Los Angeles DUI Defense Lawyers

Experienced DUI Defense Attorney Fighting on Behalf of Clients in Los Angeles, California

Driving under the influence (DUI) may be a common offense in California, but it comes with serious consequences. Beyond the potential fines, jail time, & loss of license, additional consequences can impact your life. Your auto insurance rates may skyrocket, and having a criminal record can close doors to future opportunities, such as certain jobs. You may even find that your personal relationships & community standing are affected.

The reassuring news is that DUI charges are easier to navigate with the help of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney like ours at Zarabi Law. Our team, led by veteran attorney Elliot Zarabi, has more than 60 years of combined legal experience. And when you hire our firm, you can be sure your case will never be handed off to a junior associate. You'll always work directly with one of our dedicated & trial-tested lawyers.

Understanding DUI Charges in California

In California, the offense of driving under the influence is primarily governed by California Vehicle Code Section 23152. This statute outlines the various ways in which a person can be charged with DUI:

• Vehicle Code 23152(a) VC: Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of Alcohol or Drugs: This section makes it unlawful for any person who is "under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug," to drive a vehicle. Under this section, you can be convicted of DUI even if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is below 0.08%.
• Vehicle Code 23152(b) VC: Driving with a 0.08% BAC or Higher (DUI "Per Se"): This is the "per se" law, making it unlawful for any person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.

Most DUI arrests in California result in being charged with both VC 23152(a) and VC 23152(b). Even if charged with both, you can only be punished for one DUI conviction.

Other DUI-Related Charges:

• Vehicle Code 23153 VC: DUI Causing Injury
• Vehicle Code 23136 VC: Underage DUI
• Vehicle Code 23140 VC: Under 21 and 0.05% BAC or More
• Vehicle Code 23152(d) VC: Commercial DUI
• Vehicle Code 23222(a) VC: Possession of Marijuana While Driving

Potential Criminal Consequences for a DUI Conviction in Los Angeles

The potential penalties for conviction increase with each offense. A general breakdown includes:

First-Time DUI Offense

• Possible jail time up to six months
• Informal probation typically lasting three to five years
• Fines ranging from $390 to $1,000
• License suspension for six months or more
• DUI education courses

Second DUI Offense (Within 10 Years)

• Jail time from 90 days to one year
• Fines between $390 to $1,000
• License suspension for two years
• DUI education courses of either 18 months or 30 months

Third DUI Offense (Within 10 Years)

• Jail time of 120 days to one year
• Fines consistent with previous offenses
• License revocation for three years
• Mandatory DUI school

The penalties above would be for "standard" DUIs with no aggravating factors. You could face significantly harsher penalties if you were accused of having a high blood alcohol content (BAC), refusing chemical testing, being impaired by drugs, causing a crash that ended in injury or death, or driving with a child (under 14) in the vehicle.

The Details Are Critical in Any DUI Case

In order to fully understand your defense options, it's important to have an experienced DUI lawyer in Los Angeles carefully examine the details of the DUI stop as well as any documents from police & prosecutors.

Important questions to ask (and answer) include:

• Did the officer have a valid reason to pull you over?
• Do you suffer from medical conditions that could have caused you to fail field sobriety tests (FSTs)?
• Did the officer make any mistakes or deviate from protocol when administering either FSTs or a breathalyzer test?
• Was the breathalyzer device accurate or overdue for servicing & calibration?

These cases often involve additional allegations, such as the driver's refusal to pull over or submit to a breathalyzer test. These should be scrutinized closely, especially if no dashcam or bodycam footage corroborates the officer's assertions. Our attorneys make the prosecution work hard to prove its case, and we leave no detail unaddressed.

The DUI Defense Process: How Zarabi Law Fights for You

When you retain Zarabi Law, our commitment to your defense begins immediately. A DUI arrest triggers a complex legal process involving both the criminal courts and the DMV. As your Los Angeles DUI defense lawyer, we are prepared to engage at every critical stage.

• Immediate Response & DMV APS Hearing Request: The crucial first step is to contact us within 10 days of your arrest. We will immediately request a DMV Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing on your behalf. This stops the automatic suspension of your license, allowing you to continue driving until the hearing is held. We will represent you at the APS hearing, challenging the DMV's evidence and striving to prevent your license from being suspended.
• Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We do not simply accept the prosecution's version of events. Our team will conduct an independent, exhaustive investigation into all aspects of your arrest and the evidence against you. This includes obtaining and meticulously reviewing all police reports, field sobriety test (FST) notes, and breathalyzer maintenance records, analyzing dashcam footage, subpoenaing 911 calls, interviewing potential witnesses for the defense, and consulting with forensic toxicologists or other scientific specialists when appropriate to challenge chemical test accuracy.
• Challenging the Prosecution's Case and Evidence: A significant part of our defense strategy involves meticulously examining the prosecution's evidence for weaknesses, inconsistencies, or constitutional violations. This often involves:
• Challenging the Traffic Stop Legality
• Questioning Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs)
• Disputing Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) Device Accuracy
• Contesting Chemical Test Results (Breath/Blood)
• Arguing Rising Blood Alcohol Defense or Medical Conditions
• Proving Lack of Impairment
• Strategic Motion Practice: We will aggressively file pre-trial motions to challenge the prosecution's case. These may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss the charges, or motions in limine to exclude certain prejudicial evidence from trial. Your Los Angeles DUI defense attorney will strategically utilize these legal tools to build a strong defense.
• Plea Negotiations: While we meticulously prepare every case for trial, we also engage in strategic negotiations with prosecutors. Our goal is to secure a favorable plea agreement that could lead to reduced charges (e.g., from DUI to a "wet reckless" or "dry reckless," which carries fewer penalties), alternative sentencing, or other outcomes that minimize the impact on your life and driving privileges.
• Aggressive Trial Representation: If a plea agreement is not in your best interest or cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial. We will present your defense compellingly, conduct thorough cross-examinations of prosecution witnesses (including the arresting officer), present defense witnesses, and argue forcefully on your behalf before a judge and jury. Our courtroom advocacy is designed to create reasonable doubt and secure an acquittal.
• Sentencing Advocacy: If a conviction occurs (either by plea or trial), the sentencing phase is critical. We prepare comprehensive sentencing memoranda, often including character letters, psychological evaluations, and arguments for a lenient sentence, always striving for the lowest possible penalty within the sentencing guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI in Los Angeles

Why Choose Zarabi Law

Zarabi Law provides DUI defense across California, offering aggressive and strategic representation in complex criminal cases. Our team's deep understanding of Vehicle Code 23152 and the intricate DMV process sets us apart. We are committed to a client-centered approach, providing compassionate, confidential, and non-judgmental support, recognizing the stress DUI charges can bring.

With a proven track record of successful outcomes, Zarabi Law not only defends clients in court but also offers comprehensive legal support, including assistance with DMV APS hearings, probation conditions, and expungements. The firm emphasizes the urgency of contacting a qualified Los Angeles DUI defense attorney immediately after an arrest to protect your rights and future.

Contact Our Los Angeles, CA DUI Attorneys

Zarabi Law is based in Los Angeles, but our DUI and DWI attorneys serve clients statewide. We offer FREE initial consultations, and we can typically meet in-person or virtually.Contact our Los Angeles DUI lawyers at 213-786-4055 to get the legal help you need.