Why Choose Our Los Angeles DUI Attorneys?

A DUI charge can lead to significant penalties and collateral consequences upon conviction. If you are currently facing a DUI charge in Los Angeles, you want the experienced legal team at Chudnovsky Law on your side. Our team is made up of top defense attorneys and former government prosecutors, and we have successfully litigated more than 9,000 criminal cases and jury trials.

We also have multiple decades of experience handling criminal matters and know how to view these cases from both sides. Our favorable reputations with criminal court prosecutors and judges helps us to achieve the best possible results for our clients.

Legal Elements of a Los Angeles DUI Charge

To convict someone of DUI (driving under the influence) in Los Angeles, a prosecutor must prove specific legal elements beyond a reasonable doubt. These elements are required by California law and must all be met in order for the court to find a person guilty.

First, the prosecutor must show that the defendant was actually driving a vehicle. This may seem simple, but in some cases, like when a person is found sitting in a parked car, proving they were recently driving can be more difficult. The prosecution must have enough evidence to prove that the person was in control of the car and that it was moving.

Second, the prosecutor must prove that the person was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time they were driving. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152, this can mean one of two things. Either the person’s ability to drive was impaired by alcohol or drugs, or their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.08% or higher. If the driver is under 21 or on DUI probation, the legal BAC limit is lower.

To prove intoxication, prosecutors often rely on chemical tests like breath, blood, or urine samples. They may also use the officer’s observations, such as slurred speech, poor balance, or the smell of alcohol. Dashcam or bodycam footage and field sobriety test results can also be important pieces of evidence.

In some cases, the defense may challenge how the evidence was collected, whether the testing equipment was working properly, or if the person’s rights were violated during the arrest. But if the prosecutor can clearly prove that the person was driving and was under the influence at the time, a conviction is likely.

Each DUI case is different, but these are the basic legal elements that must be proven in a Los Angeles courtroom.

Potential Penalties of a Los Angeles DUI Conviction

If you are convicted of DUI (driving under the influence) in Los Angeles, the legal penalties can be serious, even for a first-time offense. These penalties are set by California law and depend on factors such as how many prior DUI convictions you have, whether anyone was injured, and your level of intoxication.

For a first-time DUI offense with no injuries, the penalties can include up to six months in jail, though many first-time offenders may not serve actual jail time. The court may also place you on probation for three to five years, during which time you must follow strict rules. These might include attending DUI education classes, completing community service, and not committing any other crimes.

You will also face a fine that can total up to $2,000 or more once penalty assessments are added. The court will likely order you to complete a three-month or nine-month alcohol education program, depending on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will suspend your driver’s license for six to ten months, although you may be able to get a restricted license to drive to work or school if you install an ignition interlock device in your car.

If you are convicted of a second DUI within ten years, the penalties become much harsher. You could face up to one year in jail, longer license suspension, higher fines, and an 18- or 30-month alcohol treatment program. A third conviction increases the penalties even more, and a fourth DUI within ten years can be charged as a felony, which may result in time in state prison.

If your DUI involved an accident that caused injury or death, the charges can be much more serious, possibly including felony DUI or even vehicular manslaughter. These offenses come with the possibility of years in state prison.

DUI penalties in Los Angeles are meant to discourage drunk or drugged driving. Even a first offense can have lasting consequences. The more DUIs you have or the more serious the circumstances, the harsher the penalties are likely to be under California law.

Collateral Consequences of a Los Angeles DUI Conviction

In addition to the legal penalties, a DUI conviction in Los Angeles can lead to several serious collateral consequences. These are the effects that are not part of the criminal sentence but can still have a big impact on your life. Many people don’t realize how far-reaching a DUI conviction can be until it begins to affect their future opportunities.

One major consequence is damage to your employment. Some employers may fire you after a DUI conviction, especially if your job involves driving, operating heavy equipment, or if you hold a professional license. Even if you keep your job, the conviction could make it harder to get promotions or pass background checks for new positions. Certain industries, like government, healthcare, or education, often require clean records and may not accept applicants with DUIs.

Another possible effect is difficulty with housing. Many landlords run background checks, and a DUI conviction can raise red flags. This may limit your ability to rent certain apartments, especially in competitive areas of Los Angeles. Some housing programs or complexes may deny applicants with a criminal history altogether.

If you are in college or applying to one, a DUI conviction can create problems there, too. Schools may take disciplinary action or deny you admission. You may also lose scholarships, financial aid, or the chance to study abroad. Some programs, especially those in law, medicine, or teaching, may be extra strict about criminal records.

Insurance is another area where consequences show up. After a DUI conviction, your car insurance rates are likely to increase significantly. Some companies might cancel your policy altogether, forcing you to find a new provider that charges much higher premiums.

For non-citizens, a DUI conviction may also affect immigration status. In some cases, it could lead to removal proceedings, especially if the DUI involved drugs or caused injury.

A DUI conviction can follow you long after the case is over. It can change how others see you and limit your options in many areas of life. That’s why it’s important to understand all the consequences—not just the ones handed down by a judge.

Defenses to a Los Angeles DUI Charge

If you are charged with DUI (driving under the influence) in Los Angeles, you may have legal defenses available that could reduce the charges or even get the case dismissed. A strong defense depends on the facts of your case, but there are several common strategies that lawyers often use to fight DUI charges.

One possible defense is that you were not actually driving the vehicle. In California, the prosecutor must prove that you were in control of the car and that it was moving. If you were found in a parked car or someone else was driving, this could be a valid defense.

Another defense is that the officer did not have a legal reason to stop you. Police need reasonable suspicion that a crime or traffic violation occurred before pulling you over. If the stop was illegal, any evidence gathered afterward, like breath or blood test results, can be thrown out.

You may also be able to challenge the accuracy of the chemical tests used to measure your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Breathalyzers must be properly maintained and calibrated, and the officer must follow strict procedures when giving the test. If there were errors in the process, your test results may not be reliable.

Medical conditions or other factors can sometimes cause false positives on DUI tests. Acid reflux, diabetes, or even certain diets can affect BAC readings. In these cases, a defense expert witness may be able to show that your high BAC reading didn’t come from alcohol.

Field sobriety tests are another area where mistakes can happen. These tests are often used to prove that a person was impaired, but they rely on the officer’s opinion. Poor lighting, uneven ground, nervousness, or a medical issue can all cause someone to perform poorly, even if they are sober.

Every DUI case is different, and your defense will depend on the unique facts involved.

How We Can Handle Your Los Angeles DUI Case

At Chudnovsky Law, we know how stressful and overwhelming a DUI charge can be. Our experienced legal team is here to handle every part of your defense from start to finish. We understand California DUI laws, local court procedures, and how to build strong strategies that protect your rights and your future.

When you hire our firm, the first thing we do is carefully review all the details of your case. We look at how the police stop was handled, how the field sobriety tests and chemical tests were given, and whether your rights were violated in any way. If there are problems with the evidence, we fight to have it thrown out.

We also deal directly with the court and the DMV on your behalf. That includes representing you at your DMV hearing, which must be requested quickly after your arrest to fight your license suspension. We make sure all deadlines are met and that your side of the story is clearly presented.

Our DUI defense lawyers will negotiate with the prosecutor if that’s in your best interest, but we’re also ready to go to trial if necessary. Whether it’s your first DUI or you’ve had prior offenses, we work hard to get charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible.

Throughout the process, we’ll keep you informed and prepared for what’s next. We answer your questions, explain your options, and guide you through every step so you’re never left in the dark.

At Chudnovsky Law, our goal is to give you the strongest defense possible and help you move forward with your life. We bring experience, skill, and dedication to every DUI case we handle in Los Angeles, and we’re ready to fight for you.

Steps to Take if You’re Arrested for DUI in Los Angeles

If you are arrested for DUI in Los Angeles, the steps you take right away can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. One of the most important things to do is to stay calm and avoid saying anything that could be used against you later. You have the right to remain silent, and it’s smart to use it until you’ve spoken with a DUI defense lawyer.

As soon as possible after your arrest, contact Chudnovsky Law. Our experienced DUI defense team can step in immediately to protect your rights and begin building your defense. Time is critical, especially because you only have 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a DMV hearing to try to stop your license from being suspended. We can handle that process for you and make sure everything is done correctly and on time.

It’s also important to write down everything you remember about your arrest while it’s still fresh in your mind. Details about the traffic stop, what the officer said, and how tests were given can help your lawyer find problems with the case.

At Chudnovsky Law, we’ll guide you through every step, fight for the best result, and help you move forward after a DUI arrest in Los Angeles.

Call an Experienced Los Angeles DUI Lawyer Today

At Chudnovsky Law, our attorneys are prepared to aggressively advocate for your rights and pursue the best possible result in your DUI case. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Los Angeles DUI attorney, please call us at (213) 212-5002 or contact us online for more information.

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Chudnovsky Law · Criminal & DUI Lawyers - Los Angeles Office

Address: 1933 S Broadway #1100, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Contact No: (844) 936-3648