Los Angeles DUI Laws, Penalties and Restrictions
Our goal at Hurwitz Law Group is to secure for our clients the least possible penalty as we argue on their behalf in the courtrooms of Los Angeles and surrounding counties. But one of the first questions asked by potential clients is, “What penalties am I facing and, with your help, what is the best outcome I can expect?” Of course, we strive for complete dismissal of all charges. But often we must accept a negotiated settlement with minimum penalties to avoid jail time or large fines. So it is important to understand the penalties associated with the various DUI charges. Penalties for DUI offenses depend on age, license type, and previous convictions. They vary from required attendance at DUI school to lengthy jail time. In the following pages, we will outline some of the key points clients need to know about the penalties for specific DUI offenses. If you feel the suspension of your license due to your refusal of a chemical test was unnecessary and unjustified, call our Los Angeles DUI attorney Brian Hurwitz.
California DUI Defined
Per California’s driving under the influence (DUI) laws, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with any of the following blood alcohol concentration (BAC) percentages:
If you are found to have above these BAC percentages, you will be charged with a DUI.
The state’s DUI laws include medications, too. You can’t legally drive if you’ve consumed illegal drugs or:
Additionally, if you’re under 21, you are not allowed to carry alcohol in your vehicle unless you are with a parent or legal guardian or have a commercial license proving the transportation of alcohol is necessary for your work. Even then, the alcohol must be full, unopened, and sealed.
DUI convictions stay on your driving record for 10 years and can result in your license being revoked (sometimes for years) as well as jail time and significant fines.
For DUI charges, contact our Los Angeles criminal defense attorney. Our firm has been involved in representing many cases like yours in Los Angeles, and can provide legal support that advocates for your rights. Don’t gamble with your future – give us a call today.
Not all DUI penalties or charges are the same. Depending on your age, license type, and any previous convictions, you could face a variety of different penalties, from DUI school to jail time. These penalties tend to become more serious as the number of offenses increases; that is why it is important to hire a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney early in your case, whether this is your first or fourth offense.
Some possible penalties you could face include:
You could lose your license and your job (especially if you work in transportation), and still be faced with hundreds of dollars in fines. Even if you’re under 21, and even if it was your first offense, you can have your license suspended and heavy fines for a DUI.
Hire our LA defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal system, understand your rights, and plead for a result that will achieve your goals. Attorney Brian Hurwitz has advocated for individuals like you in courts across Los Angeles County, and has built relationships with many judges and prosecutors in the area. He offers a wealth of experience and knowledge that can help you reach an ideal result, rather than face years of financial and legal struggle following your DUI.
An Admin Per Se suspension occurs when the police officer takes your license after you fail or refuse a chemical test.
This action is taken by the CA Department of Motor Vehicles, under Admin Per Se laws and is in addition to any criminal charges given when refusing or failing a BAC test.
The police officer will issue an Order of Suspension and a temporary license good for 30 days. The officer’s report, your license and any other information is then sent to the DMV. The DMV then will conduct a review.
This review can set aside the suspension. You also have the right to request a hearing if you believe the suspension is unjustified; however, you must request an administrative hearing within 10 days of receiving the suspension order.
Attorney Brian Hurwitz is available to clients even after regular working hours, and offers years of experience in DUI charges. Our LA defense lawyer can help you handle an Admin Per Se penalty in a way that increases the possibility of having your license returned.
DMV Penalties
DMV penalties differ according to various circumstances, including number of previous DUIs, refusing to submit to a blood or breath test, age of the driver, etc. For a first time DUI offender, the Admin Per Se Law directs the DMV to suspend the license, for four months, of a person arrested for driving with a BAC of .08{1e8a8ced96f8d838b22b47d057837991eb8c05183f5eb4a924e67588e1c7a5b4} or higher. During the ten day period after your arrest, you schedule that all-important DMV hearing described earlier. This is the time that you sit down with Brian Hurwitz and his team at Hurwitz Law Group to plan your argument to fight the suspension. There are many arguments that can be used at this stage of your DUI case and we will review them to determine the best ones to use. Remember, though, that the DMV hearing is not your trial, but it is important because it provides an opportunity for your defense team to request the appearance of your arresting officer. By questioning the officer, we will get an idea of his or her recollection of the specifics of your arrest. Having such information on record will allow us to compare the officer’s statements at the hearing with his or her statements at trial. We will focus on challenging the officer’s claim that there was probable cause to stop you in the first place. We will also question the procedures used in the field sobriety tests administered at the arrest site. The purpose of the Admin Per Se hearing is, of course, only to fight the license suspension.
The DMV has the authority to suspend the license for one year if a first time offender refuses to take a chemical test. The penalties for second and third offenders are two and three years respectively.
You face harsher Admin Per Se license suspension penalties if you refuse to submit to a chemical test upon being pulled over for suspicion of drunk driving.
These penalties are as follows:
Drivers younger than 21 years old face two kinds of alcohol-related offenses, and both affect their driving privileges: possessing alcohol, and violating the Zero Tolerance Law. If you’re under 21 and you are facing a DUI, you could be facing fines of over $1,000, loss of your vehicle, loss of your license, and more. Because of this, it’s important to hire a criminal defense attorney now to review your case and fight for you in court.
Keep reading for more information on the possible charges facing you if you’re under 21 with a DUI charge.
If you’re younger than 21 years old, you can’t possess alcohol in your vehicle unless the container is full, sealed, and unopened.
But that’s not all. Even if the container is full, sealed, and unopened, to legally possess alcohol, you also must either:
This means, if you’re caught with beer or hard liquor in your car – even if it was unopened and you weren’t drinking before you drove – you could be charged with possession of alcohol.
Breaking this law leads to:
These, however, are the maximum possible rulings. With good legal help, you can reach a better result for your case. Call our LA DUI Lawyer for advice on how to handle your case if you’re under 21 and facing a possession of alcohol charge.
The Zero Tolerance Law is exactly what it sounds like: California won’t tolerate any amount of alcohol (specifically, 0.01{1e8a8ced96f8d838b22b47d057837991eb8c05183f5eb4a924e67588e1c7a5b4} or higher) for drivers younger than 21 years old.
The first time you’re charged with drunk driving, you face:
These penalties alone can place a heavy burden on your life; paying hundreds in fines while attempting to find a ride to work because of your suspended license can be extremely difficult. If this is your first DUI, and you’re under 21, call our office and ask for our LA defense lawyer for help with your case.
If this is your second offense (or subsequent), your penalties will likely be even harsher. Our DUI attorney will inform you of the longer suspension periods, higher fines, and more stringent DUI programs you face if you have a second or subsequent offense.
NOTE: Your suspension period is based on whether you submitted to the chemical test. See “Chemical Test Refusal Penalties” below for more information.
Penalties are harsher for individuals 21 or older who are caught with a DUI.
Some possible penalties for a first offense include:
After your first DUI, you could face hundreds in fees, lose your job, and have difficulty finding transportation to a new job. It’s important to hire a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney as soon as you are charged with a DUI so that you ensure you will obtain the best result for your case.
If this is your second offense, or one of many offenses, your penalties will be greater than those for a first offense.
The California Driver Handbook describes penalties for second and subsequent DUI offenses as “increased,” meaning you will face longer jail time and more expensive fines, in addition to the DUI program and SR-22 filing requirement.
Your license suspension and revocation periods change, too. For example, a second or subsequent offense within 10 years of your prior offense brings license suspension or revocation for at least 1 year.
More offenses means more penalties; if you try to navigate the system alone and continue to be charged with DUIs, your penalties will increase as well. That’s why it’s critical, whether this is your first offense or your third, to contact our Los Angeles criminal defense attorney. Attorney Brian Hurwitz will fight for fair representation of your rights, and can help you navigate the legal system to avoid excessive and possibly devastating penalties.
Commercial drivers caught with a BAC of 0.04{1e8a8ced96f8d838b22b47d057837991eb8c05183f5eb4a924e67588e1c7a5b4} or higher while operating a commercial vehicle can expect the following license suspension periods:
Also, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Disqualification of Drivers wields a big hand when it comes to commercial drivers and the offenses that disqualify them – sometimes permanently – from having a valid CDL.
Note that these suspension periods are in addition to any fines, jail time, and DUI programs the CA DMV and court system impose.
A DUI conviction could cause you to lose your ability to work in your industry forever – that’s why it’s crucial that you hire one of the best criminal defense firms in Los Angeles to represent you. You don’t want to gamble with your career. If you’re a commercial driver facing a DUI conviction, especially if it’s a second offense, give our Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Brian Hurwitz a call.
You may be ordered to install an ignition interlock device (IID) into your car as part of your DUI penalties.
An IID is a small gadget wired to your vehicle’s ignition that requires breath samples before you can start your vehicle, as well as periodically throughout your drive. If an IID detects alcohol on your breath, the vehicle won’t start.
You may be required to have an IID installed if:
If you are required to have an IID installed, you will be given forms and procedure instructions for monitoring the installation and use of your IID. You can expect to pay various fees and related costs, as well, including administrative service fees and restriction fees.
California provides a list of IID providers. Make sure the provider you choose is licensed in the state; some providers are not licensed and therefore would not fulfill court requirements for an IID.
An IID might be installed as part of a restricted driver’s license program. More information on applying for a restricted license is below.
California’s Three Strikes Law delivers certain sentences to people who commit multiple serious and violent felonies – specifically, upon a “third strike,” a convict receives a life sentence with the possibility of parole only after 25 years.
Proposition 36 revised which crimes warrant life sentences, authorized re-sentencing, and detailed when to maintain life sentences.
Some CA DUI offenses fall under the Three Strikes Law. These include the most serious offenses – those that involve severe injuries and death. Not only do you face extended jail time, longer (or even permanent) license revocation, and higher fines and court costs, but you might also face civil lawsuits.
If your case falls under the state’s Three Strikes Law, don’t try to navigate the court system alone; seek legal representation as soon as possible. A DUI Three Strikes Law verdict could change your life forever; that’s not a risk you should take. At our law office, LA defense lawyer Brian Hurwitz personally handles every case. He’s available weekends and evenings to discuss case details and answer questions, and he’s spent years representing clients like you in DUI cases. If your case is considered a third strike, give us a call for the best criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles.
Most DUI suspects must appear in court. Regardless of how you plan to plead, it’s best to hire a DUI attorney to help you get the best possible outcome, as well as provide assistance navigating your DUI penalties.
Good legal help at your side can be the difference between many years of setbacks and continuing with your life even after a DUI conviction. DUI penalties can include loss of your license and jail time, which can result in losing your job, having difficulty finding housing after prison, and child custody rights. With a good LA defense lawyer, you can ensure that your case ends with a result that gives you a chance to continue your life even after a night of poor judgement.
As one of the best criminal defense firms in Los Angeles, we take pride in relentlessly fighting for our clients’ fair representation. If you’re facing a DUI charge, give us a call. We’ll work to have all factors considered in your case and give you a second chance.
All DUI convictions require drivers to complete a DUI program. The course length varies based on your BAC and any previous DUI convictions.
Your DUI lawyer will inform you of your DUI program requirements, but you can review the state’s Department of Health Care Services DUI programs for an overview.
If you have any questions about required DUI programs, call our LA defense lawyer Brian Hurwitz.
Restricted licenses allow you to drive to and from places designated by your court, and are available for some DUI offenders. If a restricted license would help you, you can apply for it at the DMV. However, not everyone is eligible to apply for a restricted license.
You might be eligible to apply for a restricted license if:
If you believe you’re eligible for a restricted license, follow these steps to apply:
Generally, you can reinstate your CA driver’s license after a DUI. Your ability to reinstate your license relies on a number of requirements being met.
Some of these, depending on your verdict, might include:
For more details specific to your case, contact the DMV or the court handling your case. With a good DUI attorney, like our LA defense lawyer Brian Hurwitz, these consequences could be lessened to fit your situation. Give us a call for more information on how we can help you come to a satisfactory verdict with your DUI, one that allows you to continue moving forward in your life.
You will have to file proof of financial responsibility in order to get your driving privileges back; this includes criminal and Admin Per Se suspension.
Most often, drivers rely on an SR-22 filing. An SR-22 is a type of financial responsibility certificate that proves you’re carrying the state’s required minimum liability coverage. Your insurance provider can file this form with the CA DMV.
You do have other options, though. For example, you can:
SR-22 is the most common choice because of its simplicity and ease of filing. If you need more information on an SR-22, contact your insurance company.
Driving under the influence (DUI) is among the most common charges in the city of Los Angeles, and it can have debilitating effects on your life. Under California Vehicle Code 23152(a) VC and California Vehicle Code Section 23152(b) VC, you will face charges if a law enforcement officer determines whether you are behind the wheel while you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or above. It is understandable that most people panic when faced with a DUI charge, but the first thing you should do should be calling the best Los Angeles DUI lawyer.
At Hurwitz Law Group, our team has a high success rate when fighting DUI charges. If you face these charges, we advise you to contact us immediately. Time is of the essence when faced with a DUI charge, and as your attorney, Brian Hurwitz will immediately get down to work. We believe that everyone deserves a fair hearing, and it is up to the prosecution to provide proof that our client was indeed driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
With years of experience handling DUI charges in Los Angeles, Brian Hurwitz is the man you want on your side. Hurwitz is the best criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, and he is ready to fight your DUI charges or any other criminal charges for that matter. If you face DUI charges in LA, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (323) 310-9677 for quick and effective legal assistance.
Most people don’t appreciate the impact a DUI charge can have on their life. It is for this reason that some people don’t bother engaging an experienced DUI attorney until it is too late. At Hurwitz Law Group, we appreciate the devastating effects a DUI conviction can have on your current and future life situation. These debilitating effects may include:
What looks to you like a simple DUI case might turn out to be a big problem in the future. We therefore urge you to contact our best Los Angeles DUI attorney immediately. Brian Hurwitz handles every case personally. He uses his years of experience to get the best resolution for every client. It doesn’t matter how complicated your DUI charge looks; we have the expertise and experience necessary to handle any case. Call us immediately to defend your rights.
Our mission is to fight and protect your rights by leveraging our expertise in criminal law and experience handling DUI cases in LA.
The high rate of traffic accidents in California has led to some of the most stringent legal measures. Under the current traffic laws, many drivers find themselves in violation of traffic laws. Every single day and night, law enforcement officers from the California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles Police Department and other agencies patrol the roads in search of drivers who are under the influence.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the commonly cited causes of traffic accidents in California. The state has invested heavily in both personnel and technology to arrest impaired drivers before they can cause accidents. Any driver found behind the wheel with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or above faces DUI charges.
While it looks like a straightforward situation, DUI law is complex. No matter how bleak your situation may look, our Los Angeles criminal defense attorney will be at hand to help. For starters, there must be probable cause for a law enforcement officer to stop you, unless your stopping is part of a DUI checkpoint operation. Brian Hurwitz has years of experience handling DUI cases, and he brings that much-needed expertise to every DUI case.
No matter how solid the scientific evidence is, or how high your blood alcohol content, we have the legal expertise to evaluate the case and identify any procedural weaknesses. Armed with such evidence, Brian Hurwitz will argue your case to reach the best resolution for you.
You want the best Los Angeles criminal defense attorney to handle your DUI charge, and Brian Hurwitz is your man. This brilliant lawyer has been around for a long time, and with his experience there is hope that everything will turn out alright. Our legal team has handled many DUI cases and we know how to attack any evidence provided by the DA. We can easily pinpoint the weaknesses and vulnerabilities in the DA’s case to increase your chances of winning.
At Hurwitz Law Group, we commit to:
DUI laws in California are no doubt complicated. This is why you need the best legal defense to fight for your case. At the Hurwitz Law Group, we boast decades of legal experience, and we leverage this to fight DUI cases successfully. We pride ourselves in our high success rate with DUI cases. In fact, this has helped us rise to become the best DUI attorney in Los Angeles.
Our other practice areas include domestic violence, sex crimes, misdemeanors, and drug crimes, among others. Call us today if you need a highly experienced Los Angeles domestic violence attorney or a Los Angeles sex crimes attorney. Let Brian Hurwitz fight to protect you.
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