If you are stopped for driving under the influence (DUI) and you have a child in the car, you can face harsh criminal charges under Vehicle Code (VEH) §23572 for a DUI with a child under the age of 14 in the vehicle.
Technically, VEH §23572 is an enhancement to other charges in California. This means that you will only face increased penalties for having a child in your vehicle if you are convicted of a DUI.
Penalties Associated with a DUI with a Child in the Car
The court system in California uses many harsh penalties to address DUI convictions. These penalties apply regardless of whether you had a child in the car, or not. A first-time conviction for a DUI can result in:
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Jail time of up to six months
- Requirements to use an ignition interlock device (IID)
Additionally, DUIs are priorable offenses in the state of California. This means that they count against drivers who get subsequent DUIs in our area. You face higher fines and a longer period of jail time for all subsequent DUI convictions.
VEH §23572 Is a Sentence Enhancement, Not a Standalone Charge
VEH §23572 serves as an enhancement for drivers who are accused of a DUI with a child in the car. VEH §23572 allows the court to automatically add time to your jail sentence for a DUI conviction. You can face between two and 90 days of extra jail time, depending on your number of prior DUI convictions.
Each conviction leads to more severe penalties. Additionally, you should know that the jail time associated with a VEH §23572 enhancement cannot be avoided. You must serve this period of time in jail if you are convicted of a DUI with a minor in the car.
You can learn more about the penalties for DUIs by contacting a Los Angeles DUI attorney. Start getting the answers you’re looking for right now by calling (310) 862-0199.
What to Do After a DUI Arrest with a Minor in Your Vehicle
A conviction for a DUI with a child in the car can have serious effects here in Los Angeles. Fortunately, there are steps you can take right away if you are charged with a DUI. Make sure that you reach out to a lawyer right away to get the help that you want.
A DUI lawyer in Los Angeles can handle all of your legal needs quickly. Your lawyer can begin taking steps to block evidence against you. Many drivers worry about the results of blood alcohol content (BAC) test after a DUI arrest, but a law firm can work to:
- Dispute these results
- Request a blood sample for independent testing
BAC tests only work if they are performed correctly and handled properly by the lab. A lawyer can assess what happened during your arrest and could work to show that the arresting officer did not handle your tests properly. This could weaken the prosecution’s case.
Defenses Available in a DUI Case When There Is a Minor in Your Vehicle
You can face serious penalties if you are convicted of a DUI with a child in the car in Los Angeles. Allow a lawyer to get to work on your defense to avoid fines and automatic jail time. A lawyer can work to show that you were not impaired or that you were stopped without due cause.
Our team often works to get DUI charges dismissed. We also take steps to get DUI charges reduced in some cases. Plea bargains allow you to reduce the DUI charges you are facing in many situations. However, these deals are not always in your best interest. We’ll assess them for you to make sure they’re fair.
We’re also prepared to stand up for you in and out of court.
Talk to a Lawyer if You’re Accused of Driving Under the Influence
You can face increased penalties if a child is in the car during your DUI arrest in Los Angeles. Make sure you face your charges head-on in this situation by contacting a law firm for assistance. A Los Angeles DUI attorney can handle all your legal challenges, starting with a risk-free, no-obligation consultation. Find out how by completing our online contact form or calling us at (310) 862-0199.
