Los Angeles DUI Attorney
Have you been charged with drunk driving?
California State Laws have made drunk driving punishable by severe penalties and consequences; if you are convicted of DUI, it will have a serious impact on your life. A DUI charge may carry a large fine as well as time in jail, probation, and the loss of future driving privileges. If you have been charged with a DUI, it is important that you contact a
Los Angeles criminal defense attorney from Takakjian & Sitkoff immediately to insure that your future is protected.
Usually, a DUI arrest can lead to two charges. The first charge is driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This means that an officer has observed that a person is unable to operate his or her motor vehicle because of their impairment. Unsafe driving or driving above the speed limit can lead to field sobriety tests, a traditional barometer for a DUI. The second charge is driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of.08% or higher. This is determined by a breathalyzer test administered by an officer. A person is legally considered intoxicated at .08% or above.
Understanding the Penalties for a DUI Convictions
According to the 2010 California Vehicle code, section 23152, it is unlawful for a driver to get behind the wheel of a vehicle should they be found with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher. According to the law, should the driver be found with this BAC after chemical testing within three hours of driving a vehicle, it is enough for the prosecution to presume that they had such a level when they were in operation of the car. The penalties associated with a crime of this nature are severe and should not be taken lightly. As defined by section 23536-23538 of the VC, a first time offense of a DUI may be penalized with the following:
- Imprisonment for a minimum of 96 hours (48 hours of which must be consecutive);
- Monetary fine between $390 and $1000;
- Suspension of the defendant's driving privileges; and
- Mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device
These are just some of the consequences that a driver could face should they be criminally charged and will change depending on the circumstances of the arrest. For example, if they were found with a BAC of over 0.20, the penalties would thus be elevated to reflect the increased severity of the crime. Similarly, if during the DUI a person suffered injury or death, the penalties will be increased. Due to the severity of the crime and the life-altering nature of the associated consequences, it is vastly important that no time is wasted in securing knowledgeable and trustworthy legal assistance following an arrest.
Experienced DUI Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles, California
California DUI arrests are embarrassing and can cause serious damage to your quality of life. Many people do not realize that from the day of your arrest, you have ten days to protect your driving privileges. An automatic suspension is invoked unless you request and schedule a DMV hearing. It is vital that you have an experienced DUI attorney to take care of a DMV hearing, as there are issues that could be raised that can prevent a suspension or revocation of your license.
After your DMV hearing, you must address your actual DUI charge in court. With backgrounds in prosecution, law enforcement and certified specialists in criminal law, we are able to effectively help our clients through the DUI process. We are proud of our impressive record in successfully defending DUI charges. Should you choose to work with a lawyer from our firm, you will be able to breathe easier knowing that your case - and thus, your future - has been placed into completely capable and reliable hands.
Contact a Los Angeles DUI attorney today to defend DUI offenses in court.