Best Los Angeles DUI Attorneys

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to save my license after a DUI arrest in Los Angeles?

Just 10 days. You or your lawyer must request a DMV hearing within 10 days of the arrest. If you miss it, a first-offense suspension of four months usually starts 31 days after the arrest. The DMV case runs separately from the criminal case.

What happens if I refused a breath or blood test?

A longer suspension. Under California's implied consent law, a first refusal can bring a one-year suspension with no restricted license. Prosecutors may also use the refusal against you in court. A lawyer can check whether the officer gave the required warnings.

Which court will hear my DUI case?

It depends on where you were arrested. Misdemeanor DUIs inside Los Angeles city limits often go to the Metropolitan Courthouse downtown. The LA City Attorney prosecutes those cases. Arrests elsewhere go to local courthouses such as Van Nuys or the Airport Courthouse, and the County District Attorney handles felonies.

When is a DUI a felony in California?

When it hurts someone or follows several priors. A DUI that injures another person can be charged as a felony. So can a fourth DUI within 10 years, or any DUI after a prior felony DUI. Felony convictions can carry state prison time.

How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Los Angeles?

Most charge a flat fee. DUI defense is rarely billed on contingency. Fees tend to rise with prior offenses, injuries, or a jury trial. Ask whether the price covers the DMV hearing, expert witnesses, and trial.

Can I keep driving after a first DUI?

Often, with conditions. Many first offenders can get a restricted license by installing an ignition interlock device. You will usually need an SR-22 insurance filing, enrollment in a DUI program, and paid DMV fees. Refusal cases have stricter limits.

Can a DUI conviction be expunged?

Yes, after probation ends. California Penal Code 1203.4 lets a court dismiss the conviction once you complete probation. This helps with most job applications. But the DUI still counts as a prior for 10 years and stays on your DMV record.

Types of DUI Cases in Los Angeles

First-Offense DUI. Most arrests in LA County are first offenses charged as misdemeanors. Penalties usually include probation, fines, and a DUI program. Jail is possible but often avoided.

Repeat DUI. A second or third arrest within 10 years brings mandatory jail time and longer license loss. The court looks back a full decade when counting priors.

DUI Causing Injury. A crash that hurts someone can turn a routine case into a felony. These cases often involve accident reconstruction and witness testimony.

Drug and Marijuana DUI. Prescription drugs and cannabis can support a DUI charge. California has no set THC limit, so prosecutors rely on officer observations and drug recognition exams.

Commercial and Rideshare Drivers. Commercial drivers face a 0.04% BAC limit while working. The same limit applies to rideshare drivers when they have a paying passenger. A conviction can end a driving career.

Underage DUI. Drivers under 21 face a zero-tolerance rule. A BAC as low as 0.01% can trigger a license suspension.

How to Choose a DUI Lawyer in Los Angeles

Ask about the courthouse. Metro, Van Nuys, and the Airport Courthouse each have their own judges and prosecutors. A lawyer who appears there often knows what to expect.

Confirm who handles the DMV hearing. Some firms send a junior associate or a hearing service. Find out who will question the officer and review the evidence.

Check their testing knowledge. Breath machines and blood labs must follow California's Title 17 rules. A lawyer who knows those rules can spot errors in the results.

Ask how often they go to trial. Prosecutors offer better deals when they expect a fight. A lawyer willing to try the case gives you more bargaining power.

Compare fee terms in writing. Get the flat fee, payment schedule, and extra costs in a signed agreement. If you cannot afford a private lawyer, the court can appoint a public defender.

What Affects the Outcome of a Los Angeles DUI Case

Results vary widely between cases. BAC level, prior offenses, any crash or injury, and a test refusal all shape the outcome. A weak stop or a flawed test can lead to a dismissal. In other cases, the charge may be reduced to wet reckless or a non-DUI driving offense. A local DUI attorney can review the police report and give you a realistic picture.