When Special DUI Circumstances Apply, Call an Attorney You Trust
Not every motorist fits the typical legal picture for a driving-under-the-influence (DUI) arrest.
Young drivers, and drivers of commercial vehicles, have special responsibilities and restrictions that are addressed in California law.
At The Law Office of Edward J. Blum, I have extensive experience dealing with all manner of clients who have been accused of driving while under the sway of drugs or alcohol. Whatever your circumstance, it won't surprise me, and I won't judge it.
I will, however, give you the best legal defense your money can buy and my skills can provide. Contact me, Edward J. Blum, in downtown Los Angeles today at 213-599-7005.
An Experienced Los Angeles Underage DUI Defense Attorney
For more than 14 years, I have assisted young motorists and those with commercial responsibilities through the morass of the California process for DUI (known in some jurisdictions as driving while intoxicated or DWI).
I have attended hearings at the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and persuaded hearing officers to allow high school students to keep their licenses and truck drivers to keep their jobs. I have argued in courtrooms and negotiated at settlement tables in order to exonerate my clients for their innocence or, at the very least, limit their penalties for what may have been a brief lapse in judgment.
In Los Angeles, driving a car isn't just a privilege. It's a lifeline to employment, freedom, prosperity. As a longtime California resident, I understand this need inherently. Contact me, and I'll do my best to return your life the way it was before your arrest.
Averting an Underage License Suspension
Consequences for under-21 motorists convicted of DUI are similar to those for older motorists. One difference is that all who are convicted are required to take an alcohol education treatment class.
For young drivers who comply with law enforcement breath or blood testing, a conviction for first-offense DUI can result in a driver's license suspension for at least one year. A second or third offense can yield a two- or three-year suspension, respectively.
For under-21 drivers who don't comply with a breath test, a first offense can translate to a one-year suspension without chance of receiving a restricted license for work. A second conviction following a test refusal automatically results in a two-year suspension, and a three-year suspension for a third refusal or conviction.
Avoiding a Commercial DUI Conviction
Motorists who are issued a commercial driver's license or certificate can face a suspension of one year following their first DUI conviction, even if their blood-alcohol concentration was much less than the legal limit for ordinary drivers.
For commercial drivers, the threshold is 0.05 percent, even if the driver was operating his or her personal vehicle.
Interlock Ignition Devices in California
As you might know, many California jurisdictions use interlock ignition devices as a potential punishment in cases of severe or repeated DUI. These devices are connected to your vehicle's ignition and require you to exhale into a testing unit before the ignition will start.
If the unit detects any alcohol on your breath, the vehicle won't start. Moreover, your probation officer and other authorities can be notified of your drinking and consequences can follow.
If you want to avoid blowing into a tube every time you want to drive your car, consider seeking representation from an experienced and effective DUI attorney.
It's Always Better to Fight a California DUI
In California, admitting to drunk or drugged driving carries the same penalties as a conviction at trial. As a result, there is really no reason for anyone not to fight against a DUI charge.
Whether you are completely innocent of the charge, or you believe you are somewhat responsible for your arrest, it only makes sense to seek the best legal outcome possible for you and your loved ones.
A good attorney can help you reduce or negate these penalties by obtaining a dismissal from a judge, winning at trial or convincing a judge to apply a lighter sentence.
In addition to DUI defense, I have a long history of experience assisting clients in criminal defense. If your DUI case is particularly serious or complicated, you may wish to visit my criminal law website here.
To discuss your circumstances in with a hard-working and non-judgmental attorney, contact me — Edward J. Blum — in Los Angeles today. I offer free consultations, accept payment by credit card, can arrange payment plans and will return phone calls within a day.
Need a personal attorney who will work for you? Call The Law Office of Edward J. Blum at 213-599-7005 or contact me by e-mail today.
