Los Angeles DUI Defense Attorney
Aggressive Advocacy from a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law
Being arrested for drunk driving is an overwhelming experience. You may be worried about your reputation, your job, and your future. At The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman, we understand the anxiety you are feeling and are prepared to help you navigate the criminal justice system. Our Los Angeles DUI defense lawyer is a State Bar Certified Specialist in Criminal Law who knows how to build strong defenses. She has a proven track record of success and is ready to fight for you.
Do not wait to get the defense you need. Call (714) 266-3945 today or contact us online to schedule your initial consultation.
California DUI Laws
In California, the legal limit for most drivers is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%. For drivers of commercial vehicles, the limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under the age of 21, any measurable amount of alcohol in the bloodstream can lead to a DUI charge.
The state also has an implied consent law. This means that by operating a vehicle in the state, you have implicitly consented to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) if you are suspected of driving under the influence. Refusing to take a chemical test can result in automatic penalties such as a suspended license.
Lastly, California has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. Any detectable amount of alcohol in a driver under the age of 21 can result in penalties.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Los Angeles?
The penalties for a DUI conviction depend on several factors, including your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of the arrest, your criminal history, and whether or not anyone was injured as a result of your actions.
If you are convicted of a first-time DUI, you may face:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fines of up to $1,000, plus court fees
- License suspension for up to 10 months
- Probation for up to 5 years
- Mandatory enrollment in a DUI school
For a second-time DUI, you may face:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Fines of up to $1,000, plus court fees
- License suspension for up to 2 years
- Probation for up to 5 years
- Mandatory enrollment in a DUI school
For a third-time DUI, you may face:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Fines of up to $1,000, plus court fees
- License suspension for up to 3 years
- Probation for up to 5 years
- Mandatory enrollment in a DUI school
For a fourth-time DUI, you may face:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Fines of up to $1,000, plus court fees
- License suspension for up to 4 years
- Probation for up to 5 years
- Mandatory enrollment in a DUI school
If you are convicted of DUI and someone was injured as a result of your actions, you may face:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Fines of up to $5,000, plus court fees
- License suspension for up to 5 years
- Probation for up to 5 years
- Mandatory enrollment in a DUI school
If you are convicted of DUI and someone was killed as a result of your actions, you may face:
- Up to 4 years in state prison
- Fines of up to $10,000, plus court fees
- License suspension for up to 5 years
- Probation for up to 5 years
- Mandatory enrollment in a DUI school
How Long Do You Lose Your License for a DUI in California?
If you are arrested for DUI in California, you will face two separate cases. The first is a criminal case, which is handled in the criminal justice system. The second is an administrative case, which is handled by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). When you are arrested for DUI, the law enforcement officer will take your driver's license and issue you a temporary one. You will then have 10 days to request an administrative hearing with the DMV. If you fail to request this hearing, your driver's license will be automatically suspended.
At the administrative hearing, the DMV will determine if your driving privileges should be suspended. If you are a first-time offender, you may face a license suspension of up to 4 months. If you are a second-time offender, you may face a license suspension of up to 1 year. If you are a third-time offender, you may face a license suspension of up to 3 years. If you are a fourth-time offender, you may face a license suspension of up to 4 years. If you refused to submit to a chemical test at the time of your arrest, you may face a license suspension of up to 1 year for a first-time offense, up to 2 years for a second-time offense, up to 3 years for a third-time offense, or up to 4 years for a fourth-time offense.
How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in California?
In California, a DUI conviction will stay on your criminal record for 10 years. This means that, if you are arrested for DUI within 10 years of a previous DUI arrest, you could face increased penalties. For example, if you are convicted of a first-time DUI and then arrested for DUI again within 10 years, you will be charged with a second-time DUI and will face increased fines, longer license suspension, and more.
When you are convicted of DUI, the conviction will also be reported on your driving record. This means that your insurance company will be able to see the conviction and may choose to increase your rates or cancel your policy. If you are required to drive for your job, your employer may see the conviction and choose to terminate your employment. Additionally, if you are convicted of DUI, you will be required to inform your employer. This may also lead to the loss of your job.
What Are Common DUI Defense Strategies?
There is no one-size-fits-all defense to a DUI charge. The best defense for you will depend on the specifics of your case. At The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman, we can review the circumstances of your arrest and determine the best course of action for you. Our Los Angeles DUI defense lawyer is a former prosecutor who knows how to build strong defenses. We can help you fight the charges against you.
Some common DUI defense strategies include:
- Challenging the accuracy of the breathalyzer
- Challenging the accuracy of the field sobriety tests
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
- Challenging the legality of the arrest
- Challenging the admissibility of the chemical test results
Why Hire The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman?
Being convicted of DUI can have serious consequences. You may face jail time, fines, license suspension, and more. If you have been arrested for DUI, you need an experienced lawyer on your side. At The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman, we are committed to providing our clients with the aggressive representation they deserve
Our Los Angeles DUI defense lawyer can help you build a strong defense and will work to get the charges against you reduced or dropped. We can also help you navigate the administrative hearing with the DMV and will fight to protect your driving privileges.
Contact us today at (714) 266-3945 to speak to our DUI defense attorney in Los Angeles.
I am committed to providing my clients with the trusted counsel and aggressive defense they deserve. I believe in redemption and helping people get second chances. I devote a significant portion of my practice to criminal justice reform and I have provided pro bono representation in impact litigation to change the laws to benefit every Californian.
No one is perfect, and everyone has flaws. A mistake should not define you, and our Orange County criminal defense attorney is ready to fight to protect your future, no matter the charges. Attorney Jacqueline Goodman is here to get you out of this difficult situation and put you back in the position you were in before your trouble started!
At The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"I don't know where to start. Honestly, I don't think I could possibly write anything that would come close..."- Sharif A.
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"Thank you Ms Goodman and team!!"- Nick K.
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"She took the time to understand our concerns an worries."- Joe G.
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"She really listened and asked questions and delivered advice that was very useful."- Mary P.
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"My family and I truly admire and respect this amazing and talented lawyer."- Chip E.
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"I have so much respect and admiration for her - and the women in her office"- Caleigha C.
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"I can't say enough good things!"- Travis H.
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"If you are looking for someone that is going to put in all of their effort and fight for the outcome you want, choose her."- Former Client
REAL PEOPLE. REAL RESULTS.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSEDCHILD ENDANGERMENT / CRUELTY
Penal Code 273a(b) Child endangerment/cruelty.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
CHILD MOLESTATION
Child molestation: Felony.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
PROBATION VIOLATION
PC 1203.2 Committing a new crime or violating any term or condition of probation.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
ATTEMPTED MURDER OF POLICE OFFICER
Los Angeles Arrest Pre-filing representation on Attempted murder of police officer, assault with a deadly weapon upon a police officer.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
CONTEMPT OF COURT ORDER
Contempt of court order by a gang member.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE
Child Sex Abuse case dismissed.
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ANAHEIM, CA DUI ATTORNEY FAQ'S
Brea, CA
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Is a White Collar Crime a Federal Offense?
White-collar crimes can be charged as federal offenses for several reasons, primarily due to the nature of these offenses and the impact they can have on national or interstate commerce. Here are some reasons why white-collar crimes often fall under federal jurisdiction:
- Interstate Commerce: Many white-collar crimes involve activities that cross state lines or have a substantial impact on interstate commerce. The federal government has jurisdiction over such cases because it has the authority to regulate and oversee interstate commerce.
- National or International Scope: White-collar crimes often transcend state boundaries and may have a national or even international scope. Federal agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), are better equipped to handle cases that extend beyond individual state jurisdictions.
- Specialized Federal Agencies: Federal agencies are often specialized and have the expertise and resources to investigate and prosecute complex financial crimes. For example, the SEC deals with securities fraud, while the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) focuses on tax-related offenses.
- Protection of Federal Programs and Institutions: Some white-collar crimes involve fraud or corruption against federal programs, agencies, or institutions. Fraudulent activities targeting government programs or funds may lead to federal charges.
- Uniform Application of Laws: The federal legal system provides a uniform set of laws and regulations that can be applied consistently across the entire country. This helps ensure a standardized approach to prosecuting and sentencing white-collar offenders.
- Global Financial Markets: Crimes such as securities fraud or insider trading often affect global financial markets. The federal government is better positioned to address these issues, working in coordination with international law enforcement agencies.
- Complexity and Resources: White-collar crimes are often intricate, involving complex financial transactions, extensive paper trails, and sophisticated schemes. Federal law enforcement agencies typically have the resources, expertise, and jurisdiction to handle such intricate cases.
- Deterrence and Public Trust: Federal prosecution of white-collar crimes is seen as a deterrent, sending a strong message that the government takes financial misconduct seriously. It helps maintain public trust in financial institutions and markets.
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What is the First Offense for Possession of a Controlled Substance in California?
For the first offense of possessing a controlled substance in California, the charge has been reduced to a misdemeanor, thanks to Proposition 47. This law means you'll likely face a maximum sentence of up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. However, the severity can still vary depending on the specific type and amount of drug possessed, with certain substances potentially enhancing the charge or adding additional penalties. Remember, this is just a general overview, and it's always best to consult with an attorney to assess your situation precisely. -
Lewd acts with a minorAny sort of sex crime involving a child under the age of 14 can be classified as a violent crime, even when no force or threat is involved. It is a legal tactic adopted by California criminal courts to allow prosecutors to push for inordinately severe penalties against child sex offenders.