If you have been arrested and charged with drunk driving, it is crucial that you contact a Los Angeles County DUI attorney without delay. Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in California that carries heavy penalties, including license suspension, court-ordered counseling, fines and jail time. DUI charges are not only very serious, they can be extremely stressful, upsetting and even humiliating.

A California DUI arrest triggers two separate cases: one through the California criminal court system, and the other with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Although both cases are extremely serious, the DMV case is far more time-sensitive. Motorists accused of drunk driving in California have only 10 days from the date of their DUI arrest to request a hearing with the DMV. Anyone arrested for DUI in Los Angeles who does not request a hearing within 10 days will have his or her license suspended automatically on the 30th day following their drunk driving arrest. As a result, it is imperative that individuals accused of driving under the influence schedule their Administrative Hearings with the DMV within 10 days of the date of the arrest in order to preserve their California driver’s license and driving privileges.

Aggressive DUI Defense

Our experience enables us to evaluate all aspects of a drunk driving arrest to ensure that the rights of the accused are preserved throughout the criminal justice process. We are often successful in challenging the results of breathalyzer and other blood alcohol tests. The DUI defense team at The Chahine Law Firm also prepares a strong defense strategy used to find technical errors or police mistakes or misconduct. This information is used in negotiations with the prosecutor or at trial. As a result of our preparation and perseverance, we have been successfully reduced or dismissed drunk driving charges on behalf of our clients.

The legal team at The Chahine Law Firm can assist clients facing any of the following types of DUI offenses:

• DUI
• Multiple DUI (2nd , 3rd or 4th DUI Offense)
• DUI with Injury
• DUI with Accident
• DUI Manslaughter
• Felony DUI
• Under 21 DUI
• DUI with Underage Passenger
• DUI with Drugs

DUI Legal Penalties

A DUI conviction could result in a variety of serious legal punishments. These punishments may include jail time, fines, community service, probation, DUI alcohol program, and license suspension. In some cases, the person’s vehicle may be impounded as well. Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, a DUI conviction may result in the following legal punishments:

First DUI Offense

• 48 hours to 6 months in jail
• $390.00 to $1,000.00 monetary fine
• License Suspension: up to 6 months
• Attendance in an alcohol treatment program

Second DUI Offense

• 90 days to 1 year in jail
• $390.00 to $1,000.00 monetary fine
• Up to 2 years license suspension
• 18 months or 30 months in alcohol treatment program

Third DUI Offense

• 120 days to 1 year in jail
• $390.00 to $1,000.00 monetary fine
• Up to 3 years license suspension
• 18 months to 30 months in alcohol treatment program

Fourth DUI Offense

• 180 days to 16 months in jail
• $390.00 to $1,000.00 monetary fine
• Up to 4 years license suspension

Los Angeles DUI Defense Attorneys

Because the criminal court process and DMV hearing are two separate processes associated with your Los Angeles DUI case, it is important that your attorney is able to confidently and effectively handle both. At The Chahine Law Firm, we handle these simultaneously and address any and all legal matters you may face at this time, allowing you to relax and stop worrying about this serious situation.

The Chahine Law Firm represents clients throughout Los Angeles County and the surrounding cities in Southern California. We are committed to providing effective and aggressive DUI defense representation while at the same time offering our clients the personal attention and superior service they need to feel as comfortable as possible throughout the process. We defend clients throughout the DUI criminal court process and at the DMV Hearings to help them avoid not only criminal penalties but driver's license suspension as well.

Contact a DUI Defense Attorney from The Chahine Law Firm when you seek high quality, experience and a history of success in defending individuals charged with any type of DUI offense. Call us today at (800) 950-7755 for a free consultation.