes alleging that a person operated a motor vehicle (car, truck, boat, motorcycle, etc) with alcohol, or other controlled substances, in their system to the extent that such effects impair their mental faculties. Illegal drugs, prescribed drugs, or over-the-counter medications and/or a Blood Alcohol Content above the legal limit of .08 percent constitute influence and impairment.
A first time offense conviction include these possible minimums: 6-month suspension of your license, substantial monetary fines, community service, 3-month mandatory state or DMV approved alcohol program attendance, mandatory time in jail ranging from overnight to 6 months, or the installation of a locking device on your car, which you pay for.
A DUI or DWI conviction stays on your DMV record indefinitely. The risks of higher insurance premiums, an inability to receive credit, and reduced future employment opportunities are all greatly increased.
A DUI or DWI charge is elevated from a misdemeanor to a felony if:
- An injury occurred to someone. Should the victim die within one year, the charge increases to vehicular manslaughter
- Property was damaged
- While driving a commercial vehicle
- The driver has had a prior felony DUI offense within the past 10 years of the new charge
- The driver had a Blood Alcohol Concentration of .15 percent or higher
- The driver refused to submit to chemical testing/breathalyzer
- Speeding or Reckless Driving
- The driver was under the legal drinking age at the time
- There was a minor passenger, under the age of 14, in the vehicle
The California DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) requires motorists to request a DMV hearing within 10 days of the DUI/DWI arrest date. Failure to request a DMV within the 10 days results in an automatic driver’s license suspension on the 30th day following the citation. To prevent negative consequences, it is imperative to contact Jennifer Gardner or Mark McBride immediately.
With a history of over 30 years helping those accused of drunk or drug driving protect their rights, an aggressive and compassionate Los Angeles criminal attorney at Gardner + Associates will navigate the complicated California drunk driving laws to your benefit.
To begin fighting your DUI or DWI charge, contact a Los Angeles criminal lawyer today. The State of California takes all driving violations very seriously, and so should you.