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Understanding DUI Charges in Los Angeles and How An Attorney Can Help
When you hear the term “Driving Under the Influence” (DUI) in Los Angeles, it is a clear indication that you have been accused of driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated in some way. The law in Los Angeles has little to no tolerance for DUI offenses; therefore, the penalties are harsh, and if you go to court unrepresented, you could end up facing severe consequences.
As the accused, understanding the definition of a Los Angeles DUI offense and how an attorney can help you is essential.
A DUI charge in Los Angeles involves law enforcement officers’ belief that you were driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants such as alcohol, prescription drugs, or illegal drugs. You are legally guilty of DUI in Los Angeles when your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.8% or higher. However, the legal BAC limit is 0.4% if you are driving a commercial vehicle.
A DUI conviction in Los Angeles can attract several penalties. If you are convicted, you could face a license suspension that could last for up to a year, fines that could run into hundreds of dollars, and probationary periods of 3 years or more. Additionally, if you have prior DUI charges, your driving license could be revoked for several years. Furthermore, aggravating circumstances may lead to jail time, mandatory completion of drug or alcohol rehabilitation programs, and payment for an ignition interlock system.
Being accused of a DUI in Los Angeles can come with many challenges, but with a knowledgeable DUI attorney in your corner, you can successfully handle such situations. Here are some ways an attorney can help you:
One of the prominent ways a Los Angeles attorney can help you fight a DUI charge is by questioning the evidence against you. A seasoned DUI attorney has the right knowledge and expertise to interrogate different aspects of your case. For instance, by questioning a police officer’s procedures that led to the traffic stop or questioning the authenticity of the BAC test administered, an attorney can recognize problems, which could result in the dismissal of your case.
In Los Angeles, law enforcement officers have the right to immediately confiscate your driver’s license if they suspect you of DUI. However, you can prevent your license’s suspension by consulting with a DUI attorney. A skilled attorney can argue your case in court, stating that you need limited access to your vehicle to live and work in California. By having a knowledgeable DUI attorney by your side, you can avoid having to deal with having your license completely suspended or revoked.
An experienced DUI attorney can be of great help when the case against you appears inevitable. A lawyer can reduce your penalties by negotiating with prosecutors for lighter fines, arguing that you possess mitigating factors that prove that you do not deserve the full sentence under the law.
Suppose your DUI case’s circumstances are not straightforward, and there are aggravating factors. In that case, you will need an attorney to help you deal with these factors—aggravating circumstances that could lead to severe penalties and even jail time. They can escalate your case if you have an exceedingly high BAC percentage or if you injured someone while driving under the influence. A skilled attorney will explain these factors or have them removed from your case.
Your DUI attorney can negotiate alternative sentences for your DUI charge instead of fines and jail time. They may negotiate a plea deal involving alcohol treatment as a mandatory condition, followed by probation or community service. You may be required to complete a special driving program to regain your driving privileges, which could attract waived or suspended fines obligations.
Facing a DUI charge in Los Angeles can be a daunting task, but with the right attorney, you can successfully fight your case. Contact the Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin today, and let our skilled DUI lawyers help you with your case.
Very diligent, organized associates; got my case dismissed. Hard working attorneys who can put up with your anxiousness. I was accused of robbing a gemstone dealer. Definitely A law group that lays out all possible options and alternative routes. Recommended for sure.
- ROBIN, GUN CHARGES ROBIN
CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS