Burbank DUI Lawyer

If you are charged with driving under the influence (DUI), you could face jail time and lose your driver’s license. You may also be on the hook for substantial fines, which can easily add up to thousands of dollars. A DUI is a severe charge, but only if you are convicted.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve your case. Many people choose to work with an experienced Burbank DUI lawyer to make the process easier and protect their legal rights.

Get peace of mind from Los Angeles DUI Attorney. We can connect you with a lawyer who can explain how the court system works and help you understand your options. They’ll also assist in building your criminal defense strategy and negotiating penalties where possible.

The Cost of a DUI in Burbank, CA

California law has taken an increasingly tough stance toward these types of offenses. DUI penalties in Burbank depend on whether it is a first, second, or third offense.

This may include:

• Jail time ranging from two days to six months may be imposed in some cases. Alternatives such as probation may be available depending on the situation.
• Fines and fees totaling at least $1,800. This includes the minimum fine of $390. Additional penalties may increase the total amount significantly depending on the circumstances of the case.
• Driver’s license suspension or restriction, which can range from several months to longer periods, depending on the driving under the influence case.
• Probation, mandatory DUI school, and potentially an interlock device. You pay the costs of DUI school and the interlock yourself.

If you have had prior DUIs, the costs will be even steeper. In some cases, such as repeat offenses or felony DUI charges, you could face over a year in state prison. Fines could be in the thousands.

Types of DUI Lawyers in Burbank

A criminal defense attorney can be extremely helpful to have on your side when facing a DUI charge in Burbank. Here are some of the different types of lawyers available:

• Burbank first offense DUI lawyer: The legal process for a first-time DUI can be extremely confusing and overwhelming. A Burbank first offense DUI attorney who has experience with first-time offenders can ensure you don’t miss important details and steps.
• Burbank second offense DUI lawyer: A second charge may require a stronger criminal defense and more experience, and that’s why an attorney who has experience with second offenses can be beneficial.
• Burbank third offense DUI lawyer: Third offenses can often have more repercussions. Having the right lawyer who has experience with these specific cases can help you tackle everything from legal proceedings to license suspension options.
• Burbank misdemeanor DUI lawyer: There are many ways to address a misdemeanor DUI case; someone who knows the processes and potential outcomes will be extremely helpful to have in your corner.
• Burbank felony DUI lawyer: Felony charges can have a devastating impact on your life for years. The good news is that working with a Burbank felony DUI lawyer can help you figure out a helpful defense.
• Burbank commercial DUI lawyer: A commercial DUI lawyer can help you understand your options and work to protect your career.
• Burbank hit and run DUI lawyer: A hit and run and DUI are two separate charges that come with their own legal processes. An attorney can help you better understand these processes, along with figuring out the next steps.
• Burbank marijuana DUI lawyer: Marijuana-related DUI charges come with unique legal challenges and evolving laws. A Burbank marijuana DUI lawyer can help you make sense of everything.

What Happens After You Get Arrested?

You may have been arrested by the Burbank police department, the California Highway Patrol, or the LA County Sheriff’s Office. They can choose to hold you in custody for a period of time, which can vary depending on the situation.

Afterward, you will usually be processed and released. Deadlines for your case start counting down immediately, and you need to be ready for each one.

The DMV Hearing

The DMV hearing, which can be scheduled through the DMV’s driver safety case management portal, is an important opportunity to challenge the potential suspension of your driving privileges.

If you miss this deadline, your license will be automatically suspended, which will usually happen 30 days after your arrest. A good DUI lawyer in Burbank, CA, is already essential. They can help you file the request with the DMV, represent you at the hearing, and help you present your case and explore options for maintaining driving privileges.

The Arraignment

The arraignment is an initial court hearing within a few weeks of your arrest. At this hearing, you will enter your plea, and you will be given a date for your trial. If you already have a DUI attorney in Burbank, CA, before your arraignment, they can use it as an opportunity to pressure the prosecution to negotiate.

Trial Preparation

The gap between the arraignment and the trial can be several months or more. Your lawyer will assemble the strongest criminal defense during this time.

They will conduct extensive research, review all relevant evidence, and find the prosecution’s weak spots. During this stage, attorneys can negotiate with prosecutors to get the best outcome for your case, and in many instances, you will not need to go to trial.

The Trial for The Burbank DUI

If you proceed to trial, it will be held at the Burbank Courthouse. Remember that you do not have to prove you are innocent. Instead, your Burbank DUI attorney must only create “reasonable doubt”. They do this by discrediting the evidence against you or suppressing it where possible.

Defense Strategies a Burbank DUI Attorney May Use

DUI attorneys can challenge different aspects of a case depending on the evidence. There are several ways your lawyer might work to turn things in your favor:

Questioning the Legitimacy of the DUI Arrest

Sometimes the Burbank police department can make mistakes. This violates your rights as a defendant. If your lawyer finds evidence of this in your case, they may be able to help with your DUI defense.

Questioning the Evidence Against You

DUI evidence is rarely as conclusive as you might think. Data from field sobriety tests and breath tests can be inaccurate. Your DUI lawyer will know how to call the evidence into question and, in some cases, have it suppressed from the trial altogether.

Uncovering Contradictions in Law Enforcement Testimony

Police officers may change their story after an arrest, even if they do it unconsciously. If their statements at a hearing or in court contradict their initial statement, their credibility is questioned. In other cases, your lawyer may be able to find video footage or a witness that contradicts the police statements.

Negotiating Reduced Charges

Prosecutors may be open to a deal in some cases. DUI lawyers use tactics to work toward a favorable resolution based on the facts surrounding your situation. This could mean a stronger criminal defense and may reduce the financial impact of your DUI case.

Consider Alternative Options

Going to trial is not the only way to address a DUI charge. Depending on the circumstances of your case, resolving the matter through a negotiated agreement with the prosecutor may be an option.

In some situations, a plea agreement can result in reduced charges or less severe penalties. The availability and terms of any agreement will depend on factors such as your prior record, the details of the arrest, and whether any aggravating circumstances were involved.

Courts may also consider alternative sentencing options in certain cases. These can include:

• Probation in place of additional jail time for drinking and driving.
• Alcohol education or treatment programs.
• Community service requirements.
• Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID).
• Fines and other court-imposed conditions.

Because every California DUI case is different, the outcome will depend on the specific evidence, legal issues, and circumstances involved. A Burbank criminal defense attorney can help evaluate your options and determine the most appropriate path forward based on your situation.

Get Connected With a DUI Lawyer Serving Burbank

If you have been arrested for DUI, you need to act fast. Deadlines are already looming that will determine the future of your career, your freedom, and your ability to drive. Having a professional at your side can be an important step in addressing your case.

Our site exists to connect you with experienced DUI attorneys across California. This service is completely free. We need a few basic details, and we will get to work immediately matching you with a pre-screened Burbank DUI attorney.

Every lawyer we work with offers a free, no-obligation consultation. If you’re ready to explore your options, let us help you get connected with trusted legal counsel.

Serving Drivers Across Burbank and the Surrounding Area

We defend drivers arrested across Burbank and the surrounding east San Fernando Valley, including Magnolia Park, the Media District, Rancho, and Downtown Burbank, as well as neighboring Glendale, North Hollywood, and Toluca Lake. Whether you were stopped on the 5 (Golden State Freeway), the 134 (Ventura Freeway), or the 170 (Hollywood Freeway), pulled over along San Fernando Boulevard or Olive Avenue, or arrested near the Burbank media studios or Hollywood Burbank Airport, we handle DUI cases throughout the 91501, 91502, 91505, and 91506 ZIP codes and the rest of the east Valley.

A Burbank DUI moves on two tracks at once. Because Burbank has its own police department, DUI arrests here are filed at the Burbank Courthouse (300 East Olive Avenue), which handles both misdemeanor and felony DUI matters for the area. At the same time, the DMV opens a separate Administrative Per Se (APS) action through the Van Nuys Driver Safety Office — and you have only 10 days from your arrest to request a hearing before your license is automatically suspended. We handle both the courtroom case and the DMV hearing from day one.

Most Burbank DUI charges are filed under California Vehicle Code 23152(a) and 23152(b) — the standard 0.08% BAC offenses — with felony exposure under VC 23153 when someone is injured. We challenge the basis for the traffic stop, the calibration and 15-minute observation period behind the preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) breath device, the chain of custody on any blood draw, and the reliability of field sobriety tests. For repeat cases, we address prior convictions, ignition interlock device (IID) requirements, SR-22 insurance filings, and DUI-school terms — and on injury cases, the Watson advisement.

Burbank DUI cases are handled by trial attorney Michael A. Simmrin (California State Bar No. 238092), a University of Miami School of Law graduate who has tried more than 100 jury trials. Consultations are free and available 24/7 — call (310) 906-4672 to speak with an attorney directly. Learn more about Michael Simmrin →

Burbank DUI FAQs

What is the best defense for a Burbank DUI?

There is no single best defense—the right strategy depends on the facts of your stop and arrest. In Burbank DUI cases, common defenses include challenging the reason for the traffic stop, questioning the calibration and 15-minute observation period behind the breath (PAS) test, scrutinizing the blood-draw chain of custody, and disputing field sobriety test results. A defense attorney reviews the police report, body-camera footage, and chemical evidence to find the weakness that fits your case under California Vehicle Code 23152.

Do you really need a lawyer for a DUI in Burbank?

You are not legally required to hire one, but a DUI triggers two separate cases at once: the criminal case, prosecuted at the Burbank Courthouse, and a DMV Administrative Per Se action that can suspend your license within 10 days of arrest. A lawyer handles both, requests the DMV hearing on time, and can spot defenses most people would miss. For a charge that affects your record, your license, and your job, experienced representation usually makes a meaningful difference.

How long do DUI hearings last at the Burbank Courthouse?

It depends on the type of hearing. Early appearances such as an arraignment at the Burbank Courthouse are usually brief—often just a few minutes before the judge. The separate DMV Administrative Per Se hearing is also short and can be held by phone. If your case goes to trial, it can last from a day to several days depending on the evidence and witnesses. Most Burbank DUI cases are resolved well before trial, during the pre-trial phase.

Is it worth it to fight a Burbank DUI?

In most cases, yes—even when the evidence looks strong. Breath and blood results do not always hold up, and fighting the charge can lead to a dismissal, an acquittal, or a reduction to a lesser offense with lighter penalties. At minimum, a thorough review of your case gives you the information to make an informed decision instead of simply accepting the first offer. Consultations are free—call (310) 906-4672 to discuss your options 24/7.