What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Santa Monica?

If you’re facing a DUI charge in Santa Monica, it’s natural to worry about how this could affect your life. At our firm, we talk to people every day who are anxious about their future—understandably so. The truth is, even a first-time DUI conviction can bring serious consequences that reach far beyond the courtroom.

Depending on the details of your case, you could be looking at up to six months in county jail, and the penalties only increase for repeat offenses. Your driver’s license is also at risk: the DMV can begin the suspension process almost immediately unless you request a hearing within 10 days of your arrest. A criminal conviction can result in an even longer suspension, especially for a second or third DUI.

Financial costs can be significant as well. For a first offense, most people are surprised to learn that fines, penalties, and court fees typically total between $1,800 and $2,500—and that number goes up with each subsequent DUI. You’ll also be required to complete a DUI education program, which can last anywhere from three months to 30 months depending on your history and your blood alcohol content.

Beyond the courtroom and DMV, a DUI conviction can follow you in other ways. Many people see their auto insurance premiums skyrocket, or even lose coverage altogether. Some find that a DUI record creates challenges with current or future employment.

The bottom line: The penalties for a DUI in Santa Monica are serious, but you don’t have to face them alone. Our team is here to guide you through every step and fight for the best possible outcome for your case.

First vs. Second DUI Offense in Santa Monica: What You Need to Know

The penalties for a first DUI are serious—but if this is your second or third offense within 10 years, the consequences increase substantially. You may face longer jail sentences, longer license suspensions, and a greater risk of being charged with a felony if certain aggravating factors are present.

No matter your circumstances, it’s essential to consult with a Santa Monica DUI attorney who knows how to challenge these charges and work to minimize the impact on your life.

How our DUI Attorney in Santa Monica Can Help You Build a Strong Defense

When you’re facing DUI charges in Santa Monica, it’s essential to have a DUI attorney who not only knows the law but also understands how to challenge the prosecution’s case from every angle. Attorney Arash Hashemi has been defending clients charged with DUI offenses across Los Angeles County for over two decades. He takes a hands-on approach to every case and is committed to securing the best possible outcome for each client he represents.

Every DUI case is different, but there are proven defense strategies that can be used to reduce or even dismiss charges. Depending on the facts of your case, Attorney Hashemi may challenge the following:

• Accuracy of blood or breath test results
  DUI charges often rely on chemical test results to establish blood alcohol content (BAC). These tests are not always accurate and can be successfully challenged if there are issues with equipment calibration, testing procedures, or chain of custody.

• Legality of the traffic stop
  If you were pulled over without reasonable suspicion or probable cause, any evidence obtained during the stop—including the results of field sobriety tests or breath tests—could be suppressed.

• Rising blood alcohol defense
  Alcohol takes time to absorb into the bloodstream. In some cases, your BAC may have been below the legal limit at the time you were driving but rose afterward. This is especially relevant when there’s a delay between the stop and the chemical test.

• Improper field sobriety testing
  Field sobriety tests must be conducted according to strict guidelines. Fatigue, medical conditions, uneven surfaces, and poor instructions can all impact test performance and lead to false indicators of impairment.

Attorney Hashemi will review every detail of your arrest—from the initial police report to the results of any testing—to build a defense tailored to your specific case. His goal is always to protect your rights, limit the consequences, and fight for a resolution that keeps your record as clean as possible.

Why Clients Choose Our Santa Monica DUI Lawyer

When choosing legal representation for a DUI charge, experience matters—but so does how your case is handled. At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, clients receive personalized attention backed by a long track record of results in local DUI courts.

Attorney Hashemi has handled hundreds of cases at the LAX Courthouse, including many that originated from DUI arrests in Santa Monica. He understands how these cases are charged, how local prosecutors build them, and how to navigate the courtroom process to protect your rights at every stage.

Some of the most common DUI-related cases we handle from the Santa Monica area include:

• First-time DUI offenses charged under Vehicle Code §23152(a)

• Second or third DUI arrests within a 10-year period, often charged under Vehicle Code §23152(b)

• DUI involving traffic collisions or injuries, which may be prosecuted under Vehicle Code §23153

• High BAC cases (0.15% or above), subject to sentencing enhancements under Vehicle Code §23578

• DUI charges reduced to wet reckless under Vehicle Code §23103.5

While every case is unique and outcomes can’t be guaranteed, our firm has secured consistent results for clients—such as reduced charges (including wet reckless), dismissed cases, and protection against license suspension through early, strategic intervention.

From your first contact with our office, you’ll speak with our office manager to help gather the basic details of your case and schedule a consultation. From there, Attorney Hashemi personally handles every aspect of your defense—from reviewing the evidence to appearing in court and negotiating with the prosecution. Your case won’t be handed off or overlooked. You get direct guidance from the attorney you hired—and the experience that comes with it.

Contact a Santa Monica DUI Lawyer Today

A DUI arrest in Santa Monica can threaten your license, your freedom, and your future. The steps you take now are critical—acting quickly can make a real difference in the outcome of your case. Attorney Arash Hashemi has over 20 years of experience defending clients facing DUI charges across Los Angeles County. He will personally review your case, explain your rights, and help you build a strong defense.

Our office is located in the Westside Towers, just minutes from Santa Monica—less than a 15-minute drive via the I-10 freeway. We’re also easily accessible by public transportation, including the Metro E Line (Expo), which connects Santa Monica directly to our area in West LA. Whether you’re coming from Main Street, Ocean Park, or anywhere in the Westside, getting to us is quick and convenient.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

📍 Main Office
11845 W Olympic Blvd #520
Los Angeles, CA 90064
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📞 Phone: (310) 448-1529
📧 Email: Contact@hashemilaw.com
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Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Weekend appointments available by request