- Spending up to 3 years behind bars
- Probation for up to 5 years (if you even qualify)
- Spending 18-30 months in DUI school
- Facing fines that could add up to $1,000 (plus a mountain of other fees that’ll be a massive financial burden)
- You face a potential license suspension of up to 4 years and designation as a “habitual offender,” with no possibility of probation.
- Another possibility is getting 4 years with a chance to get your license back, but only after alcohol program rehab and another 3 years with that “habitual offender” title hanging over you (with probation this time).
If you’re facing a felony DUI charge, it is crucial to contact an experienced DUI lawyer in East Los Angeles right away. On top of everything listed above, you’re looking at mandatory alcohol programs, hefty fines, and skyrocketing car insurance..
We have extensive knowledge of the DUI process including the types of hearings you will have to attend, The good news is you don’t have to face a DUI conviction alone. At Ticket Crushers law firm, we’ve been helping people navigate DUIs for over 40 years combined. We know the system inside and out – the hearings, the deadlines, and the best ways to fight the charges.
The sooner you call us (ideally right after the arrest), the better chance we have of getting you back on the road and moving forward.
What Is a DUI Charge?
California cracks down on driving under the influence (DUI) (California Vehicle Code § 23152), and for good reason. DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence, which means your ability to handle the road is compromised. This can be from alcohol, drugs, or even a combination of both.
The legal limit is a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of .08% but think of it as a guideline, not a green light. Even if you register under .08, an officer can still pull you over for DUI if they suspect your driving is impaired. Impaired means wobbly steering, slow reactions, and anything that puts you and others at risk.
It’s important to remember that a DUI offense extends to any substance that can impair your ability to drive. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs – anything that clouds your judgment can land you in hot water.
What to Expect After a DUI Arrest
California law enforcement takes DUI seriously, so any driving mistake – a flicker of a brake light, a wide turn – could lead to a stop. If the officer suspects you’re under the influence, they might ask you to perform a field sobriety test and use a Preliminary Alcohol Screening Device (PAS) to measure your blood alcohol content (BAC). Although you may refuse these tests, you may still be arrested and you cannot refuse a chemical blood or breath test.
Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer Test In East Los Angeles?
Here’s the thing: California has an implied consent law. Once arrested, you technically agree to a breath or blood test. Refusing these will actually lead to a harsher license suspension.
What Happens Right After Losing Your License?
After the arrest, authorities will take your license and leave you with a temporary one. The police report goes to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the District Attorney’s office. A DMV hearing officer will decide on your license suspension, and this is where many people mess up.
Ignoring that notice (referred to as a DS-367) can result in an automatic license suspension, even before your court case. Meanwhile, the D.A. decides if you’ll face criminal charges.
The good news is you have 10 days to fight the suspension. Request a hearing with the DMV. This is separate from your court case, and it’s where our team comes in. We’ll jump in right away, build a strong defense, and help you minimize the penalties you may face.
Is a DUI a Felony?
Law enforcement typically treats most DUIs as misdemeanors, resulting in punishments like county jail, fines, and a suspended license. But a felony DUI is an even more complex legal matter to navigate.
We’re talking prison time, a permanent scar on your record, and years of dealing with the fallout. Here’s how a DUI can turn into a felony:
- Someone is injured or killed: If you’re under the influence and cause an accident with injuries, or worse, a fatality, the charges get much heavier. Depending on the situation, you could be facing:
- DUI vehicular manslaughter
- DUI causing serious injury
- Even DUI second-degree murder
- Multiple DUI offenses: Drivers with three or more DUI convictions within a ten-year period face felony charges. Each DUI adds another layer of consequences, and the penalties get steeper.
If you are facing a felony DUI, it is essential to act quickly. An East Los Angeles felony DUI lawyer can be your champion, dissecting your case and fighting for your rights.
The Legal Process for DUI Cases
Facing a DUI charge can be overwhelming, but we can help you navigate the legal process. This roadmap will outline the key steps involved in your DUI case:
- Arraignment: This is your chance to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Your lawyer will be there to explain your options and guide you toward the best choice.
- Pre-trial: This is where the strategic approach to your case takes shape. You and your lawyer will dissect the evidence, see if there are weaknesses to challenge, and even explore plea bargains with the prosecution.
- Trial: If you can’t reach a deal, it’s time to go to court. Here, both sides will present their case, and a judge or jury will decide your fate.
Through this whole process, a criminal defense attorney in East Los Angeles who is skilled in DUI cases can be your guide. They’ll break down your legal rights in plain English, fight for you every step of the way, and help you make the best choices for your situation. Their guidance can make a world of difference in this tough time.
Why Choose Ticket Crushers for DUI Cases Near East Los Angeles?
Whether it’s your first or fourth DUI in East Los Angeles, Ticket Crushers is here to help. We understand how stressful a DUI can be, but we also offer hope for a positive outcome.
- Personalized Support: Our East Los Angeles DUI attorneys will guide you through every stage of the legal journey, making sure you understand what’s happening every step of the way.
- In-depth Legal Knowledge: We deeply understand California’s DUI laws and will closely examine your case to find any weak points in the prosecution’s case.
- Proven Track Record of Success: Our track record shows our success in securing positive outcomes for our clients charged with DUI.
- Strategic Defense Approach: Our lawyers excel at identifying mistakes in procedure or breaches of constitutional rights that could get your case dismissed.
- Handling All Types of DUI Cases: Whether it’s a complex felony DUI or a less serious offense, we’re prepared to manage your case with knowledge.
- Client-Centered Advocacy: We understand the severe effects of a DUI conviction, from hefty fines to losing your license or even jail time. We’re devoted to reducing the impact on your life.
Our lawyers at Ticket Crushers will build a solid defense to reduce the consequences of a DUI conviction. We put your rights first and work tirelessly to achieve the best outcome possible.
Defend Your Rights With A Qualified DUI Lawyer in Los Angeles County and Southern California
Were you arrested for a DUI near East Los Angeles or Santa Monica? Ticket Crushers law firm is here to defend you, regardless of whether it is your first or fourth charge. A DUI conviction isn’t the end—there’s still an opportunity to influence the outcome.
Our DUI defense attorneys near East Los Angeles are well-versed in California DUI laws and ready to examine your case for any errors or weaknesses that could work in your favor. With proven DUI defenses, we’ve successfully assisted numerous clients in your situation.
A DUI conviction can have a significant impact on your driving record, criminal record, and your life. Even worse, if there was injury or death as a result of your DUI, the guilt can weigh heavily on the person for the rest of your life. You might feel defeated and tempted to give up, but acting quickly allows us to assist with your case and provide the peace of mind you deserve.
Contact Ticket Crusher’s DUI Lawyer Near East Los Angeles Today
At Ticket Crushers Law, our East Los Angeles DUI lawyers understand the challenges you’re facing.
- Talk to a Real Person: Call us at 1-866-842-5384 for a free consultation. Our friendly team will answer your questions and discuss your case details.
- Connect Online: Fill out our short online form quickly, and we will be in touch to get started.
The sooner you begin your defense, the better, so schedule your free consultation and let our East Los Angeles DUI lawyers guide you through this challenging time. We’ll work tirelessly to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Additional Locations
- DUI Lawyer in Oakland
- DUI Lawyer in Pacifica
- DUI Lawyer in Palo Alto
- DUI Lawyer in Pleasanton
- DUI Lawyer in Redwood City
- DUI Lawyer in Roseville
- DUI Lawyer in Sacramento
- DUI Lawyer in San Bruno
- DUI Lawyer in San Carlos
- DUI Lawyer in San Jose
- DUI Lawyer in Santa Cruz
- DUI Lawyer in San Mateo
- DUI Lawyer in Alhambra
- DUI Lawyer in Bellflower
- DUI Lawyer in Beverly Hills
- DUI Lawyer in Chatsworth
- DUI Lawyer in Compton
- DUI Lawyer in Downey
- DUI Lawyer in El Monte
- DUI Lawyer in East Los Angeles
- DUI Lawyer in Glendale
- DUI Lawyer in Huntington Park Courthouse
- DUI Lawyer in Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse
- DUI Lawyer in Inglewood Courthouse
- DUI Lawyer in Los Angeles
- DUI Lawyer in Malibu Courthouse
- DUI Lawyer in Metro Courthouse, LA County
- DUI Lawyer in Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse
- DUI Lawyer in Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse