Driving under the influence (DUI) laws are consistent across Los Angeles County and nearby counties. The penalties you’ll get if you’re convicted of a DUI in Los Angeles County or elsewhere in California depend on the severity of your offense, the circumstances of your arrest, and aggravating factors like a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or causing an injury.
Talk with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer who has years of relevant case experience if you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence. Your attorney can answer any questions you have about how DUI laws in Los Angeles differ from nearby counties. Plus, they can help you make informed legal decisions as you deal with the aftermath of your arrest.
Are DUI Laws in Los Angeles Different From Those of Nearby Counties?
The California Vehicle Code applies statewide. Thus, your driving under the influence charge will be treated the same anywhere in California. If you’re convicted of a DUI in Los Angeles or elsewhere in the state, you are subject to the same penalties.
Driving under the influence is a wobbler throughout California. This means a DUI can be punished as a misdemeanor or a felony. Regardless of whether you face misdemeanor or felony DUI penalties, it is beneficial to seek legal help. Otherwise, you are likely to be convicted and punished to the full extent of California law.
If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence in California, consult with a DUI attorney who has received dozens of positive client testimonials. Your lawyer knows how difficult it is to defend against a DUI charge alone. They will handle your legal matters with care and, as part of their efforts, look for ways to get your DUI charge reduced or dismissed.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
Penalties if You’re Convicted of Driving Under the Influence in Los Angeles or Nearby Counties
The penalties that you will receive if you violate DUI laws in Los Angeles or nearby counties will be based on whether you’re convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony. Below are some of the penalties associated with DUI convictions in California:
- Jail or prison time
- Fines
- Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in your car
- Enrollment in DUI school
- Probation
Along with these penalties, there are collateral consequences of a DUI conviction to consider. These consequences can include losing a professional license, increased car insurance rates, international travel restrictions, and a social stigma that damages your relationships with family and friends.
Factors That Will Determine How You Are Punished if You Violate DUI Laws in Los Angeles or Nearby Counties
As you think about whether driving under the influence laws in LA are different from those of nearby counties, account for the short- and long-term implications of a DUI conviction. In your DUI case, many factors can dictate the penalties that you’ll receive if you’re convicted, such as:
Prior DUI Convictions
The number of times that you’ve been convicted of a DUI will determine if you’re convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony offense. In most instances, a first, second, or third DUI conviction is a misdemeanor.
However, you are subject to felony penalties if you’ve been convicted of a fourth DUI within 10 years or have a previous felony DUI conviction.
Your BAC Level
California’s legal BAC limit for drivers 21 and older is 0.08%. If you’re under 21, you’re legally required to have a BAC of 0.01% or lower when you’re driving. Meanwhile, the legal BAC limit for commercial and rideshare drivers is 0.04%.
In addition, per California Vehicle Code § 23578, you face enhanced DUI penalties if you’re found to be driving with an extremely high BAC.
Injury or Death
A DUI is a felony in California if it results in a severe bodily injury to another person or causes a fatality. If you have a prior felony DUI conviction and are convicted of a DUI murder (Watson murder), you can receive a lifetime prison sentence.
When it comes to learning about how DUI laws in Los Angeles, California, differ from those in nearby counties, leave nothing to chance. Speak with a criminal defense lawyer who’ll provide insights into what to expect during your DUI case. Your attorney can build a custom legal strategy for you, boosting your chances of avoiding a conviction.
The Bottom Line on How the DUI Laws of Los Angeles Differ From Nearby Counties
DUI laws in Los Angeles aren’t any different from those of other California counties. How you respond to a DUI arrest in LA or anywhere else in California is key. Get legal help right away after your arrest, and you can find legal representation that serves you well for the duration of your litigation.
Simmrin Law Group has provided legal support to thousands of clients. If you want information about how driving under the influence laws in Los Angeles can be different from nearby counties or other DUI topics, we are here for you. Contact us today.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form