Los Angeles & Orange County DUI / DWI Defense Lawyers

Although generally charged as a misdemeanor on a first offense, DUI defense cases are prosecuted with the same aggressive zeal as serious felonies in most states. If convicted in Los Angeles or in Orange County California, even a first offender may encounter far-reaching and destructive consequences, aside and apart from the sentence imposed by the Court. Even if the California Court does not suspend or revoke the driving privilege, the DMV or other state licensing agency may do so in an administrative action. And as prosecutors have tightened the focus on DUI defense cases, legislators have responded with ever more severe statutory penalties.

If you have been charged with DUI, DWI and/or vehicular manslaughter anywhere in LA or Orange County, your future and your freedom is at stake. Seek the immediate legal counsel of a qualified drunk driving defense attorney who is experienced in this area of law.

Arrested for DUI Charges in Los Angeles or Orange County?

DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence and occurs when someone is operating or is in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substance, to the extent that their mental faculties are impaired and/or their blood alcohol content (BAC) is above the legal limit.

Even for a first offense, penalties in Los Angeles or Orange County can include license suspension, substantial fines, community service, mandatory attendance at a state or DMV approved alcohol program, mandatory overnight incarceration and the required installation (at the offender's expense) of a car ignition locking device. In addition, a DUI conviction usually stays on a DMV record for several years, it typically results in higher insurance premiums, and an offender may become ineligible for credit. Plus, a DUI conviction can also jeopardize current and future employment opportunities. Further, a DUI conviction will likely be raised to a felony if it is the driver's fourth DUI offense or the driver has had a prior felony DUI offense within 10 years of the new charge.

DWI Arrest:

Similar to DUI, in some states including Texas and New York, in California drunk driving is referred to as DWI, or Driving While Intoxicated. As with DUI, it is unlawful for any person who has 0.08 percent or more of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.

In order to be convicted of a DWI, the prosecution must prove that the defendant was driving or possessed actual physical control of a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol at the time of arrest. Evidence must show that the arresting officer had a reasonable, articulable suspicion for stopping or approaching the vehicle, or if stopped at a roadblock, that the roadblock was set up in accordance with the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Vehicular Manslaughter Charge - Los Angeles or Orange County

Vehicular Manslaughter is the criminal charge for unlawfully killing someone without actually intending to do so and holds persons liable for any death that occurs because of criminal negligence or a violation of traffic safety laws. When someone is driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) and causes an accident in which someone is killed, the driver may be charged with vehicular manslaughter.

Vehicular manslaughter can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. However, a DUI/DWI resulting in a fatality is most likely treated as a felony.