DUI Penalties & Consequences

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DUI penalties result from the 2 separate cases that you are automatically subject to when you are arrested for DUI in the state of California: a criminal court case and a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) case. The best DUI attorneys in Los Angeles will guide you through both cases and help you minimize the impact these will have on your life. In his 40+ years specializing in DUI, Larry Wolf has gained the inside information that can mean the difference between keeping your life intact and watching it all fall apart.

You have too much on the line to trust your case to anyone less than a dedicated, highly successful drunk driving defense attorney who knows the L.A. courts. Request your free consultation online with Lawrence Wolf, or call our office at (310) 277-1707 to learn how we can help you resolve your DUI and put this experience behind you.

What’s at Stake?

The consequences from a drunk driving offense can be devastating. You need an experienced DUI lawyer in Los Angeles to fight for your freedom, your driving privileges, and so much more. Considering how much you have to lose, the importance of hiring a DUI defense attorney cannot be overstated. Larry has helped thousands of people just like you to:

• Avoid jail time
• Keep driving privileges
• Understand the process and critical steps
• Achieve a satisfying outcome from the DMV hearing
• Favorably resolve your criminal case

License Suspensions

You have only 10 calendar days after your arrest to file for a DMV Hearing, otherwise you will automatically lose your driving privileges after 30 days. Also known as an Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing, this is completely separate from the criminal case, and is only concerned with whether or not to suspend your license. You are entitled to representation at this hearing, and since so much is at stake, it is urgent that you contact Larry so that he can begin working immediately to protect your driving privileges.

If the DMV does not overturn your license suspension penalties are:

• First offense: 4 months
• Second offense: 12 months
• Third offense: 36 months

The DMV suspension is separate from license suspension issued as part of your criminal sentencing. Typically, the court will suspend your license, which may overlap with your DMV suspension. However, if the DMV reinstates your license, you are still subject to the court suspension. In order to obtain a restricted license for driving to and from work, the DMV must approve. This is another area in which an experienced DUI attorney can be a tremendous asset.

Typical Consequences for First Time Offenders

As a result of the criminal charges against you, if you are a first time DUI offender you typically face:

• A fine from $390 to $1,300
• Driver’s license restriction
• Up to 6 months in jail
• 3 to 5 years of probation
• Sheriff work programs
• First Offender School
• Interlock Ignition Device

Other Consequences

The financial and personal impact of a DUI can be far-reaching. Many people have “lost everything” as a result of trusting their case to a Public Defender or foregoing legal representation. In addition to the typical criminal charges and license suspension penalties, the following grave consequences also apply:

• Your auto insurance company may cancel your coverage or raise your premiums to the extent that insurance is unattainable. You must prove that you have insurance to get your license back or to be approved for a restricted license.
• If you are convicted of a DUI while driving with a minor child under the age of 14, you may also be convicted of child endangerment, which is a misdemeanor and is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for up to 1 year, or in the state prison for 2, 4, or 6 years.
• DUI convictions can negatively impact your parental rights in the case of divorce proceedings. You may be unable to retain even partial custody of your children if convicted of a DUI.
• Some schools and employers require notification of a DUI conviction, and may impose their own penalties and sanctions.

Things You Should Know About DUI Consequences

• With each subsequent violation the penalties are enhanced.
• Any previous conviction in any state within the last 10 years is considered to be a prior conviction in the state of California.
• If you exceed the maximum speed limit by 30 mph on a highway, or 20 mph on any other roadway, an additional 60-day jail enhancement will be added to your sentence.
• The state of California has a “zero tolerance” policy for drivers under the age of 21. This means that you can be convicted of a DUI in Los Angeles if your blood alcohol level is as low as .01.

You’re Not Alone

You probably never expected to get a DUI, so you are understandably overwhelmed and unprepared. Let Larry Wolf and his experienced staff shoulder the burden and help you minimize the consequences and move on with your life.
Request your free consultation online with Larry, or call our office at (310) 277-1707. The sooner you put Larry to work for you, the sooner you can have peace of mind.

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