Yes, a homicide charge may be reduced or dismissed based on various factors such as lack of evidence, successful plea negotiations, or presenting a strong defense that justifies the actions taken.
DUI Defense Attorney In Los Angeles, CA
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 714-879-5770 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 714-879-5770 to speak to our DUI defense attorney in Los Angeles.
SOMETIMES BAD THINGS HAPPENTO GOOD PEOPLE
You Need Jacqueline On Your Side
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!
It is with tremendous thanks and a grateful heart that we let you know how much we appreciated your expertise, advice and phone calls on [client's name] behalf. You are a person of service and dedication.
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Ms Goodman and her staff were beyond helpful. I was in an extremely difficult situation that I hadn’t been in before and needed help. I was referred to Jackie and her office who were extremely helpful. Jackie and her team were extremely empathetic and knowledgeable. They were quick to respond, took action, and kept me informed. Thank you Ms Goodman…
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Great attorney to work with. She's a boss and has some serious attorney swagger. When I walked into the court room with her, everybody stopped and starred. I felt like I was getting represented by a superstar attorney. She'll run circles around any DA.