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Driving Under the Influence in Los Angeles: The Three Main Categories You Should Know
When it comes to driving under the Influence (DUI) in Los Angeles, there are three main categories you want to know: the DUI process and law, the DUI crime and evidence, and the court and DMV license suspension. It’s worth noting that the law on DUI in Los Angeles applies across the southern part of California, and the consequences are similar for driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs. However, to handle your DUI cases and offenses professionally, having the right DUI lawyers in Los Angeles is essential.
What is Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol?
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a criminal offense that falls under the Vehicle Code Section 23152(a). The law is clear; driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both is entirely unlawful in Los Angeles.
Legal Drugs: Are They Really Legal If You Are Driving Under Their Influence?
Sadly, it’s not uncommon to hear people say they can take legal drugs, and that may offer them cover when it comes down to Los Angeles DUI. However, that’s not accurate. The truth of the matter is that driving under the influence of drugs whether illegal, prescription, or over-the-counter (OTC) and taken as instructed by the physician is an offense. Most legal drugs bear a warning that a person should avoid driving a motor vehicle or operating the machines while taking medicine. Failure to abide by these instructions may result in arrest, which means you have a case to answer with the Los Angeles DUI. It’s also worth noting that if you’re driving under the influence of drugs, the DMV cannot officially suspend your driving license, except there is a refusal, or your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher.
However, suppose you’re convicted of DUI with drugs. In that case, your license could be suspended with immediate effect, although there’s no breath test in a DUI drug case. Hearsay evidence may, however, be used to build the case. The officer may administer a blood or urine test, and the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that you were driving under the influence of drugs. Your appearance, unpredictable behavior, and statements made about drug use may be admissible in court as evidence, alongside the results from the chemical analysis test.
Illegal Drugs: The Consequences of A DUI Conviction with Illegal Drugs
If you’re caught up in a DUI conviction with illegal drugs, the consequences are severe. You’ll have to deal with both the drug case and the DUI charges simultaneously. Moreover, you may be required to register with your local police as a narcotics offender, which may lead to job loss, loss of security clearance, and severe fines.
Alcohol: DUI With Alcohol
Alcohol is the most common drug abused while driving under the influence may lead to a DUI with alcohol charges. If the test shows that your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or more, the officer in charge has the mandate to suspend your driver’s license.
Is A DUI Charge with Drugs More Difficult to Prove Than Alcohol?
In comparing a DUI charge with drugs and one with alcohol, the former is much more difficult to prove than the latter. Many officers don’t have the training necessary to identify the objective signs of a person under the influence of drugs, which could make it challenging to prosecute a drug DUI charge successfully. Having a top-rated DUI defense attorney by your side at such times could help dismantle the DUI case against you.
Get Help from Los Angeles DUI Lawyers Today!
If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs in Los Angeles, waste no time in looking for a qualified and experienced DUI lawyer. They understand the system and the nature of your offense and know how to defend you and resolve your case without jail time. Repeat offenders, especially, may face serious consequences: longer jail or prison time, higher fines and legal fees, community service or mandatory participation in rehab or educational programs. If you do, you can be assured that the Los Angeles DUI lawyers at Todd Spodek Law Firm have the adequate experience and knowledge in the field to help you obtain the legal outcome.
To help you understand the three main categories of DUI, we summarize them in the table below.
Category|Details
— | —
Nature of DUI offense | Unlawful to drive under influence of drugs, alcohol or both
Geographical area | Law applies throughout Los Angeles and southern California
Role of Los Angeles DUI attorneys| Can help handle offenses professionally
Category|Details
— | —
Legal drugs | Offense to drive under influence of prescription, OTC or other legal drugs
DUI & license suspension | DMV can only suspend for refusal or BAC is 0.08% or higher
Conviction of DUI | License can be suspended immediately upon conviction
Illegal drugs | Double obligation to deal with drug case and DUI charge
Alcohol | DUI with alcohol charges may result to BAC of 0.08% or more
Category|Details
— | —
DUI Charge with drugs vs. alcohol | Drug case more difficult to prove
Benefits of DUI Defense Attorney | Attorney can help dismantle the case
Legal consequences of DUI conviction | Repeat offenders may face higher fines/ imprisonment time
Resolve case without jail time | Experienced Los Angeles DUI lawyers can provide the legal outcome
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