How a DUI Defense Lawyer Can Help You Avoid Serious Penalties in Los Angeles

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Los Angeles is the second most populous city in the United States, and it is known for its sunny beaches, star-studded hilltops, and bustling nightlife.

Unfortunately, such a vibrant lifestyle also comes with a share of over-indulgence, often causing legal issues. In 2020, there were over 95,000 arrests for DUI.

Driving under the influence can lead to legal consequences that could alter the person’s life. A person involved in a DUI case must connect with DUI lawyers in Los Angeles for legal guidance.

This blog lists how a lawyer can help a person convicted of DUI avoid serious penalties.

Understanding DUI Laws in Los Angeles

It is crucial that everyone knows about the DUI laws of their state. DUIs need not be just about driving drunk. Laws revolving around driving under the influence have evolved to consider other drugs that can impair a person’s fine motor skills. Prescription drugs that can impair a person’s skills are also considered under DUI laws.

In California, it is illegal for a person to have a BAC of 0.08% or higher. BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) is the amount of alcohol present in a person’s blood. The BAC level limits can also differ for commercial and underage drivers.

Potential Penalties for a DUI Conviction

Let’s look at the penalties a person with a DUI conviction might face:

First Time Offenders

Fines: First-time offenders will have to pay a fine that could reach up to $1,000.
Jail: Offenders may be sentenced to jail for up to 6 months.
Probation: The system might require the offender to be on probation instead of jail.
License: The state DMV might suspend the offender’s license for 6 to 10 months.
DUI Programs: The offender might be required to attend alcohol education programs
Ignition Interlock Device (IID): The court might order the installation of an ignition interlock device in the accused’s vehicle. IID is a device that requires the driver to blow into a mouthpiece before starting their vehicle.

Repeat Offenders

Fines: Repeat DUI offenders are likely to face higher fines and court costs
Jail: Jail time for repeat offenders can also increase, which can go over a year.
License: Repeat offenders could get their license revoked for 3 years.
DUI Programs: The state requires the offender to attend alcohol or drug programs, which can go up to 30+ months.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID): All repeat offenders get an IID installed in their vehicle.

How a DUI Lawyer Can Help

Case Evaluation and Legal Strategy: DUI lawyers are experienced in similar cases and can carefully evaluate the offender’s case. They can look into the factors that are recorded, such as the police report from the scene and the BAC calculated by the breathalyzer, and also look for any procedural errors.
Challenging Evidence: Once the lawyer has assessed the case details, they can look for any inconsistencies or unlawful acts that contributed to the arrest. They could also argue about the reliability of the evidence presented against the accused.
Negotiating Charges: The lawyer can negotiate with the court to reduce the accused’s charges. They can help the offender understand their options and guide them to a more lenient charge. They could appeal for alternative programs, plea bargains, or get the charges reduced from DUI to reckless driving.
License Protection: The state DMV is likely to have a hearing where they establish if the accused must get their license revoked; and for how long. The lawyer can help represent the offender at these hearings and fight to prevent license suspension.

Conclusion

A DUI charge, no matter the severity, can be stressful to deal with. The consequences of being convicted of DUI can severely impact a person’s life. People convicted must connect with a DUI lawyer who can help them understand their rights and options.

As they have experience in the field, they can easily evaluate the case and establish legal strategies to get the offender more lenient charges. Seeking legal representation early is a crucial step to protect one’s future and minimize the consequences of a DUI conviction.