Los Angeles DUI Accident Attorney

After a Los Angeles car accident occurs, law enforcement will investigate to determine the cause. Many times, drunk driving is involved. In fact, drunk driving is a major cause of many car accidents in the United States. Under California law, drivers charged with a DUI that causes an accident are subject to increased penalties.

The enhanced penalties depend on prior DUIs, factors influencing the accident, the severity of injuries sustained by third parties, and whether you have a criminal record.

If you injure someone as a result of the accident, penalties are even more severe. In some cases, a DUI causing injury will constitute a "felony DUI," subjecting you to a mandatory state prison sentence for 2 to 4 years, as well as penalty enhancements under Vehicle Code Section 12022.7 for infliction or great bodily harm.

Where the DUI accident results in a fatality, you may be charged with DUI vehicular manslaughter, with a mandatory state prison sentences. Where others are injured in the accident, additional consecutive 3-6 year sentences will be added for great bodily harm and 1-year for each minor or serious injury.

DUI Car Accident Penalties

Misdemeanor Charges

• Probation - up to 5 years
• Jail time - 5 days to 1 year
• Fines - $390 - $5,000
• Driver's license suspension, up to one years
• Completion of DUI class

Felony Charges

• State prison sentence of 2-4 years
• Additional consecutive prison sentences for each party injured
• One strike under California's "Three Strikes Law"
• Driver's license suspension, up to four years
• Completion of DUI class

Los Angeles DUI Accident Defense

If you have been charged with a Los Angeles DUI resulting in an accident, it is critical to contact an experience L.A. DUI defense attorney at once. Often, even where the driver has consumed alcohol or drugs, other factors may be the cause of the accident. For example, roadway conditions, including improper maintenance and design, may the legal cause of the accident, rather than the driver's alcohol consumption. In these situations, it may be possible to reduce or even eliminate DUI with accident charges. Additionally, as with all DUI arrests, police officers may make crucial errors in blood and alcohol testing as well as procedurally that may lead to getting your charges dismissed.

For more information, or if you have been charged with a DUI causing an accident, contact a Southern California DUI defense attorney at The Chahine Law Firm at 1-800-950-7755 for a free consultation.