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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"She took the time to understand our concerns an worries."- Joe G.
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"Honest, hard working, and compassion, would describe, Jacquie."- Dorian C.
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"She was always easy to contact and gave me all the information that came her way."- Rosie C.
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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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"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
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"Ms. Goodman’s attention to detail and knowledge of laws are truly unsurpassed."- Ralph S.
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"She's an amazing attorney that you can count on."- Aliya J.
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 CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWS FAQ'S
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Can a Homicide Charge Be Reduced or Dismissed?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.
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What Rights Do Individuals Have When Facing Homicide Charges?Individuals facing homicide charges have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, the right to a fair trial, and the right to confront witnesses against them, among other legal protections.
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How Does the Legal Process Work After a Homicide Charge Is Filed?After a homicide charge is filed, the process typically includes arraignment, pre-trial motions, discovery, plea negotiations, and potentially a trial. Each stage allows for legal representation and the opportunity to present defenses.