At Hurwitz Law Group, our Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys understand that facing DUI charges can be overwhelming. In California, DUI charges come in various forms, and the penalties can differ significantly. Consequences may include fines, license suspension, or even jail time, depending on the specifics of the case. Whether you've been charged with DUI involving alcohol or drugs, we're committed to supporting you through this difficult period and advocating for your rights at every turn.
When you're charged with a DUI, knowing exactly what you're up against is the first step toward building a strong defense. The specifics of your case—from your blood alcohol concentration to whether this is your first offense—will shape both the charges and potential outcomes.
California has a strict stance against driving under the influence. The state has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country, designed to keep roads safe and discourage impaired driving. As defense lawyers who specialize in these cases, we see firsthand how these charges can impact lives.
The California Vehicle Code outlines various DUI offenses, with penalties that become increasingly severe based on factors like prior convictions and whether injuries occurred. A DUI conviction can affect not just your freedom but your job prospects, insurance rates, and personal relationships.
Driving under the influence (DUI) occurs when an individual controls a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152, it is against the law to operate a vehicle while under the influence of any substance that compromises your ability to drive safely. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and illicit substances.
You might be surprised to learn that you can be charged with a DUI even if your driving didn't seem impaired. If tests show alcohol or drugs in your blood, that's enough for a DUI charge. For alcohol specifically, if a person's blood alcohol concentration surpasses the legal threshold, they may face charges, irrespective of their perceived driving competence.
For most drivers in California, the legal blood alcohol content limit is 0.08%. If you're found driving with a BAC at or above this level, you can be charged with a DUI—even without other signs of impairment.
The limits are even stricter for certain groups. Commercial drivers of any commercial motor vehicle must adhere to a stricter limit of 0.04%, whereas drivers under 21 are subject to California's zero-tolerance policy, which sets their limit at 0.01%. These lower limits reflect the greater responsibility of commercial drivers and the state's stance against underage drinking and minors who possess alcohol or any alcoholic beverage.
There are several types of DUI charges, each with its own set of penalties and long-term consequences. Understanding these distinctions is crucial when developing your defense strategy.
For many people facing DUI charges, this is their first drunk driving arrest. A first DUI typically results in:
While these penalties are serious, they're less severe than those for repeat offenders. As your defense attorneys, we'll work to minimize these consequences whenever possible. For those facing their first offense, we can explore options such as negotiating a "wet reckless" plea for reckless driving or assisting you in pleading guilty to lesser charges.
Most first-time DUIs are charged as misdemeanor offenses. But certain circumstances can elevate a DUI to a felony offense, including:
A felony DUI conviction carries much harsher penalties, including significant prison time, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record. You'll also face a revoked license for an extended period. These increased penalties are why you need experienced defense lawyers who understand how to fight these serious charges.
If you drive for a living, a DUI charge threatens not just your license but your livelihood. Commercial drivers face:
The stakes are especially high in these cases. We understand the unique challenges commercial drivers face and can help protect your career and future.
Certain elements can make DUI charges more serious, leading to enhanced penalties and stricter sentencing.
If your DUI incident results in injury to another person, you could face:
These cases often involve accident reconstruction experts and medical testimony. Our team works with skilled investigators to challenge these aspects of the prosecution's case.
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a child passenger can result in an added offense of endangering a child. This can result in:
We fight to protect not just your freedom but your family relationships when facing these complex charges.
California imposes escalating penalties for repeat offenders, with each subsequent DUI carrying more severe consequences than the last.
For a second DUI within 10 years, penalties typically include:
A third DUI offense increases these penalties further:
The prosecution pushes harder for maximum penalties with each prior DUI. Our defense strategies adjust to account for your specific history and circumstances.
A fourth DUI within 10 years is charged as a felony in California, regardless of whether anyone was injured. Penalties include:
At this stage, the courts view the offense pattern as a serious public safety risk. Our approach focuses on both legal defenses and addressing any underlying issues to demonstrate rehabilitation potential.
If you're facing any type of DUI charge in Los Angeles, time is critical. The choices you make today shape both your case and the future ahead.
At Hurwitz Law Group, we leverage our extensive experience to defend clients facing a wide range of DUI charges. From contesting evidence of alcohol involvement to raising doubts about whether you were genuinely impaired by alcohol or drugs at the time of your arrest, we possess the expertise and insight to advocate for the most favorable outcome in your case.
Don't face these serious charges alone. If you've been charged with DUI, call us today for a free, confidential consultation about your case. Your future is worth fighting for, and we're ready to stand by your side.
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