Your DUI Defense Starts Here
Aggressive Legal Strategies for Any DUI Offense
First DUI
If you’ve been charged with a first-time DUI in California, it is classified as a misdemeanor. The penalties may include:
- Fines & Fees: $390 to $1,000, plus penalty assessments
- License Suspension: 6 to 10 months
- Jail Time: Up to 6 months, though first-time offenders may avoid jail time
- Alcohol Treatment Program: 3 to 9 months, depending on your BAC level
- Other: Possible installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) for 6 months
Second DUI
For a second DUI offense within 10 years, the penalties increase significantly. You could be facing:
- Fines & Fees: $390 to $1,000, plus penalty assessments
- License Suspension: 2 years, with a possibility to regain limited driving privileges after 1 year with an IID
- Jail Time: 96 hours to 1 year (mandatory minimum of 96 hours)
- Alcohol Treatment Program: 18 to 30 months
- Other: Mandatory IID installation for at least 1 year once driving privileges are restored
Underage DUI
If you’re under 21, California’s zero-tolerance policy applies, meaning any detectable alcohol can lead to strict penalties:
- Fines & Fees: $100 for a BAC of 0.01% or higher, plus penalty assessments
- License Suspension: 1 year for a BAC over 0.01%, with possible longer suspension for higher BACs or repeat offenses
- Jail Time: Typically, no jail time for underage DUI unless there are aggravating factors
- Alcohol Treatment Program: Attendance at a DUI education program for 3 to 9 months, depending on BAC
DUI Causing Injury
If your DUI resulted in injury to another person, the consequences are much more severe. Penalties could include:
- Fines & Fees: $390 to $5,000, plus victim restitution
- License Suspension: 1 to 3 years, depending on the severity of the injury and whether it’s charged as a misdemeanor or felony
- Jail/Prison Time: 5 days to 1 year in county jail for a misdemeanor, or 16 months to 16 years in state prison for a felony
- Alcohol Treatment Program: 18 to 30 months
- Other: Mandatory IID installation for at least 1 year once driving privileges are restored
Many people believe that a DUI will stay on their record forever, but that’s not always the case. In most instances, a DUI conviction in Los Angeles can be expunged after meeting all court requirements. Expunging a DUI is critical for protecting your future when it comes to employment, housing, and financial opportunities. In California, a DUI charge can be filed if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, or 0.04% for commercial drivers. Additionally, an officer may arrest you even if your BAC is below the limit if they believe you’re impaired.
If you’ve been charged with a DUI, Attorney Hashemi will evaluate your case, challenge any errors in the arrest, and build a defense strategy that is customized to your unique situation.
Consultation Process
If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence, it’s critical to speak with an experienced DUI attorney immediately to protect your rights and your future. Upon your release, you’ll receive a temporary license and a court date, but the police won’t guide you through the complex legal and DMV processes that follow.
Attorney Hashemi will provide the legal expertise you need to navigate this situation. Within 24-48 hours of your release, it’s essential to consult with us to ensure crucial deadlines are met and to avoid the automatic suspension of your license. We will thoroughly examine the evidence, challenge any questionable tactics, and identify potential errors during your arrest. Whether over the phone or in person, Attorney Hashemi will walk you through every step, working tirelessly to build a strong defense and protect your driving privileges.
Attorney Hashemi
Attorney Hashemi has over 20 years of experience defending clients against DUI charges in Los Angeles. He understands the seriousness of DUI cases and knows the impact they can have on your driving privileges, job, and future. Arash is well-versed in handling both the DMV hearing and the criminal court process, ensuring every part of your case is addressed. His goal is to challenge the evidence against you—whether it’s the legality of a traffic stop, chemical test results, or procedural errors—while working to protect your driver’s license and reduce penalties.
Most DUI cases begin with either a traffic stop or an accident. During this phase, two critical legal actions take place: First, you’ll be asked to take a chemical test, either a breathalyzer or a blood test, to determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Second, your driver’s license will be confiscated, and you’ll receive a temporary license. From this moment, the clock is ticking. If you don’t take immediate action, your license will be automatically suspended by the DMV after 30 days.
After your arrest, you’ll be dealing with both the criminal court and the DMV. The DMV can impose an administrative suspension of your license, but this can be contested if action is taken quickly. You have just 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing to challenge this suspension. This hearing is your only opportunity to protect your license, and missing the deadline means the suspension will proceed with no further recourse.
During the pre-trial stage, the prosecution must provide all evidence they plan to use against you. This phase is critical, Attorney Hashemi will review the evidence, known as “discovery,” to identify any weaknesses in the case. We examine whether your rights were violated during the arrest, analyze the accuracy of the chemical test, and scrutinize the timing of the test in relation to your driving. Many DUI cases are resolved at this stage, often without the need for a trial.
In some cases, proceeding to trial may be necessary—especially if negotiations with the prosecution fail or the evidence against you is weak. Trials carry risk, as the decision is left in the hands of a jury. Our attorney’s goal will be to introduce enough reasonable doubt to lead to an acquittal. It’s crucial to work with a law firm that has a proven track record in DUI cases, as strong trial experience can often motivate the prosecution to offer better plea deals.
We Can Help
Experienced DUI Defense Attorney by Your Side
If you’ve been charged with a DUI, our Los Angeles criminal attorney, Arash Hashemi is here to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process. With over 20 years of experience and a proven track record, we will work tirelessly to minimize penalties and fight for the best possible outcome. Don’t wait—reach out to us today for expert assistance.
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