Los Angeles DUI Lawyer

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a defense attorney?
A skilled Los Angeles DUI defense attorney can provide you with aggressive legal counsel not only at every step of the criminal court process as it relates to your DUI charges, but can also represent you at your DMV hearing. Both sides of the DUI process in California are extremely important, and an attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your hearing and your criminal case. Without a skilled defense lawyer, you will most likely face maximum criminal penalties (jail time, fines, probation) as well as driver’s license suspension.

What is the legal limit in California?
In California, you cannot drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or greater. If you have this level of alcohol in your blood, you may face DUI charges. It does not matter whether your physical and/or mental abilities were at all compromised, or whether or not you were driving safely. If your blood alcohol concentration is above the legal limit, you will be charged with driving under the influence.

If I’m under 21, can I be arrested for DUI even if my blood alcohol concentration is below .08%?
Yes. Drivers who are under the age of 21 may be arrested for DUI if their blood alcohol concentration is .01% or greater, although the penalties they face will be different than for an adult driver. If, however, an underage driver has a blood alcohol level of .08% or greater, he/she will face the same penalties as an adult. A skilled DUI defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Richard Sudar can provide defense for underage drivers as well as adult drivers.

Do different laws apply to drivers of commercial vehicles?
Yes. A commercial driver may not drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .04% or greater, and person who has been convicted for a commercial vehicle DUI offense may not obtain a restricted license to drive for work-related purposes.

What constitutes a felony DUI charge?
A felony DUI charge is a drunk driving offense which is punishable by a minimum state prison term of one year. Some offenses which may be charged as felonies include: DUI with injury, multiple DUI offenses and vehicular manslaughter.

What will happen if I have a prior DUI conviction on my record, and I am arrested for drunk driving?
Having a prior DUI conviction on your record means that you will face increased penalties for a second, third or fourth DUI conviction. This includes longer terms of imprisonment and driver’s license suspension, as well as heavier fines and more community service. You may even face felony charges.

Do I have to agree to take a breath test or blood test?
Under California’s Implied Consent Law, you are required to submit to a breath or blood test to determine your blood alcohol concentration if you have been arrested for suspected DUI. The failure to consent to a breath test or blood test may result in the automatic suspension of your driver’s license, regardless of whether you were actually driving under the influence or had a blood alcohol level above the legal limit.

Questions about DUI charges in Los Angeles County? Contact Los Angeles DUI lawyer Richard Sudar today!