Glendale PD’s aggressive traffic enforcement matters for DUIs because it raises the chances of being stopped, arrested, and charged if officers suspect that you are driving under the influence.
The city’s law enforcement takes DUI enforcement seriously, training officers to spot even small signs of drinking or drug use. If you were stopped or arrested, our Glendale DUI lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights.
Knowing how these enforcement efforts work can help you protect your future. You can learn more during a free consultation with a member of our team.
What Aggressive DUI Enforcement Means in Glendale, CA
The Glendale Police Department (PD) has one of the more active DUI units in Los Angeles County. Officers often patrol during weekends, holidays, and local events when alcohol use is common.
They also set up DUI checkpoints designed to catch impaired drivers before accidents happen.
This level of policy activity means:
- Drivers may be stopped for small traffic mistakes like weaving or not signaling.
- DUI checkpoints can appear without much warning.
- Even a first-time DUI stop can lead to an investigation. Police may ask you to take field sobriety and chemical tests.
The goal is public safety. Glendale police try to prevent DUIs by making arrests visible and showing they will not tolerate drunk driving.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
What Happens if Glendale Police Stop You for a Suspected DUI?
If a Glendale officer believes you are driving under the influence, the stop will quickly turn serious. Here’s what usually happens:
- Observation and questions: The officer checks for slurred speech, red eyes, or the smell of alcohol.
- Field sobriety tests: Police may ask you to walk a straight line or follow a light with your eyes.
- Chemical tests: California’s “implied consent” law means you must take a breath or blood test if you are legally arrested for DUI.
- Arrest and booking: If you fail the tests or refuse them, you will likely be arrested and taken to jail.
- Vehicle impoundment: Your car may be towed and held until it is released at your expense.
Even if you believe the stop is unfair, how you act matters. Be polite and cooperative, but don’t admit to drinking or using drugs.
What Happens if You Don’t Cooperate at a DUI Checkpoint or Chemical Test in Glendale
Glendale PD is known for strict DUI enforcement, so refusing to cooperate during a DUI checkpoint can make things even harder. You must show your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance if asked.
Still, you don’t have to answer questions about where you’ve been or whether you’ve been drinking. If you refuse a chemical test after a lawful DUI arrest, the penalties are serious under California’s implied consent law.
By driving in California, you agree to take a breath or blood test if you’re lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusing this test can lead to:
- A one-year license suspension for a first refusal
- Extra fines and penalties
- Your refusal used as evidence in court
At a DUI checkpoint, refusing to cooperate—such as ignoring directions or trying to drive away—can lead to an arrest. When this happens, Glendale officers may respond firmly, and the situation can escalate.
Even if you refused, a lawyer can still protect your rights and challenge what happened.
How Our Glendale Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help Your Case
Our Glendale criminal defense lawyer knows how the local police department and prosecutors handle DUI cases. We will:
- Review dashcam, bodycam, and test results for errors.
- Challenge unlawful stops or searches.
- Represent you at the DMV hearing.
- Negotiate for reduced charges or dismissals.
- Take your case to trial if needed.
We know how Glendale police operate and how to challenge unfair arrests. We will review every detail and fight for the best outcome.
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Legal Consequences of a DUI in Glendale
If you are convicted of a DUI charge, you can face criminal penalties and administrative actions from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Under California Vehicle Code § 23152, possible penalties include:
- Up to six months in jail for a first offense
- Fines between $390 and $1,000, plus court fees
- A six-month driver’s license suspension
- Mandatory DUI education classes
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
The penalties increase for repeat offenses, high blood alcohol levels (0.15% or more), or if someone was injured. Felony DUIs in California can bring years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.
In Glendale, where police and prosecutors usually seek strong sentences, it’s not uncommon for judges to enforce strict probation terms and high fines even for first offenses.
Why Glendale’s DUI Enforcement Can Be Complicated
While Glendale PD’s goal is public safety, its strict enforcement can create legal challenges. Common issues include:
- Questionable stops: Officers must have a lawful reason to stop you. If they did not, the evidence may be thrown out.
- Faulty tests: Breathalyzer and blood test results are not always accurate. Mistakes can affect your case.
- Checkpoints: DUI checkpoints must follow specific legal rules under California law. If they do not, arrests may be invalid. We can review if your DUI checkpoint arrest was legal.
- DMV hearings: You only have 10 days from your arrest to request a hearing to protect your driver’s license.
These issues show why a DUI arrest in Glendale can be more complicated than it seems.
What You Can Expect After a DUI Arrest by Glendale’s Police
After an arrest, the legal process begins quickly. You will likely face two separate proceedings:
- Criminal case: This happens in the Glendale Courthouse and focuses on guilt and punishment.
- DMV hearing: This is a separate administrative process to decide if your license will be suspended.
You will receive a temporary driver’s license that expires in 30 days. If you don’t request a DMV hearing within 10 days, your suspension automatically begins.
Defenses That May Apply in a Glendale Impaired Driving Case
Even if you tested above the legal limit, you still have rights and possible defenses. Some examples include:
- Unlawful stop: The officer had no valid reason to pull you over.
- Improper testing: The breath or blood test equipment was not properly maintained.
- Medical conditions: Certain health issues can mimic signs of intoxication.
- Rights violations: Police failed to follow required procedures during your arrest.
Our lawyer will look at every part of your case, from the stop to the test results, to see if your rights were violated or if the evidence is weak. If so, we may be able to persuade the prosecutor or court to reduce or dismiss the charges or challenge the evidence to protect your record and freedom.
We Will Explain Why Glendale PD’s Aggressive DUI Enforcement Matters in Your Case — Call Us
If you were arrested or accused of driving under the influence in Glendale, Simmrin Law Group will fight for you. The city’s tough DUI enforcement can have long-term effects. The aggressive traffic enforcement on DUIs in Glendale can have lasting effects for anyone charged with impaired driving.
One conviction can raise your insurance rates, limit your job options, and stay on your record for 10 years. Our DUI defense attorneys have decades of courtroom experience and have represented thousands of clients since 2005. With more than 100 jury trials behind us, including serious felony cases, our team knows what it takes to fight and win.
We are ready to defend you in any California state or federal court. Call us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help protect your future.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form