La Mirada DUI Attorney

La Mirada DUI Lawyer

You’re on your way home from a night out with friends. You had a few drinks, but you felt fine. Next thing you know, there are lights and sirens behind you. A Los Angeles County Sheriff comes to the window, asking for your license. You don’t know what to do. There’s a chance this simple mistake may affect the rest of your life. You need a La Mirada DUI attorney to represent you through the process from beginning to end.

The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores is a seasoned DUI law firm in Southern California. We have handled over 2,000 criminal defense cases and focus on DUI cases. We understand that this can be a difficult time for you and your loved ones, and we can support you through understanding and communication. We want to get you results. When you schedule a consultation with us, we can review your case and develop a plan to achieve an optimal resolution.

DUI in Los Angeles County

According to a report released by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, in 2021, Los Angeles County represented 17.8% of all the DUI arrests in the state. This trend continued with a rise in felony DUI in 2024, which was the highest it had been since 2015. Because of this increase, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office has been awarded a $2.2 million grant to prevent DUI.

This money gives the prosecution more resources to investigate your DUI case. California is handing out harsher sentences and siding with alleged victims. You need someone who has experience with the legal system and the strategies for dealing with DUI charges.

DUI Laws in California

California Vehicle Code 23152 defines what driving under the influence legally means. If someone over the age of 21 has a blood alcohol level of 0.08%, it is considered unlawful for them to drive a vehicle. The blood alcohol level for someone under the age of 21 is 0.01%. It’s the same for someone who is on probation. They can’t operate a vehicle with any alcohol in their system based on the terms of their probation.

This code also accounts for the use of drugs, not just alcohol. If the police suspect that you are impaired by legal or illegal drugs, they can charge you with DUI. This includes prescribed medication and marijuana. However, some of the testing for these drugs doesn’t show up in a blood test, like alcohol.

Penalties for DUI in California

Penalties for DUI can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on how many offenses you have within ten years:

• First offense: Misdemeanor
  • Pay $390 to $1,000 in fines.
  • Attend DUI school.
  • Your license is suspended for six months, or you can get an ignition interlock device.
• Second offense: Misdemeanor
  • Spend 96 hours to one year in jail.
  • Pay $390 to $1,000 in fines.
  • Attend a DUI program.
  • Your license is suspended for two years, or you can get an ignition interlock device.
• Third offense: Misdemeanor
  • Stay 120 days to one year in jail.
  • Pay $390 to $1,000 in fines.
  • Attend 30 months of DUI school.
  • Your license is suspended for three years.
• Fourth offense: This is considered a “wobble,” meaning the prosecution can decide whether to charge you with a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on your criminal record and the details of the case.
  • For a misdemeanor, you could serve 180 days to one year in jail.
  • For a felony, you could serve between 16 months and three years.
  • Pay $390 to $1,000 in fines.
  • Spend 30 months in DUI school
  • Have a suspended license for four years.

If you’ve injured or killed someone in an accident while under the influence, you face a felony charge and a more serious sentence.

Possible Defenses Against DUI

Having a La Mirada DUI lawyer to mount your defense is essential. It could be the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony or no time in jail versus years. Here are some possible strategies your attorney could use:

• No probable cause for the traffic stop
• Faulty devices, like the breathalyzer, not working properly
• Too much time between the traffic stop and when your blood was drawn
• Contaminated blood sample
• Errors in police procedure
• No proof of impairment

FAQs About La, CA Mirada DUI Law

How Much Does a California DUI Lawyer Cost?

The cost for a California DUI lawyer depends on the charges you are facing and whether the case goes to trial. Some cases require more investigation and planning time. Others may require hours at the Los Angeles County Superior Court in the Southeastern District Courthouse, located in Downey, which is where DUI cases in La Mirada are heard. The attorney fees increase as you spend more time in court.

What Percent of DUI Cases Get Dismissed in California?

About 26% of people arrested for DUI in California avoid a conviction, according to DMV statistics from 2022. When you hire a DUI attorney skilled in problem-solving and negotiations, they can investigate your arrest and find evidence that improves your case. They can get your DUI dismissed so you do not face a misdemeanor or felony charge.

What Is the 3-Hour Rule for DUI in California?

The 3-hour rule in California means that a person’s blood alcohol level needs to be tested within three hours for the results to be considered accurate. This becomes an important rule in your DUI case if your blood was tested after three hours. If that happens, your attorney can challenge the test results.

Does a DUI Stay on My Permanent Record?

A DUI stays on your driving record for ten years. You can file an appeal to expunge it from your record. An experienced DUI attorney can go over the expungement laws with you to see if you qualify. If you do, your attorney can advise and guide you through this process.

Hire a DUI Attorney in La Mirada

The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores has extensive experience in DUI cases across Southern California. We strive to get results and support our clients through the frustration that goes along with the justice system. Our team considers every case important, no matter what you’re facing. We can investigate, build a defense, and represent you through your arrest to a possible trial. Contact us today for a consultation, and see how we can help you move on from a DUI.

Meet Your West Covina DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyer – Daniel P. Flores

Criminal Defense Attorney

With experience in over 2,000 DUI and criminal cases, he has a proven track record of successfully defending clients throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

Daniel is a member of the California DUI Lawyers Association and is certified to administer the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests—the same training law enforcement receives. His deep understanding of DUI investigation procedures and extensive trial experience provide his clients with a formidable defense.

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The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores – LA’s Trusted DUI Attorney

A DUI charge is a stressful, humiliating, and costly experience for everyday Californians, and we already know that overly harsh prosecution and punishment don’t actually make California highways safer. That’s why helping DUI defendants deal with the criminal justice system is a cornerstone of our legal practice. We offer real-time legal advice, steadfast support, and fully personalized defense strategies that factor in every unique detail of your case.

If you have been charged with drunk driving or operating under the influence of drugs, in or around Los Angeles, it’s not uncommon to find yourself struggling with the legal process afterwards. Please know that help is available. Contact The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores today, and we can set up a judgment-free, no-strings-attached consultation to learn more about your case and your options.

La Mirada, CA DUI Law Resources:

• What Is the Average DUI Sentence in California?
• How Long After a DUI Can You Get a CDL in California?
• What Is the Most Common Sentence for a DUI in California?
• California DUI Laws and Penalties