Defending Your License, Freedom, & Future
Being charged with a DUI can be stressful and overwhelming. You might be scared about what comes next, unsure of your rights, or worried about losing your professional license, your job, or your freedom. These are not just traffic violations; DUI cases in California are criminal offenses with lasting consequences.
At TA Law Group, our DUI defense attorneys have handled cases throughout Los Angeles County, from Downtown LA to Van Nuys, from Long Beach to Pasadena. We understand the high stakes involved in these charges and the unique challenges of both the courtroom and the DMV process.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI, call our LA County DUI lawyers today at (818) 293-4774. The sooner we start, the stronger your defense can be.
Understanding DUI Charges in LA County
A DUI arrest in California triggers two separate legal tracks:
- A criminal case in the Los Angeles County Superior Court; and
- A civil administrative process with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Under California Vehicle Code §23152(a), it is unlawful to operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Code §23152(b) makes it a separate offense to drive with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%. For drivers under 21, California’s “Zero Tolerance” policy applies, making even a 0.01% BAC a legal issue.
LA County law enforcement agencies, including the LAPD, California Highway Patrol, and the Sheriff’s Department, aggressively patrol for suspected DUI violations, often setting up DUI checkpoints on weekends and holidays.
It's important to note, however, that a DUI arrest is not a conviction. These cases are defensible, especially with early legal intervention from an experienced LA County DUI defense lawyer, who can give you peace of mind and a sense of control over your situation.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest?
After an arrest, the DUI process moves quickly, and often without clear explanations:
- You’re booked and released (or held in custody)
- You are issued a date to reappear in court
- You receive a Notice of Suspension from the DMV
You have only 10 days to request a DMV hearing, or you risk an automatic license suspension under California’s Admin Per Se laws.
Depending on where the arrest occurred, your court appearance may be set at:
- Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center (Downtown LA)
- Airport Courthouse
- Van Nuys Courthouse
- Pasadena Courthouse
- Long Beach Courthouse
- Torrance Courthouse
The specific court matters because local procedures and prosecutorial tendencies differ. A DUI defense lawyer familiar with these venues can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
DUI Penalties in LA County
DUI penalties in California vary depending on your prior offenses, BAC level, and whether you injured anyone. Here’s what you might be facing:
First DUI Conviction:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- License suspension for 6 months
- $1,000+ in fines and penalties
- DUI school (3–9 months)
- Possible ignition interlock device (IID)
Second DUI:
- 96 hours to 1 year in jail
- 2-year license suspension
- 18- or 30-month DUI education program
Third DUI:
- 120 days to 1 year in jail
- 3-year license suspension
- Longer IID requirements
Felony DUI (Fourth offense or injury cases):
- State prison time
- Long-term license revocation
- Felony criminal record
In cases involving injury, California Vehicle Code §23153 applies, which significantly increases the penalties. Additional consequences include higher insurance rates, immigration issues, and potential loss of any professional licenses you hold.
Common DUI Situations We Handle
Not every DUI case is the same. TA Law Group, we’ve represented people in a wide range of DUI situations, including:
- First offense DUI
- Repeat DUI
- DUI with injury (VC §23153)
- High BAC cases
- DUI under age 21
- Commercial driver DUI
- Prescription or illegal drug DUI
- Marijuana DUI
- Refusing a breath or blood test
- Out-of-state visitors arrested in LA
- Checkpoint arrests
Each of these cases carries unique legal and procedural challenges. We will build your defense based on the specific facts of your case, rather than a one-size-fits-all template.
Building a Defense to DUI Charges
Our LA County DUI lawyers pride themselves on real defense strategies that hold up in court. Depending on the facts of your case, we may be able to defend you by challenging:
- An unlawful police stop
- Inaccurate breath or blood testing
- Improper field sobriety testing
- A rising BAC ( your alcohol level increasing after the stop)
- A medical condition that mimics intoxication
- Violations of your constitutional rights
These strategies aren’t simply theoretical. They, along with other defense strategies we employ, have led to dismissals, reductions, and favorable outcomes for many of our clients in the past.
The DMV Hearing and Protecting Your Driver’s License
The DMV hearing is entirely separate from your court case, but equally as important. If you don’t request a hearing within 10 days of your arrest, the DMV will move to suspend your license, even if your court case hasn’t started.
At the DMV hearing, we can challenge whether:
- The police had probable cause to stop you
- Procedure errors during the police stop or your arrest
- Your BAC actually exceeded the legal limits
Having a skilled DUI defense attorney handling your DMV hearing can often prevent or reduce the suspension. On the other hand, ignoring this step can lead to automatic penalties, even for a first-time offender.
Why Choose Our LA County DUI Lawyers?
Not all DUI attorneys are the same. Here’s what sets TA Law Group apart:
- Deep experience with LA County’s diverse court system
- Knowledge of local judges, prosecutors, and procedures
- A personalized case strategy, rather than a cookie-cutter defense
- Proactive communication and full transparency
- Strong negotiation skills to pursue diversion programs or alternative sentencing when available
We understand the system. More importantly, we know how to protect our clients within it.
Who We Help
TA Law Group represents a wide range of clients in DUI cases across LA County:
- Professionals concerned about losing their license or job
- Parents advocating for their children
- Commercial drivers protecting their livelihood
- College students facing campus discipline
- Out-of-state visitors arrested while traveling
- Repeat offenders looking for a better legal strategy
Whatever your circumstances, you deserve a fair process and a strong defense.
Contact a DUI Lawyer at TA Law Group Today!
If you've been arrested for DUI in LA County, time is not on your side. The clock is ticking on both your license and your case. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Call TA Law Group now at (818) 293-4774 for a confidential consultation.
We’re available 24/7 — nights, weekends, and holidays. Let’s talk before you speak to the prosecutors or the DMV. One phone call can make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI in LA County
Will I go to jail for a DUI?
Jail time is possible, but often avoidable for a first offense, especially with early legal representation.
How long do I have to request a DMV hearing?
You only have 10 calendar days from the date of your arrest.
Will I lose my license automatically?
Not if you act fast. Our skilled LA County DUI attorneys can often delay or prevent a suspension with a timely DMV hearing request.
Can I beat a DUI charge?
Yes. Many DUI cases are winnable with the right evidence, defense approach, and legal representation.
Should I hire a DUI lawyer?
Trying to handle a DUI yourself could cost you far more in the long run. An experienced attorney knows the laws, procedures, and strategies that can make a positive difference in the outcome of your case.
What if I refused the breath test?
Refusing a breath test can result in harsher DMV consequences. But your attorney may still be able to challenge the stop and arrest.
How long does a DUI stay on my record?
A DUI typically stays on your criminal record for 10 years in California.
Are DUI checkpoints legal in LA County?
Yes, but the police must follow specific rules. If they didn’t, we may be able to challenge the stop and have the case dismissed.
