Have you been arrested under suspicion of DUI? Also known as driving under the influence, this is a serious offense that can disrupt your life in many ways, including financially, personally, and legally. Even on a misdemeanor level, DUI charges can alter the trajectory of your life forever.
As overwhelming as this experience might feel, you’re not alone. At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we can connect you with a Van Nuys misdemeanor DUI lawyer and point you in the direction of resources that can help you with your case.
We’ve made it possible for thousands of people to find legal counsel. With decades of experience backing us, you can trust us to help you find a Van Nuys DUI lawyer who can take on your case, protect your rights, and advocate for you every step of the way.
Understanding Misdemeanor DUI Charges in Van Nuys
In California, driving under the influence (DUI) is commonly charged as a misdemeanor unless specific aggravating factors are present.
In Van Nuys, a misdemeanor DUI charge falls under California Vehicle Code § 23152. This makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. It also criminalizes driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
These cases are typically prosecuted when the following is true:
- No one was injured or killed
- The accused has fewer than three prior DUI convictions
- There are no aggravating factors
Even though the offense is classified as a misdemeanor, it is still considered a criminal charge. As a result, these charges will likely still impose lasting consequences on your life.
Where Misdemeanor DUI Cases are Handled in Van Nuys
DUI cases in Van Nuys are generally processed through the Van Nuys Courthouse West. After you are arrested for suspected DUI, your case will proceed through the following stages in court:
- Arraignment
- Pretrial hearings
- A jury trial if no resolution is reached beforehand
In addition to criminal proceedings, people who are arrested for DUI must also deal with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV might initiate a separate administrative license suspension action depending on the details of your case.
It’s worth noting that this DMV process is independent of the court proceedings, and it involves its own hearing. Even so, you can ask your misdemeanor DUI lawyer in Van Nuys to provide you with insight into what you can expect during any DMV-related court proceedings.
California Vehicle Code § 23152: Two-Part DUI Law
California’s DUI law is structured into two main subsections under § 23152:
- VC § 23152(a): It is unlawful to drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
- VC § 23152(b): It is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or more, regardless of your degree of impairment.
Prosecutors often file charges under both sections. This means that you could be convicted under one or both, depending on the evidence presented in your case.
Penalties for a First-Time Misdemeanor DUI in Van Nuys
For many people, a DUI is their first experience with the criminal justice system. The potential penalties for a first-time DUI in California include:
- Jail time: Up to six months in Los Angeles County jail
- Fines and assessments: Between $1,500 and $2,500, depending on court fees
- License suspension: Up to six months through the DMV
- DUI education program: Typically three or nine months
- Ignition interlock device (IID): Required for a minimum of six months
- Probation: Usually three to five years of informal probation
These penalties can vary depending on the facts of the case and whether or not any enhancements apply. Your misdemeanor DUI lawyer in Van Nuys will likely inform you of the penalties you could be facing after reviewing the details of your case.
Collateral Consequences of a Misdemeanor DUI Conviction
Even after completing jail time, paying your fines, and fulfilling the terms of your license suspension, a DUI conviction can continue to affect your life in other ways:
- Increased auto insurance premiums or loss of coverage
- SR-22 insurance filing requirement for reinstating a license
- Difficulty passing background checks for employment or housing
- Impacts on professional licensing or certification
- Out-of-state travel issues, particularly to countries with strict entry rules
The conviction will likely remain on your record unless you petition for expungement at a later point in time, though this is a separate legal process.
Call Us to Connect With Van Nuys Misdemeanor DUI Attorneys
If you or someone you love is facing misdemeanor DUI charges, you don’t have to go through the process all by yourself. Being arrested can create a lot of stress, make you feel incredibly uncertain, and impose major consequences that affect both your personal and professional life.
While it’s normal to be stressed out by the legal side of things and anxious about what comes next, you’re not alone. Instead, contact us right away to learn how a misdemeanor DUI attorney in Van Nuys can help you move forward.
The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can introduce you to Van Nuys misdemeanor DUI attorneys who have what it takes to represent you.
Don’t hesitate to take the first step. We’re here to help you pursue a favorable outcome in your case.
