You may not know what to expect after an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) in California. You could even ask, what happens when you get a DUI in Los Angeles? The answer may be criminal charges. You could find your driving privileges suspended, along with other serious penalties.
Review the challenges associated with a DUI arrest here and consider the complicated legal nature of a DUI arrest. Review your options to build a defense.
You Will Have an Arraignment Hearing After a DUI
A police officer may take you to jail for a time or release you after a DUI arrest. In either case, you’ll receive a date for your arraignment hearing. The court uses an arraignment hearing to list the charges against you. You must also enter one of the following pleas at your hearing:
- No contest
- Guilty
- Not guilty
Your case ends if you plead no contest or guilty. The court decides on an appropriate punishment and hands down a sentence. However, if you plead not guilty, your legal case continues. It’s generally recommended that you contact a DUI lawyer before your arraignment hearing.
You Must Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
You may wait days or weeks for an arraignment hearing. You may contact the DMV while you wait. The DMV may automatically suspend your license 30 days after a DUI arrest in Los Angeles. You must request a DMV hearing within 10 days of your arrest to prevent this suspension.
Note that requesting a hearing may not stop the suspension of your license. However, it gives you the chance to protect your driving privileges. You may also avoid a license suspension by agreeing to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle.
An IID measures your blood alcohol content (BAC) each time you start your vehicle. Many drivers convicted of a DUI are ordered to install an IID in Los Angeles. Failure to install an IID could result in the suspension of your license.
A Lawyer May Investigate Your Case After a DUI
Your lawyer may work to investigate your case after a DUI in Los Angeles. The investigation may begin after your arraignment hearing. Your lawyer may focus on building your defense. A lawyer may focus on demonstrating that:
- You were stopped by a police officer without due cause
- Your BAC was under the legal limit at the time of your arrest
- You received false-positive results from a BAC test
A DUI lawyer in Los Angeles may understand the best strategies to build a defense for your case.
Your Case May Be Resolved Without a Trial in Los Angeles
The court may give you a trial date at your arraignment hearing. However, many DUI cases are resolved before the court date. Your lawyer may be able to get your charges dismissed in some cases. You will not face criminal charges on your record if your charges are dismissed.
A lawyer may also work to get your charges reduced. The prosecution may agree to a plea bargain after a DUI arrest. A plea bargain requires you to plead guilty to a different charge. You received less severe penalties for a plea bargain.
Resolving your charges out of court may allow you to move forward after a DUI arrest in Los Angeles.
You Could Face a Conviction for a DUI Arrest in California
California uses serious penalties for DUI charges. Drivers who are convicted after a DUI arrest may be:
- Fined
- Sent to jail or prison
- Subjected to driving restrictions
- Forced to go to DUI school
The penalties for a first-time DUI are relatively minor. However, each DUI is priorable. This means the penalties you face grow more severe each time you are convicted. A DUI could even lead to felony charges in Los Angeles.
A lawyer may help you after a DUI arrest in Los Angeles. Your lawyer could defend you in and out of the courtroom. Find out more by contacting a legal team for help today.
Speak to a Lawyer When You Get a DUI in Los Angeles
What happens when you get a DUI in Los Angeles? You may be arraigned and charged with a crime. You may have your license suspended while facing fines and jail time. Fortunately, a lawyer at the Simmrin Law Group can help you. A lawyer could get your charges reduced or even dismissed. You may also complete our online contact form.
Reach out to us today to get a free consultation.