An arrest for California driving under the influence (DUI) carries with it immediate and significant penalties. Not only do individuals face the possibility of fines and jail time, but also possible driver’s license suspensions and restrictions.

It is crucial to contact a lawyer immediately to help protect your rights.

At The Chahine Law Firm we have years of experience working with individuals throughout Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties in order to reduce or dismiss DUI charges.

Immediate Response

If you’ve been charged with a California DUI, time is of the essence.

Within 10 days after your DUI arrest, you must schedule an Administrative Hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles ("DMV"). Failure to request a hearing will automatically result in a license suspension 30 days after the drunk driving arrest.

In addition to DMV implications, you may also face criminal charges either under California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a), for failing to drive with the “same caution of a sober person” or Section 23152(b), a “per se” charge based on your blood alcohol content (BAC) being greater than .08. In “per se” charges, whether your actual driving was affected is not at issue, the charge is based purely on the your BAC at the time of the arrest.

It is imperative to hire an experienced Southern California drunk driving defense attorney at once to investigate the charges and protect your rights.

Drivers who lose DMV hearings face license suspensions – a minimum of (4) months for the first-offense, one-year for the second-offense, and two-years for a third offense. If convicted under one of the criminal statutes you may face significant fines, jail time and mandatory drug/alcohol treatment classes. Further, under a recently enacted California law, anyone convicted in Los Angeles County of any DUI offense must install an ignition interlock device on his or her dashboard. This device will prevent a driver from turning on their car if there’s any evidence of alcohol on his or her breath and will require payment of a monthly service fee.

Southern California DUI Defense Attorneys

Often those arrested for a DUI mistakenly believe they have no recourse against pending charges. However, a knowledgeable Los Angeles DUI defense attorney can help. Many times DUI arrests are the result of faulty blood alcohol test readings, or a police officer’s failure to follow proper procedures.

At The Chahine Law Firm, we understand both the procedural and factual errors often made in DUI arrests – and the devastating impact a DUI arrest can have on your future and your freedom. Our Los Angeles DUI attorneys have successfully fought to have DUI charges reduced, and in some cases, dismissed.

To learn how we can help, please contact The Chahine Law Firm at 1-800-950-7755 for a free consultation.