Los Angeles DUI Lawyer

DUI Defense Representation in the Greater LA Area

Under California law, driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a serious criminal offense that poses serious criminal consequences. Because DUIs are more common than other crimes, many drivers fail to realize just how serious the penalties can be. In fact, individuals who have been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can face the following consequences:

  • Fines and fees
  • Driver's license suspension
  • Increased insurance costs
  • Possible jail time
  • Criminal record
  • Difficulty obtaining housing or employment

Last year, 35% of all California defendants who were arrested for DUI kept their driver's license simply by requesting a DMV hearing within the allotted time period. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is important to have a clear understanding of the California DUI process, be fully prepared, and secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Arrested? Retain the help of a Los Angeles DUI attorney from Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners. We are ready to put our knowledge and experience on your side.

A California DUI Arrest Initiates Two Distinct Cases

When you are arrested for DUI in Los Angeles, your case will involve the following two separate proceedings:

DMV Case: Part of your DUI case will involve your driving privileges and whether you were guilty of committing a serious driving offense. The administrative hearing concerning the suspension of your driver's license will be handled by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In order to protect your driver's license, you must request a DMV hearing within 10 days of your arrest. If you do not, your driver's license will be automatically suspended 30 days after the arrest date. Our legal team has decades of experience defending clients' driving privileges at DMV hearings.

Unlike California criminal court, the DMV hearing is less formal and run by a Driver Safety Office (DSO) Hearing Officer, instead of a lawyer or a judge. Although the standard of proof is lower than in criminal court, the chances of a person winning without an experienced criminal defense attorney are not very good.

The criminal attorneys at Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners can help you better understand DMV hearings, your rights, and how we can best defend and protect your driver's license. These hearings are based on the facts of your case and will require a thorough analysis of documentation, arrest reports, and statements.

Criminal Case: The criminal case typically follows the DMV hearing. Depending on the facts surrounding your DUI arrest, you may face:

  • Jail time
  • Fines
  • Rehabilitation
  • Driver education school
  • Community service (live-in or out-patient)
  • CALTRANS (physical labor)
  • Vehicle impoundment
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle
  • Attendance at the Hospital and Morgue program
  • Any combination of the above

You may also face enhanced penalties if any of the following apply:

  • A prior DUI conviction within the last ten (10) years
  • Speeding or driving recklessly
  • Driving with a minor child under the age of 14
  • Having an excessive blood alcohol content (BAC)
  • Refusing a chemical test, such as breath, blood, or urine.

Both DMV hearings and criminal proceedings demand the attention of skilled and experienced DUI lawyers. At Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners, we are prepared to review your case, explain the process, and discuss how we can help.

Seek a Positive Result with a Los Angeles DUI Attorney

At Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners, we understand the seriousness of DUI charges and are committed to protecting the rights, freedoms, and futures of clients who reach out to our firm for help. We want to stress that the penalties at stake can be extremely serious – especially if this is a multiple DUI arrest or other aggravating circumstances are present. Because of this, we encourage you to discuss your case with our legal team as soon as possible after an arrest. Your initial consultation won't cost a thing!

To learn more about your case and how our Los Angeles DUI lawyers can help, contact us today for a free case evaluation.