El Segundo DUI Defense Lawyer
Also Fighting for Clients in Inglewood, Torrance, Culver City, and Throughout Southern California
Being pulled over for DUI is often an intimidating and scary ordeal. Being subjected to roadside sobriety tests, breathalyzers, or blood testing and the authority of police questioning can lead to the mistaken idea that your case is indefensible.
However, nothing could be further from the truth. Numerous factors can play into your defense, some of which might not be immediately apparent. A good defense lawyer, however, knows how to find and identify mistakes that can play a decisive role in helping you reach a favorable outcome.
At Rollins Law Group, our defense attorney has extensive experience in such cases, knows how to investigate them thoroughly, and exposes errors that can make a significant difference in the results. Having practiced criminal defense in California for decades, founding attorney Kendric Rollins can put intensive knowledge and courtroom skills to work for you against DUI charges of all kinds, from those involving alcohol and drugs, drivers under 21, commercial license holders, and adult drivers from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Charged with DUI? Request a free case evaluation with a Southern California DUI defense attorney at Rollins Law Group by contacting us at (310) 807-2282—available 24/7.
DUI Charges in California
Vehicle Codes 23152(a) and 23152(b) define DUI under California law. Vehicle Code 23152(a) makes it illegal for anyone to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Vehicle Code 23152(b) makes it unlawful to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
You can be charged with both these offenses in a single arrest. Commercial license holders can be criminally charged with a BAC of only .04 percent when driving a commercial vehicle. Drivers under 21 can be charged with DUI when driving with any amount of blood alcohol concentration.
You can also be charged with DUI for driving under the influence of drugs; these can include prescription medicines, illegal drugs, and over-the-counter products, such as sleep aids and cold, cough, and allergy medicines.
Most DUIs are charged as misdemeanors. However, they can become felony charges if you have three or more prior convictions, a prior felony DUI conviction, or if you cause an injury or fatality.
DUI Penalties
The penalties for a DUI conviction can be extensive and grow more severe, with further offenses occurring within 10 years.
A first-offense conviction can include the following penalties:
- Possible county jail time of up to six months
- Informal probation for three to five years
- Fines and assessments ranging up to $2,000
- Mandatory DUI “school” of three to nine months
- Driver’s license suspension of six months
- Mandatory ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle for six months
- Attendance at a victim impact panel
- Increased auto insurance premiums
Your DUI case involves two types of proceedings: 1. Your criminal court case, and 2. A DMV license suspension administrative hearing. Your license will be automatically suspended unless you request, attend, and win at the DMV hearing. Our firm can represent you in both proceedings.
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Common Mistakes People Make When Arrested for DUI
- Admitting Guilt on the Spot: Many individuals feel pressured to admit guilt when confronted by law enforcement. This can severely limit your defense options later.
- Not Requesting an Attorney: Failing to ask for legal representation immediately can lead to uninformed decisions and potentially self-incriminating statements.
- Assuming Sobriety Tests are Foolproof: Placing too much trust in the accuracy of roadside sobriety tests without understanding potential flaws or errors.
- Posting on Social Media: Sharing details about the arrest on social media, which can be used against you in court.
- Missing Court Appearances: Failing to attend mandated court dates, resulting in additional legal complications.
- Neglecting DMV Hearing Requests: Overlooking the importance of requesting and attending the DMV administrative hearing for your license.
- Speaking Too Much: Volunteering excessive information during the arrest that could later be used as evidence against you.
- Not Documenting the Event: Forgetting to make a record of the events and circumstances of the arrest while details are still fresh.
- Ignoring the Case After Release: Not taking immediate action to hire an attorney and start preparing a defense.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Avoid These Mistakes
Hiring an experienced DUI defense lawyer immediately after your arrest can significantly mitigate the risks associated with these common mistakes. A knowledgeable attorney will advise you to exercise your right to remain silent and not admit guilt, ensuring that your words do not inadvertently hamstring your defense. They will guide you through the process of requesting and successfully navigating the DMV administrative hearing, crucial for keeping your driving privileges. Your lawyer will critically examine the procedures and results of sobriety tests, identifying any inaccuracies or procedural errors that could weaken the prosecution's case. Furthermore, they will help curate your public persona, advising against detrimental social media activity and making sure you strictly comply with all court dates and legal requirements. By leveraging their expertise, a skilled lawyer helps you document the event accurately, builds a solid defense strategy, and ensures proactive measures are taken to safeguard your rights and future.