Los Angeles DUI Attorney

Aggressive DUI Defense in Simi Valley and Los Angeles County

At Sua Law Group, we can put our 80+ combined years of experience in criminal law to work for you in your DUI defense. We are committed to ensuring that you have the most effective defense possible in search of the best possible results. Our DUI attorneys in Simi Valley and LA County never hesitate to take aggressive action. As seasoned trial lawyers, we know how to exhaustively investigate criminal charges and how to expose the weaknesses and failings of the case against you. We not only use our experience and skills but the resources of our own private detectives and forensic experts in fighting for your rights and future.

Contact us online or call (805) 515-4070 to schedule your free consultation with our top DUI attorneys in Simi Valley and throughout Los Angeles County!

Understanding DUI Laws in California

In California, Vehicle Code Section 23152 states the following: 

“(a) It is 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.

(b) It is unlawful for any person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.

If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measures .08 or above, it is called a “per se” arrest as you are automatically considered to be in violation of DUI law. You can also be arrested regardless of your BAC based on the testimony of the arresting officer’s observations of your physical appearance, driving behavior, and field sobriety tests. For example, if you smell of alcohol, have bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, or other signs of intoxication, you can be charged. However, this is all based on the subjective opinion of the arresting officer. 

Penalties for DUI Offenses in California

Penalties include loss of driving privileges, probation, court fees and fines, mandatory alcohol and drug rehabilitation and, increasingly more often, jail time. Other factors, such as causing an accident while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving with a suspended driver's license, having a blood alcohol content above a specific reading, or having a previous DUI conviction, will increase the penalties substantially.

A first-offense DUI conviction generally carries penalties of:

• $390 up to $1,000 in fines plus additional penalty assessments that can mount into the thousands
• Two days up to six months in jail or probation of three to five years in lieu of jail time
• A license suspension of up to six months
• Increased auto insurance premiums
• Completion of a DUI educational program 
• License reinstatement fees

You may be eligible to get a restricted license that requires an ignition interlock device on your car to be installed and maintained at your own expense. 

A second-offense DUI conviction may carry the following penalties:

• 2-year license suspension
• Up to 1 year of jail time
• Fines ranging between $1,000 to $2,500
• DUI school for 18-30 months
• Installation of an ignition interlock device
• Probation for 3-5 years
• Vehicle impoundment for up to 30 days

A third-offense DUI conviction can lead to the following penalties:

• Jail time of up to 1 year or more
• License suspension of 3 years or possible permanent revocation
• Fines of up to $3,000
• DUI program completion
• Installation of an ignition interlock device
• Probation for 3-5 years
• Vehicle impoundment for up to 30 days

Step-by-Step DUI Case Process in California

Your DUI arrest will lead to two processes: 1) your criminal case and 2) the suspension of your driver’s license by the DMV. After an arrest, you have 10 days in which to contact the DMV to challenge the automatic suspension of your license in a hearing. 

Strategies for Dismissing Your DUI Charge in California

Just because a person has a DUI charge does not mean you will actually get charged. There are various factors to consider following a DUI charge, and a skilled Los Angeles DUI lawyer with significant experience can help you through the process. For example, you may not know that a blood test can be thrown out if the test was not done in a completely sterile environment but your defense attorney will. Contact the Law Offices of Brandon Sua & Associates to discuss how you may potentially have your DUI charge dismissed. However, dismissal is entirely dependent on the specifics of your case. Schedule a consultation today.  

If you need a DUI attorney in Simi Valley and LA County - do not hesitate to contact us online for a consultation. Don't wait, call today!