DUI

Los Angeles DUI Lawyer

Trusted, Experienced & Meticulous DUI Representation In LA

California has some of the toughest DUI laws in the nation. Getting arrested for a DUI in Los Angeles can be confusing, intimidating, and overwhelming. You likely have many questions and concerns, from how much it will cost to whether you will go to jail. You may think little, if anything, can be done about your case, which is not true. All of these considerations can be addressed by our Los Angeles DUI attorney at Castaneda Law, APC, where we provide strong representation and support for all DUI charges.

Like any criminal charge, defenses do exist and, with a thorough investigation, evidence can be uncovered that can put into doubt the state’s case against you. Our Los Angeles DUI attorney will leave no stone unturned in investigating and analyzing all of the factors involved in your DUI arrest. We provide non-judgmental guidance and thorough professionalism in every case we take on.

Arrested for DUI? Get a free case analysis by contacting a Los Angeles DUI lawyer at (213) 238-6479. Nosotros hablamos español.

Understanding DUI in California

You can be arrested for DUI in the following ways:

  • As an adult driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or more
  • As noticeably impaired per law enforcement even with a BAC below .08 percent
  • As an underage driver (under 21) with a BAC of .02 percent or more
  • As a commercial license holder driving a commercial vehicle with a BAC of .04 percent or more

If your BAC measures above .16 percent, you will be charged with an aggravated DUI, which will lead to steeper penalties.

DUI Penalties in California

If convicted of a first-offense DUI, you will likely face the following punishments:

  • Fines ranging up to $1,000.
  • Jail time of up to six months.
  • Three years of probation
  • License suspension of up to six months.

On top of these penalties, you can see increased auto insurance premiums, the potential need for an ignition interlock device, and a permanent criminal record. Penalties will also increase with successive convictions within a 10-year period or if your DUI caused injury or death. These penalties are just one of the reasons why it's vital to consult with a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles immediately following a DUI arrest.

Is DUI a Felony in California?

A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) offense can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony in California, depending on various factors. Generally, a first or second DUI offense without aggravating circumstances is typically charged as a misdemeanor. However, certain circumstances can elevate a DUI to a felony, such as multiple prior DUI convictions, DUI-related accidents causing injury or death, or driving with a suspended or revoked license due to a prior DUI conviction. Felony DUIs carry more severe penalties compared to misdemeanor DUIs. It's important to consult with a qualified DUI attorney in Los Angeles to understand the specific implications and potential consequences of a DUI charge in California based on your unique situation.

Time Is of the Essence in a California DUI

Following your DUI arrest, you will have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to file a request for a DMV hearing to challenge the automatic suspension of your license. That suspension will take place 30 days after your arrest when you fail to file. Our Los Angeles criminal defense firm can represent you at the hearing and, even if the DMV denies your request, the hearing offers other benefits. It allows us to hear testimony from the arresting officer, which may reveal inconsistencies and flaws that can be used later for your defense.

How Can A DUI Lawyer in Los Angeles Help You

If you recently got charged with a DUI, you will need all of the legal advice that you can get. Your lawyer will make sure that you have all of the information that you need to protect your rights and your future. Without a lawyer, you are essentially risking your future as well as your reputation.

Here are some ways that a Los Angeles DUI attorney can help you:

  • Evidence: Your lawyer will be able to effectively gather strong evidence to support your case.
  • Investigation: Your lawyer will also conduct an in-depth investigation of your case and the evidence that is being used against you.
  • Support: Your attorney will be by your side throughout every step. Having a legal expert by your side can provide you with the emotional support and reassurance that you need.

Representation: Your lawyer will support and represent you in court. Having a lawyer represent you in court increases your chances of a favorable settlement.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation and for more information on how our DUI attorneys in Los Angeles can help you.

Get Defense From a Los Angeles DUI Attorney

Many factors in your arrest can be challenged, from why you were stopped in the first place, to how chemical testing was performed. At Castaneda Law, APC, our Los Angeles DUI lawyer is thoroughly familiar with how to investigate and evaluate all of these factors and use them to your benefit.

Learn more about how our Los Angeles DUI attorney can defend you by contacting our team online or at (213) 238-6479.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can a DUI in California be charged as a felony?

In California, a DUI can be charged as a felony under certain circumstances, such as having multiple prior DUI convictions, causing injury or death while driving under the influence, or driving with a suspended or revoked license due to a prior DUI. Felony DUI charges carry more severe penalties than misdemeanors, making it essential to consult with a DUI attorney in Los Angeles to understand the charges and prepare an effective defense.

How can a Los Angeles DUI attorney assist me after an arrest?

A Los Angeles DUI attorney can provide invaluable assistance by gathering evidence, conducting a thorough investigation, offering emotional support, and representing you in court. With legal representation, you increase your chances of a favorable outcome, as your attorney will work to protect your rights and future, potentially challenging the validity of the stop, the accuracy of chemical tests, and other aspects of your arrest.

What Sets Us Apart

  • We don't invest in cases, we invest in people; you're not just a case file to us.
  • You are always treated as the most important person in the courtroom.
  • Attorney Sergio Castaneda graduated from UCLA Law, a top 20 law school.
  • We treat your case like it's personal to us. We're in this with you to the end.

Contact Castaneda Law, APC Today!

We’re Ready to Help

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