Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious charge here in Los Angeles. You can face misdemeanor or felony charges for a DUI accusation. A conviction will go on your criminal record.
If you’re accused of DUI, fighting the charges with a skilled DUI lawyer can be your best chance at avoiding a criminal record. Contact us 24/7 at (310) 896-2724 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
A DUI Is a Criminal Charge in California
DUIs are considered criminal charges in California. You can face either misdemeanor or felony charges if you are accused of driving after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. There are a number of different charges used to prosecute DUIs.
The court primarily uses Vehicle Code (VEH) §23152 to handle DUI charges. Drivers who are convicted under VEH §23152 will face legal penalties. The DUI conviction will also show up on your:
- Criminal record
- Driving record
The DUI charge will come off of your driving record after 10 years. However, it will remain on your criminal record, unless you take steps to get your charges expunged.
DUI Convictions Show Up on Background Checks
A DUI conviction will show up on background checks. Background checks are used by a number of different people or organizations in California.
For example, you could receive a background check from:
- Potential employers
- Landlords
- Educational institutions
Additionally, DUIs remain on your driving record. This will not impact a background check. However, it will come into play if you are accused of a subsequent DUI.
All DUIs in the state of California are priorable. This means that you will face higher penalties if you have a past DUI on your driving record. Subsequent DUI charges will lead to higher fines and a longer period of incarceration.
Get help handling a DUI accusation before a conviction by contacting our Los Angeles DUI lawyers. You can reach us if you call (310) 896-2724.
Fighting Back Against DUI Charges
Fortunately, you can take steps to address a DUI accusation. You can resolve a DUI charge before you are convicted by working with a law firm. Your lawyer can work to ensure your charges are:
- Dismissed
- Reduced
In many cases, drivers are offered a plea bargain after a DUI accusation. This plea bargain could reduce your charges.
For example, the prosecution could reduce a DUI charge to a “dry” reckless charge. This charge will still show up on your record, but it is not as serious as a DUI conviction.
Expunging Existing DUI Charges
Our team could also help you request a DUI expungement here in Los Angeles. Expungements remove charges from your criminal record in some situations. However, an expungement will not take a DUI off of your driving record.
Get Your Free Consultation with a DUI Lawyer Today
DUIs are criminal charges in California, meaning a DUI conviction will give you a criminal record.
Fortunately, you can get help handling a DUI accusation before you are convicted. Just reach out to our DUI lawyers in Los Angeles right away. You can contact us if you call (310) 896-2724 or fill out our online contact form. We can review your cases today with a risk-free consultation.
