If you're facing a Los Angeles DUI charge, you may fear that a conviction is automatic, especially if you "failed" your field sobriety tests or your blood or breath test. Defendants will often ask, "Why bother fighting my case?" There are several good reasons to fight your drunk driving case exist, especially with help from a qualified Los Angeles DUI lawyer.

Fortunately, you're presumed innocent in your Los Angeles DUI charge unless a judge or jury finds you guilty. In order to convict you of drunk driving, all 12 jurors must agree that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If disagreement among the jurors exists, the outcome is a "hung jury," which means the case will need to be retried. However, many prosecutors chose not to re-try California DUI cases, which means the charges are dismissed and you are free to go.

Aside from the consequences that follow pleading guilty to a Los Angeles DUI charge, which include fines, jail time, and probation, if you are arrested for drunk driving again, the punishments will increase. California has a 10-year "washout" period for DUI convictions, which means that if you are arrested for drunk driving within 10 years of a prior conviction, the arrest will be charged as a second offense. Should more than 10 years pass between two arrests for driving while intoxicated, the subsequent arrest will be treated as a first-time DUI.

The penalties for a second offense DUI are substantially more severe than for the first. The defendants who are cajoled by prosecutors into pleading guilty to first-time DUI arrests usually end up regretting it later.

If you choose not to fight your Los Angeles DUI charges in court, you have already lost and will be punished. However, an experienced Los Angeles DUI lawyer will fight to minimize or even eliminate the consequences of your California drunk driving charge. Contact us today for a free consultation.