Facing a DUI in Torrance can be overwhelming, especially with strong evidence against you. The consequences can include jail time and losing your driver’s license. Don’t let your situation become more difficult than it needs to be.
Hiring a Torrance DUI lawyer can help you avoid the harshest penalties. With the right defense, you may avoid jail, keep your license, save thousands in fines, or even be proven not guilty. A DUI is a serious mistake, but it doesn’t define you.
You shouldn’t have to suffer for years from one mistake. The best move is to connect with Los Angeles DUI Attorney. With our experience helping thousands of clients, they will put you in touch with a lawyer who will help you through the legal process and fight for your rights.
DUIs Explained
A DUI, or “driving under the influence,” refers to the illegal act of operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Each state has its own DUI laws, and it’s also a federal offense, meaning federal courts can be involved.
You might also hear the term DWI, which stands for “driving while intoxicated” or “driving while impaired.” Some states use DWI interchangeably with DUI, while others differentiate between the two.
Additionally, different regions have their own terms for this offense, such as OUI (“operating under the influence”), OWI (“operating while intoxicated”), or DWAI (“driving while ability impaired”). In California, the term DUI is used for cases involving high blood alcohol content or drug impairment at the time of driving.
Types of DUI Offenses in California
In California, DUI offenses come in various forms, each carrying different penalties depending on the specifics of the arrest. Understanding these charges can help you prepare a solid defense with the help of a Torrance DUI lawyer.
Underage DUI (California Vehicle Code Section 23136(a))
If you are under 21 and your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .01 percent or higher, you can be arrested and charged with an underage DUI. There are several factors that make an underage DUI different than an adult’s.
Felony DUI (California Vehicle Code Section 23153)
Certain factors can elevate a DUI from a misdemeanor to a felony. You may face felony DUI charges if you:
- Cause injury or death while driving under the influence.
- Have three prior DUI convictions within the past 10 years.
- Have a previous felony DUI on your record.
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (California Vehicle Code Section 23152(f))
Impairment from drugs, including controlled substances, prescription medications, and over-the-counter products, can lead to DUI charges.
Marijuana DUI (California Vehicle Code Section 23152)
Driving under the influence of marijuana is taken seriously. Even though marijuana is legal for adult use in California, driving with a psychoactive amount of THC in your system can result in a DUI charge.
A marijuana DUI is typically a misdemeanor, but if you cause a serious accident, it can escalate to a felony.
Understanding these various DUI offenses and their penalties is essential. California DUI penalties can be severe, and having a skilled Torrance DUI lawyer can help you fight these influence charges effectively.
Know Your Rights When Stopped for DUI in Torrance
If you are stopped by the police and they suspect you of drinking and driving, it’s important to remain calm and assert your rights under the California Vehicle Codes. Knowing your rights can help protect you during a Torrance DUI stop.
- Remain silent: You are required to give your name and show ID, but you don’t have to answer any other questions. Politely state that you are invoking your right to remain silent.
- Ask if you are under arrest: You have the right to ask if you are under arrest or being detained. If the officer says no, you can leave. If the stop continues for an unusually long time without an arrest, contact a DUI attorney immediately.
- Request a lawyer: If you are arrested, clearly and politely state that you want a DUI lawyer. Do not answer any questions until your lawyer is present.
Knowing and asserting your rights can make a significant difference during a DUI stop. For further guidance, contacting a Torrance DUI lawyer can provide you with the legal support you need.
Your Legal Rights During Field Sobriety Testing
During a DUI traffic stop, an officer may request that you perform certain tests to assess your blood alcohol levels. These field sobriety tests (FSTs) are standardized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and include:
- The horizontal gaze nystagmus test
- The one-leg stand test
- The walk-and-turn test
You have the right to refuse any or all of these FSTs. Legally, you are not required to take them, and you cannot be punished for refusing. While refusal may not prevent an arrest, it does limit the evidence available to the prosecutor.
Understanding your rights can be vital when dealing with a DUI criminal charge. For more detailed guidance, consult with criminal defense attorneys who can provide the support and information you need.
Know Your Rights During Chemical Testing
If the police suspect you are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may be arrested and asked to take a blood, breath, or urine test to determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Here are the legal BAC limits:
- Over 21: .08 percent
- Under 21: Any detectable alcohol can lead to criminal charges
- Commercial drivers: .04 percent if driving a commercial vehicle at the time of the stop
You have the right to refuse a warrantless chemical test. However, refusal can lead to consequences such as an administrative driver’s license suspension and increased punishment if you are found guilty of DUI.
In many cases, the police will obtain a warrant, requiring you to submit a blood sample. Refusing a blood test after a warrant is issued can have serious consequences, including jail time. If this happens, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.
What Happens After Your DUI Arrest
After a DUI arrest in Torrance, you will likely spend a night at the Torrance Police Station Jail Facility. This may vary if you are arrested by the Torrance Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, or the California Highway Patrol.
Once processed and released, the real legal challenges begin.
The DMV Hearing
When processed for DUI, your license is confiscated, and you receive a pink sheet as a temporary 30-day license. You have the right to request a DMV hearing to contest your license suspension, but this must be done within ten days.
A Torrance DUI attorney can assist you in this hearing, aiming to retain your driving privilege until your trial. The hearing officer will review your case, including your blood alcohol levels.
The Arraignment
A few weeks after your arrest, you’ll attend an arraignment at the Torrance court to enter your plea. Having a Torrance DUI attorney by this time is essential. Your trial date will be set, and the clock starts ticking.
The Waiting Game
There can be months between your arraignment and your actual trial. During this time, a good lawyer will build your case. A strong DUI defense involves legal research, reviewing evidence, communicating with the prosecution, and subpoenaing evidence or witnesses.
These tasks are difficult to manage without professional legal counsel, and a DUI defense lawyer will handle all of this for you.
Your Trial
Your lawyer may be able to negotiate a favorable plea deal or even get your case dismissed. In some instances, however, you may need to go to trial, which will likely be held at the Torrance Courthouse.
DUI trials involve a jury, giving you a chance for an acquittal, especially if your lawyer has successfully challenged some of the evidence against you.
Consequences of a DUI Conviction
A DUI conviction in Torrance carries serious consequences that can impact your life significantly. All DUI sentences, even for first-time offenders, include jail time and fines.
The basic fine is $390, but when combined with court fees, the total cost reaches approximately $1800. For repeat offenses, these penalties increase dramatically, with fines reaching up to $18,000 and potential prison time exceeding one year.
If you’re convicted of a DUI, you will face a range of penalties and additional consequences:
- First DUI: At least 96 hours in jail, up to $2,000 in fines and fees, and a driver’s license suspension for up to six months.
- Second DUI: At least 90 days in jail, up to $2,000 in fines and fees, and a two-year license suspension.
- Third DUI: At least 120 days in jail, up to $2,000 in fines and fees, and a three-year license suspension.
- Fourth DUI: Up to three years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines and fees, and a four-year license suspension.
These penalties underscore the seriousness of drunk driving charges and the influence of alcohol on your driving record. A conviction can have long-lasting effects on your life, so it’s essential to understand the potential outcomes and seek appropriate legal support.
Additional Penalties
There are also additional penalties that need to be considered:
- Alcohol education or treatment: First-time offenders must complete a 3-month alcohol education course costing $500. Repeat offenders may face up to 30 months of treatment, which can cost $1800.
- License suspension or restriction: A DUI conviction typically results in a suspended or restricted driving license.
- Probation: Offenders may be placed on probation, which includes regular check-ins with a probation officer and compliance with specific conditions.
- Increased insurance rates: Convicted individuals may need to register for SR-22 insurance, leading to significantly higher auto insurance premiums.
- Vehicle impoundment: Your vehicle may be impounded, leading to additional fees and inconvenience.
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Installation of an ignition interlock device at the driver’s expense may be required to monitor your driving for a specified period.
- Community service: Offenders may be ordered to complete community service hours as part of their sentencing.
Alternative DUI Sentences
Instead of jail time, some other alternatives to traditional sentencing include:
- House arrest: Instead of serving time in jail, you may be confined to your home for a specified period. This allows you to continue working and supporting your family while serving your sentence.
- Electronic monitoring: This involves wearing an ankle bracelet that tracks your location to ensure you comply with the terms of your sentence. Electronic monitoring allows for more freedom than house arrest, but you must adhere to specific movement restrictions.
- Community service: Instead of jail time, community service could also be served as the punishment. This could involve working with local charities, public service organizations, or community improvement projects, providing a way to give back to the community while fulfilling your sentence.
Long-Term Impact
A DUI conviction means more than just fines and jail time. It can lead to long-term consequences that can seriously affect your future.
Understanding these consequences and their impact on your life is extremely important.
The Real Cost of a DUI in Torrance, CA
California sees over 300 DUI arrests daily, and they are taken very seriously. State laws have become increasingly strict, aiming to protect other drivers and generate significant revenue through hefty fines.
The financial impact of a DUI conviction can be immense, both immediately and in the long term. This is why securing effective legal defense from a Torrance criminal defense attorney is essential to fight your charges in Torrance Court.
A DUI can cost you around $16,000 at a minimum, but estimates from the Administrative Office of the Courts suggest the total cost could exceed $45,000, factoring in increased insurance premiums over 13 years. Here’s a breakdown of potential costs:
- Court fines: For a first-time DUI, fines can reach $2,000 plus additional assessments and court costs, with higher fines for repeat offenders.
- Probation fees: Probation can last three to five years, with monthly fees and additional charges for probation violations.
- Insurance: Your premiums can increase dramatically, anywhere from 25% to 200% or more, upon a DUI conviction or even an arrest.
- Alcohol classes: Mandatory classes range from $350 to $1,500.
- Treatment programs: Enrollment in alcohol or drug programs can cost hundreds to thousands without insurance.
- Bail costs: Getting out of jail can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars if you are not released on your own recognizance.
- Community labor: Fees for community service or work programs can range from $250 to $1,000.
- Monitoring devices: Ankle or alcohol detection devices can cost hundreds monthly if required instead of jail time.
- Towing fees: Expect to pay hundreds for towing and vehicle impoundment to retrieve your car.
- Ignition interlock device (IID): Installation costs about $200, with monthly maintenance around $100.
- DMV fees: Additional DMV fees are required to reinstate your license, with an extra $70 fee upon DUI conviction.
These costs underscore the importance of effective legal representation. A Torrance criminal defense lawyer can help you manage the legal ramifications and minimize the financial burden of a DUI conviction, whether you were caught after just one glass of wine or multiple alcoholic beverages.
Petition for a DUI Expungement
If you plead guilty to or are convicted of a DUI in Southern California, it will stay on your driving record for 10 years and can remain on your criminal record indefinitely unless you take action.
After completing all the terms of your DUI sentence, including probation, you might be eligible to petition the court to expunge or “remove” the DUI conviction from your criminal record. A Southern California criminal defense lawyer can assist you in filing the necessary paperwork and guide you through the expungement process.
Expunging your DUI conviction can provide a fresh start, making it easier to move forward without the burden of a criminal record. Contact a criminal defense lawyer to discuss your options and take the first step towards clearing your record.
Why You Should Hire a Torrance DUI Law Firm
Many DUI defendants worry about the costs of hiring an attorney or believe there is no chance of winning their case. However, facing your case without a lawyer can lead to much harsher outcomes.
Benefits of a DUI Attorney
A skilled Torrance DUI attorney understands the legal system and can significantly impact your case, often with just a few hours of work. While you will pay for their services, the potential benefits include reducing fines by thousands of dollars or even achieving an acquittal.
The difference between a professional DUI attorney and a public defender provided by the court is significant.
Challenges With Public Defenders
Public defenders are dedicated professionals, but they are often overworked and handle many cases at once. They may not have the time to thoroughly examine the evidence and might advise you to accept the first plea deal offered.
By hiring a DUI attorney in Torrance, you get an experienced advocate who focuses on your case, maximizing your chances of success in Torrance court.
DUI Defense: How Our Attorneys Work to Reduce Your Charges
Our primary goal is to have your DUI charges dropped whenever possible. If that’s not feasible, we strive to reduce the charges or minimize the risk of the harshest penalties.
Given the serious consequences of a DUI conviction, we collaborate closely with our clients to create a robust defense strategy. The approach depends on the specifics of your case and might include:
- Miranda Rights violation: If the police didn’t read you your rights at the time of driving arrest, this could be a key defense point.
- Unlawful stop: Questioning the legality of the traffic stop—did the police have a valid reason to pull you over?
- Necessity defense: In rare cases, you might have driven out of necessity, such as driving someone to the hospital in an emergency.
- Testing errors: Challenging the accuracy of blood alcohol concentration tests due to procedural errors or equipment issues.
Reducing the Impact of DUI Charges
If we can prove any of these defenses, it may be possible to reduce your charges or lessen their impact. This might include avoiding the loss of your driving privileges, securing informal probation, or achieving other favorable outcomes.
Our success rate in Torrance court and at DMV hearings with the hearing officer reflects our commitment to fighting for the best possible results for our clients.
We Work to Tell Your Story
When you appear in court to address influence charges, presenting the right message is critical. For some clients, it’s about proving they were not intoxicated. For others, it’s demonstrating that they made a one-time mistake and are unlikely to reoffend.
Our experienced Torrance criminal defense lawyer will develop a tailored legal strategy for your needs, answer your questions, and explore all criminal defense opportunities. Many clients benefit from strategies that highlight procedural errors or mitigate circumstances.
Don’t face the court alone. Our dedicated and assertive criminal defense attorneys are here to help you achieve the best possible outcome, whether it’s reducing influence charges or fighting felony charges. Start working with us now to create a defense that gives you confidence as you move forward.
Finding a DUI Lawyer in Torrance, CA for You
When searching for a DUI lawyer in Torrance, it’s important to find one with the right experience and focus. Not all attorneys offer the same level of legal defense for DUI cases.
Here are some guidelines to help you choose the most fitting lawyer for your situation:
- Focus on DUIs: Make sure your attorney focuses exclusively on DUI and related laws. This laser focus means they are well-versed in the intricacies of DUI cases.
- Proven experience: Look for an experienced attorney who can provide proof of successfully handling cases similar to yours. Their track record can be a good indicator of their capability.
- Free consultation: A reputable lawyer will offer a free consultation, allowing you to discuss your case and determine if their legal representation suits your needs.
- Attentive and caring: Choose a lawyer who listens to you and genuinely cares about your case. You should feel confident in their commitment to your defense.
By following these guidelines, you can find an experienced attorney in Torrance who will provide strong legal defense and effective legal representation for your DUI case.
How a Torrance Drunk Driving Lawyer Will Help You
You might think your DUI case is an open-and-shut case, but that is not necessarily true. Even if your situation seems unwinnable, an experienced attorney can make a significant difference.
Here’s how a Torrance DUI lawyer can help:
- Examining the arrest process: Your attorney will scrutinize the arrest process to determine if your rights were violated. Any procedural errors could potentially dismiss the case against you.
- Questioning the evidence: They will investigate the accuracy of the breathalyzer used to measure your true blood alcohol level. Was it recently calibrated? If the data is unreliable, the breath test results might be excluded.
- Sleuthing for inconsistencies: Your lawyer will compare the arresting officer’s current statements with those made at the time of your arrest and check witness statements for discrepancies. This can weaken the prosecution’s case.
- Negotiating for lesser charges: Prosecutors often have many cases and prioritize the most straightforward ones. If your lawyer can make your case difficult to prosecute, you might receive an offer to plead to a lesser charge, such as reckless driving.
The impact of these strategies can be significant. Your case might be dismissed, or the DUI charge could be reduced to reckless driving, helping you keep your license and avoid severe DUI penalties.
If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will work diligently to create reasonable doubt in the jury’s mind. Many DUI cases result in acquittals, especially with skilled legal representation.
Additionally, if you’re dealing with a probation violation, your lawyer can address this to minimize any further legal consequences.
How to Find a DUI Attorney in Torrance
Our site connects you with a qualified, experienced Torrance DUI lawyer who can make a real difference in your case. This service is completely free, and all you need to do is provide basic details about your situation. We will match you with the most qualified attorney for your needs.
Don’t let fear dominate your thoughts about the trial, and don’t plead guilty without having a lawyer to negotiate on your behalf. A skilled Torrance DUI lawyer can advocate for you and improve the outcome of your case.
Call Los Angeles DUI Attorney today for your free consultation, or fill out our quick contact form to get started. Let us help you find the legal support you need to face your DUI charges with confidence.
