The prosecutor in your Los Angeles DUI case may add sentencing enhancements to your drunk driving charge if you had children in the car, were involved in an accident, or were speeding before being arrested. A sentencing enhancement can significantly increase the punishment you face in a drunk driving case, so it's crucial to consult with a Los Angeles DUI attorney to plan an aggressive defense.

Prosecutors typically add a speed enhancement to a Los Angeles DUI charge if you were cited for driving 30 mph or more over the speed limit on the freeway or 20 mph or more on a surface street or highway.

If you're accused of speeding in connection with your Los Angeles DUI charge, you may also be charged with reckless driving. If both of these allegations are proven, you face an additional 60 days in jail along with any other court punishment you receive.

However, a sentencing enhancement alleging speeding or reckless driving must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt just like your underlying drunk driving charge. To prove that you're guilty of reckless driving, the prosecutor must establish that you had willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property, not that you were merely driving too fast.

Because the penalties of sentencing enhancements added to Los Angeles DUI charges are so severe, you may want to consider a plea bargain if one is offered to you. Plea bargains involve pleading guilty in exchange for a reduced charge or sentence.

Do not delay.  Contact a Los Angeles DUI lawyer to discuss your charges with sentencing enhancements.  These charges carry potentially life-altering sentences, so it's critical to have a top defense lawyer fighting for your rights.