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.