Los Angeles DUI Attorney

Facing a DUI charge can be a life-altering event, with the potential to impact your professional and personal life significantly. At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we understand the gravity of these charges and are committed to delivering aggressive legal defense for our clients in Los Angeles. With over 20 years of focused DUI defense experience, Attorney Hashemi offers expert legal representation.

We recognize the stakes and are dedicated to pursuing every avenue to have your charges dismissed or reduced. Whether facing potential jail time, fines, or a criminal record, our goal is to minimize these consequences and safeguard your future.

DUI Classifications in California Law

California law defines driving under the influence offenses under several distinct categories, each with specific legal implications.

  • Standard DUI (Vehicle Code § 23152)
  • Aggravated DUI (Vehicle Code § 23578)
  • DUI with Prior Offenses (Vehicle Code § 23580)
  • DUI with License Suspension (Vehicle Code § 14905)
  • DUI Causing Injury (Vehicle Code § 23153)
  • Enhanced Penalties for Refusal to Test (Vehicle Code § 23577)
  • Excessive Speeding and Reckless Driving During DUI (Vehicle Code § 23582)
  • Underage DUI (Vehicle Code § 23502)
  • Multiple DUI Offenses (Vehicle Code § 23552)

Additional Traffic Law Violations in California

  • VC 23152(a): DUI involving drugs and/or alcohol level above 0.05%.
  • VC 23152(b): DUI involving blood/breath alcohol above 0.08%.
  • VC 23153(a): DUI causing injury or death to another.
  • VC 23153(b): DUI above 0.08% causing injury or death to another.
  • VC 20001(a): Hit & Run causing injury or death.
  • VC 20002(a): Hit & Run causing property damage only.
  • VC 14601.2: Driving on a suspended license.
  • VC 2800.1: Evading Police.

What is DUI?

The permissible Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels vary depending on the individual and the circumstances:

  1. General Driving Population: The legal BAC limit for the majority of drivers is 0.08%. Driving with a BAC level at this limit or above is considered illegal and can result in arrest and charges for a DUI.
  2. Commercial Drivers: Those who hold a commercial driver’s license are held to a stricter standard. The legal BAC limit for these drivers is 0.04%.
  3. Drivers Under 21: California enforces a “zero tolerance” policy for drivers under the age of 21. This means that a BAC of 0.01% or higher can lead to a DUI arrest.
  4. Repeat Offenders: Individuals who have been convicted of DUI offenses in the past might be subjected to stricter BAC limits or have interlock devices installed in their vehicles that prevent them from driving if any alcohol is detected in their system

DUI Charges and Penalties in California

First-Time Offenses:

  • Fines: Fines for a first-time DUI typically range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, varying by jurisdiction.
  • Jail Time: Mandatory jail time may be imposed, generally from one day up to six months.
  • License Suspension: Your driver’s license may be suspended for several months to a year.
  • Probation: Probationary periods can range from three to five years.
  • DUI School: Attendance at a DUI education program is usually required for first-time offenders.
  • Other Penalties: May include installation of an ignition interlock device, community service, and restitution for damages.

Multiple Offenses:

  • Fines: Fines increase with each subsequent DUI offense.
  • Jail Time: Longer jail sentences are imposed for multiple offenses, potentially leading to years in state prison for third or fourth offenses.
  • License Revocation: Repeat offenders may face multi-year or permanent license revocation.
  • DUI School: More extensive DUI education programs are often mandated.
  • Other Penalties: Increased likelihood of ignition interlock device installation, extended probation, and mandatory alcohol or drug treatment.

Consequences of a DUI Arrest and Conviction in California

Short-term Consequences:

  • Temporary License Suspension: Post-arrest, your driver’s license is typically confiscated, replaced with a temporary paper license pending your DMV hearing and court outcome.
  • Detainment: You may be detained in a local jail or detention facility, depending on the arrest circumstances.
  • Bail: Release from custody often requires posting bail, which varies in cost.
  • Court Appearance: You’ll be scheduled for an arraignment to respond to the DUI charges.
  • Vehicle Towing and Impoundment: Arrested drivers usually face their vehicle being towed and impounded, incurring daily towing and impoundment fees. Repeat offenders may experience extended impoundment.

Long-term Consequences:

  • Criminal Record: A DUI conviction becomes part of your permanent criminal record, visible in background checks.
  • Travel Restrictions: Some countries may deny entry to individuals with DUI convictions.
  • Employment Impact: A DUI can lead to job termination and hinder future employment opportunities, especially in licensed professions.
  • Insurance Premiums: Conviction leads to higher insurance rates and the need for an SR-22 certificate, indicating high-risk insurance coverage.

DMV hearing

When you are arrested for a DUI in California, you are entitled to an administrative hearing to challenge the suspension of your license by the Department of Motor Vehicles. You must request a hearing within 10 days of your arrest.

Let an experienced defense lawyer assist you in combatting a DUI charge

At the Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we stand up for the rights of Los Angeles drivers arrested for driving under the influence. To schedule an initial consultation with a lawyer at our firm, contact us by phone at (310) 448-1529 or contact us online. We promptly return phone calls and emails. Our office is conveniently located in the Westside Towers in Los Angeles, within minutes of Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, and steps away from the Expo/Bundy Station. We have flexible hours and weekend appointments, and we will visit you in jail to discuss your case.

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