Can you fight a charge for driving under the influence (DUI) in Los Angeles? To resolve a DUI charge in California, you may want to reach out to a Los Angeles DUI lawyer to get help building your defense.
A lawyer might work to get your charges reduced or even dismissed in some cases. In other situations, a lawyer could represent you in court. Read on to review defenses for DUI charges and consider all options to fight a DUI accusation.
Basic Information About DUI Charges in Los Angeles
Before we discuss methods to fight a DUI charge, it’s important that we learn a little bit about these accusations. You may face numerous different charges if you are accused of a DUI. However, Vehicle Code (VEH) § 23152 charges are used most frequently.
The courts may treat VC 23152 charges as either misdemeanors or felonies. Most DUI charges are misdemeanors, but you could face felony charges if you:
- Have three or more prior misdemeanor DUI convictions on your record.
- Have one or more prior felony DUI convictions on your record.
- Hurt or killed someone in a DUI accident.
You could face charges if accused of driving with an elevated blood alcohol content (BAC) or under the influence of drugs. Make sure you get help after any DUI arrest by contacting us. Call us now at (310) 896-2724 to discuss the specific charges you are facing.
Results of a DUI Conviction in Los Angeles
You may wonder if you should try to fight a DUI accusation in Los Angeles. Generally, it’s a good idea to take steps to resolve these charges. You could get convicted if you do not try to fight a charge. A DUI conviction might lead to:
- Thousands of dollars in fines.
- Up to six months of jail time.
- The mandated use of an ignition interlock device (IID).
- Time on probation.
- Time in DUI school.
Note that these are only the penalties for a first DUI. DUIs are priorable offenses, which means they remain on your record. You face harsher penalties for each subsequent DUI conviction here in California, so make sure you get to work on your defense right now.
Fight a Los Angeles DUI Charge with a Lawyer
You don’t have to try to handle DUI charges on your own in Los Angeles. You should reach out to a lawyer to get assistance. A lawyer can provide you with fast help throughout your legal case by:
- Advising you during questioning from prosecutors.
- Monitoring police officers as they investigate your charges.
- Working to dispute the evidence against you.
Your lawyer will work to resolve your charges before you ever go to court. A lawyer could file a motion to block evidence, for example, to weaken the prosecution’s case. The court might dismiss your charges if the prosecution’s case is weak enough.
A lawyer could also work to bring you a plea bargain from the prosecution. Plea bargains require you to accept a less severe criminal charge. For example, you may reduce your charge from a DUI to reckless driving, which would reduce the penalties you face for a DUI in Los Angeles.
Consider Defenses to Los Angeles DUI Accusations
A lawyer will review the facts of your case to build a defense that works for you. Your lawyer may work to show that you were stopped without reasonable cause by a police officer, which could get your charges thrown out.
Your lawyer might also dispute the results of a BAC test. This would require your lawyer to show that a law enforcement officer did not perform the test correctly or that the test was not handled properly by the laboratory.
Getting help from a lawyer could help you successfully fight a DUI charge in Los Angeles. Your lawyer will work for you in and out of the courtroom. Learn more by contacting us today.
Speak to a Lawyer About Fighting a DUI Charge
You can fight a DUI charge in Los Angeles. A member of our team could help you start working on your defense right now. Reach us by calling (310) 896-2724 or completing our online contact form.
Find out more about how we can help by contacting us for a free consultation.
