Los Angeles DUI Attorney

Los Angeles DUI Lawyer

Getting pulled over for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be a stressful and embarrassing experience. It can also be extremely costly, not just financially but also in terms of your reputation and your rights. If you’re facing trial for DUI and don’t know where to turn for help, The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores can connect you with a smart and reputable Los Angeles DUI attorney with a track record of successful outcomes and satisfied clients in DUI cases just like your own.

Why to Hire a DUI Attorney from The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores – Los Angeles, CA

Some people aren’t sure if they need to hire a DUI attorney to help with a drunk driving case. Perhaps they believe DUI is a minor charge and not worth fighting in court, or perhaps they think they are up to the task of taking on California’s aggressive criminal justice system without assistance. If you find yourself thinking along these lines after a DUI charge, we urge you to reconsider. Working with a qualified and talented Los Angeles DUI lawyer represents your optimal chance to mitigate the consequences of a DUI.

Because every DUI case is unique, we believe each one calls for a tailored, client-focused strategy to obtain optimal results. In some cases, the appropriate tactics may include fighting to have a bogus DUI thrown out of court. In other cases, a well-negotiated plea deal and reduced sentence may be the ideal outcome. It all depends on the unique circumstances of the case: what really happened, what evidence is available, and what, exactly, our client needs from us.

Whether your goal is to have charges reduced or dropped entirely, we can help. Whether you’re trying to minimize your sentence or avoid one altogether, we can help. And if you just need someone on your side who knows exactly how to counter bad-faith tactics used by the Los Angeles law enforcement and prosecutors, you can rest assured we can help with that, too.

Californians just like you are struggling with the legal process of fighting a DUI every single day. We’re here to make sure you don’t have to struggle alone.

From our main offices in West Covina, CA, The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores is proud to help clients facing tough DUI cases and other criminal charges throughout the Los Angeles metro area. Attorney Daniel P. Flores has worked with clients in more than 2,000 DUI cases, resulting in a lengthy list of great outcomes and satisfied clients that speaks for itself. When the stakes are high, don’t trust your fate to an aggressive criminal justice system. Contact our firm and get the help you need today.

While every case is unique, the following are some examples of different DUI defense techniques we might be able to employ, depending on the specific circumstances of a particular case:

• Rights violations: If your constitutional or human rights were violated during a DUI stop, the arrest process, or a subsequent stay in jail, California law offers powerful remedies. In some cases, proving that your rights were violated by police may result in getting your DUI charge thrown out of court completely.
• Unlawful DUI stop: Challenging the legality of a DUI stop is another tactic that can potentially result in a DUI case getting discarded before it ever goes to trial. For example, if you were driving perfectly legally, and an officer pulled you over on false pretenses (perhaps after illegally profiling your age, race, clothing, or type of car), the DUI arrest may not have been legal in the first place. With the ubiquity of dash cameras, the arresting officer should be able to provide clear evidence that you were driving erratically or otherwise violating traffic codes prior to being pulled over.
• Medical issues: Sometimes it can be hard for the untrained eye to distinguish between an intoxicated individual and someone experiencing a serious medical emergency like a stroke, seizure, heart attack, mental breakdown, or the unexpected side effects of a new medication.
  Los Angeles police and California Highway Patrol personnel are trained to stay on the defensive when dealing with the public and to remain watchful of DUI situations.
  Many law enforcement personnel may not be well-trained to identify and intervene in complex medical situations. This dangerous paradigm can lead to people’s wrongful DUI charges when what they really needed was for someone to help them get to the hospital or merely contact their doctor. It’s worth noting that having a valid prescription for an intoxicating drug, while potentially relevant to legal proceedings, is not typically a valid defense against DUI in and of itself.
• Faulty equipment or fraudulent readings: If there is any reason to believe the equipment used to measure your blood alcohol level was faulty or miscalibrated, this can be used as an angle for defending against DUI charges. The same is true of any other process, equipment, or test used by the police to conclude that you were operating while intoxicated.
• Reduction of charges: In some circumstances, the most viable defense tactic may involve arguing that it would be more appropriate to reduce your DUI to a lesser charge, such as reckless driving. In fact, this tactic is so well-used that the ensuing charge, a DUI reduced to reckless driving, has its own nickname in California: a “wet reckless”.

Of course, the above are only some common examples, and it’s very difficult to say which path is right for you until you coordinate your defense with a talented DUI attorney. At The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores, our Los Angeles DUI defense team possesses a comprehensive, cutting-edge legal toolkit. This means you can rest easy knowing that, whatever the optimal defense for your unique DUI scenario may be, we can identify it and implement it to the greatest possible effect.

Understanding DUI Cases in Los Angeles, California

California, and Los Angeles in particular, have become something of a national blueprint for reducing drunk driving incidents and their catastrophic effects over the past decade. The Golden State saw nearly 200,000 drunk driving arrests back in 2010, but only a decade later, this number would be slashed in half, with fewer than 100,000 DUI arrests in 2020. Within Los Angeles, local reporting also noted that the incidence of fatal DUI crashes plummeted 36% last year, as compared to the previous year.

In light of these positive trends, it’s important to remember that a single DUI incident can impact multiple lives forever. And while many DUI cases start with one bad choice by an intoxicated driver, others can stem from overzealous law enforcement. In cases where your rights were violated during a DUI stop, or if you have been wrongfully accused of DUI, our DUI attorneys can help you use California law to your advantage.

The trend of reduced DUI crashes and fatalities year after year is obviously great news for our California communities, but it could illustrate the increasingly aggressive nature of the police response to such violations. In other words, statewide DUI arrests don’t plummet from 200,000 to 100,000 over the course of a single decade by chance, or because people are suddenly making better decisions. It may happen, in part, because law enforcement and local authorities start cracking down hard on DUIs.

Another theory in California and some other states is that the recent rise of legalized cannabis has displaced alcohol use for some demographics, and that this is the cause for the reduction in DUIs. While this has some logic, and the timelines match up to an extent, it’s crucial to remember that driving under the influence of legal cannabis can also land you in jail on DUI charges. Drug-related DUI cases can sometimes be more complex and harder to prosecute, but they are taken just as seriously by the state.

In other words, just because marijuana can’t be instantly tested for via a breathalyzer device doesn’t mean driving high is smart or legal. California authorities believe that driving on cannabis is just as deadly as driving drunk, in fact, and are already working on solutions that would make it easier to prove and prosecute cannabis-related DUIs. Whether through new testing devices or updated legal codes, all signs indicate that policing of marijuana-impaired driving may become even more aggressive in the future.

In 2023, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office announced an “Impaired Driving Prosecution Grant” award totaling nearly $1 million, with all of these funds going towards the city’s emergent “Driving Under the Influence of Drugs Unit.” This unit oversees Los Angeles DUI cases in an end-to-end fashion, from arrest through sentencing, and this influx of public resources may result in even tougher legal challenges for defendants facing DUI proceedings in the city.

Navigating Los Angeles DUI Laws

Drunk and drugged driving continues to be a national concern, with more than 30 people dying in alcohol-related crashes in the United States every single day, on average. California, as one of the nation’s largest and most populous states, unfortunately hosts its fair share of these incidents, leading to heightened responses from police, prosecutors, and courts.

In the State of California, DUI (or “driving under the influence”) can be either a misdemeanor or felony charge, depending on the specific circumstances. This charge is defined under California Vehicle Code 23152, which states that it is unlawful for a person to drive a vehicle if they are “under the influence of any alcoholic beverage”, “under the influence of any drug”, “under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug”, or “addicted to the use of any drug”.

These terms are further described as such:

• Under the influence of alcohol: A blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or more is a threshold California shares with many other states.
• Under the influence of drugs: This is much more subjective, which makes sense due to the wide variety of intoxicating drugs that exist, and the limited options for instant testing.
• Under certain special circumstances: The legal limit is reduced to 0.04% BAC, down from 0.08%. As one example, a 2018 update to the DUI laws applies the special reduced 0.04% BAC limit to any rideshare service driver who is actively taking passengers.

DUI and Addiction in Los Angeles, California

One of the most unique and potentially confusing aspects of California’s DUI law is the verbiage that ties DUI to addiction. Per the text of the law, anyone “addicted to the use of any drug” is also barred from operating a motor vehicle. The legal definition of DUI could therefore apply to any addict behind the wheel, regardless of their current intoxication status.

The only exception hard-coded into the law is for addicted persons who are enrolled in state-approved narcotics treatment courses. Writing the law in this fashion is intended to ensure compliance with court-ordered drug treatment plans. In practice, however, linking driving privileges to addiction may create unnecessary roadblocks and legal jeopardy for everyday Californians who have a history of addiction issues.

One point of the law states, in full, “It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any drug to drive a vehicle.” This allows police and state authorities a great amount of latitude when deciding what does or does not constitute a DUI in California. If you believe you are facing bogus, trumped-up DUI charges based on a select interpretation of this law, consider contacting attorney Daniel P. Flores immediately for swift and effective legal assistance.

What Can Affect the Outcome of DUI Cases

While a DUI can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony in California, it’s important to take every case seriously. The potential consequences of a DUI conviction can be extremely serious, although sentences can vary based on the specific factors of the case, such as:

• The driver’s blood alcohol content: For example, a fully coherent driver with a BAC of the exact legal limit might be treated with more leniency than a motorist who is drunk beyond insensibility and has damaged other vehicles.
• The type and quantity of drugs present: When it comes to drugged driving cases, the specific drugs in question can play a role in sentencing.
• The defendant’s driving record and criminal history: The penalty for getting a fifth DUI while your license is already revoked would likely be much more severe than the sentence for a first-time misdemeanor conviction, for example.
• Extenuating factors: Reckless driving, child endangerment, injuries, fatalities, property damage, the presence of illegal firearms, and belligerence during arrest can all affect the outcome of a case.
• The quantity and quality of evidence available: No matter what actually happened, the results of every court case are, first and foremost, informed by the available evidence. If the police lack compelling proof that you were actually intoxicated to the extent they claim, this can be leveraged by your attorney to argue for a reduced sentence.
• Your defense strategy and your choice of DUI attorney: While everyone is theoretically guaranteed equal treatment under the law, there’s a reason many people choose to work with a private DUI defense attorney. Even if you believe you are innocent beyond question, the evidence doesn’t always speak for itself. An experienced DUI attorney can help you put the available evidence in context to tell your side of the story in a compelling and legally satisfying way.

DUI Penalties in Los Angeles, CA

An initial DUI arrest is already an embarrassing and consequential moment for many people. Upon conviction, however, a DUI can alter someone’s life even more seriously, sometimes creating a financial, social, or logistical hole that takes years to climb out of. Consider some of the potential penalties for DUI in California:

• Incarceration: While usually reserved for repeat offenders or extreme circumstances, jail time is a possibility in DUI cases. This time may be in addition to any time spent behind bars after your initial arrest.
• Fines and fees: A DUI case can result in serious financial penalties, especially when you add on legal fees and the steep costs commonly associated with getting your license reinstated and getting your vehicle out of impound. Costs can also include any court-ordered rehab or education programs.
• Forfeiture of driving privileges: Many DUI convictions affect driving privileges, with licenses routinely being suspended or revoked for drunk driving cases. If this happens, a completely separate process through the California DMV may be required in order to reinstate your license, as this is usually not done through the same criminal courts that are overseeing your DUI case.
• Court-ordered programs: Some DUIs and other substance-related cases end with a judgment or plea agreement that includes rehab, educational classes, substance abuse counseling, community service, or some other mandatory program component.
• Informal repercussions: Sometimes, some of the worst consequences of a DUI conviction have nothing to do with the legal details. There are, unfortunately, no legal remedies for the potential damage to your reputation and relationships that can come along with a DUI sentence.

FAQs About Los Angeles, CA DUI Law

How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Los Angeles?

The cost of a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles can vary depending on several factors, such as your attorney’s experience, the complexity of your case, your specific goals in seeking legal representation, and current market conditions for legal services in your area. With Los Angeles being one of the nation’s most active and competitive markets, quality DUI defense can be a significant investment, but it can be worth it when weighed against the high stakes of a drunk driving conviction.

Should I Hire a Lawyer for My First DUI?

You should hire a lawyer for your first DUI if you feel uncomfortable taking on the legal process yourself, intend to fight back against a wrongful DUI arrest, feel your rights were violated at some point during the process, or just want a sharp legal mind to review your situation and offer advice. While you are not legally required to secure your own representation, you may want to consider contacting a knowledgeable lawyer for a consultation.

How Much Does a Good DUI Attorney Cost?

A knowledgeable DUI attorney can sometimes charge more than an inexperienced one. In large, competitive markets like Los Angeles, the old adage “you get what you pay for” bears some truth when it comes to legal services. It can be worth your time to shop around and consider your options carefully. At The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores, we strive to offer the most cost-effective legal services possible by providing high-end DUI defense at fair and competitive rates.

Are DUI Attorneys Worth It?

DUI attorneys are indeed “worth it” if you ask the long list of satisfied DUI clients in the Los Angeles area who have worked with The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores. By hiring a quality DUI attorney, you may greatly increase your chances of an optimal outcome in your DUI case, whether that means negotiating your way to the perfect plea bargain or getting a bogus DUI charge thrown out of court.

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 Puente DUI, CA Attorney 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