DUI help in Los Angeles – a Checklist

Should you be arrested on a suspected charge of driving under the influence, an experienced Los Angeles DUI attorney can help you consider your options and assist you in building a defense. But how can you as a licensed driver in California prepare yourself should you be stopped by law enforcement?

You may be pulled over for a suspected DUI by the police in Los Angeles if the officers see some typical signs of intoxication in your driving such as crossing the center line of the highway, weaving from one side of a lane to the other or having an unusually wide turning radius. Other signs of erratic driving  that police look for is driving at very slow speeds, at uneven speeds (very fast, then very slow), running a red light or hesitation in going through a green light.

After stopping the vehicle, police can look for evidence of drinking in your appearance and behavior such as having a flushed face, slurred speech, disorientation, instability or an exaggerated and inappropriate attitude such as being overly happy or angry. 

When someone is arrested for DUI in California, there are really two separate cases being prosecuted against the driver you should be aware of:

• the DMV case which can result in the suspension or revocation of driving privileges, and
• the criminal case which can involve jail, fines, an ignition interlock device being installed in the car, alcohol education classes, community service, impounding the accused driver’s vehicle or a combinations of these penalties.

If you have been arrested for DUI, you must request a DMV hearing within 10 days of your arrest. If you do not request a DMV hearing within that period of time, your license will be automatically suspended or revoked 30 days after your arrest.

If you have been arrested for DUI in Los Angeles, here is a quick checklist to help you prepare for your defense:

• Contact an experienced DUI attorney to prepare your defense.
• Request a DMV hearing immediately.
• Obtain a copy of the police reports, and any pictures, video or audio tapes in possession of the prosecutor or police.
• Have your lawyer file any pretrial motions that may be helpful such as a motion to suppress or motion to produce.
• Work with your lawyer to evaluate your chances for success at trial and decide on pursuing a plea agreement or proceeding to trial.
• Be prepared to face the consequences of a DUI plea or conviction.

The law firm of Payman Zargari are experienced in defending individuals from drunk driving charges in Los Angeles County and can assist you in building a DUI defense to minimize penalties, fines and jail time.

Please use our contact form or call us at 866-958-2313 for help after your drunk driving arrest in Los Angeles.