Facing a DUI charge in Los Angeles can feel overwhelming. A conviction can significantly impact nearly every part of your life, from your freedom and finances to your career and reputation. California has some of the toughest DUI laws in the nation, and California DUI laws impose severe penalties for those convicted. Penalties can include steep fines, mandatory license suspension, higher insurance rates, and even jail time, reflecting the severe penalties associated with these offenses. If you are facing DUI charges, it is crucial to seek experienced legal representation as soon as possible.
At Perliss Law Firm, we understand what is at stake when you are charged with driving under the influence. As Los Angeles DUI lawyers, we offer local expertise and a deep understanding of the unique challenges in this jurisdiction. With more than 30 years of service in Los Angeles County, our firm has built a strong reputation for skilled, reliable, and client-focused defense.
Led by Jonathon Perliss, an experienced criminal defense attorney who has handled hundreds of DUI and serious criminal cases, our team is committed to protecting your rights and working toward the best possible outcome in your case. Whether you are facing a first-time DUI or a more complex charge involving prior convictions or accidents, we are here to provide the strategic defense you need. Contact us for a free consultation to learn how we can protect your rights.
California has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country. A person can be charged with driving under the influence if they operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher, or if drugs or alcohol impair their ability to drive safely. These laws apply not only to alcohol but also to prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and illegal substances.
There are several types of DUI charges that individuals may face in Los Angeles:
Usually involves lighter penalties but still carries fines, possible license suspension, and mandatory education programs.
Penalties increase with each conviction and can include longer license suspensions and mandatory jail time.
Prosecutors often pursue harsher consequences when a DUI results in property damage, injuries, or fatalities.
Driving under the influence of drugs, whether prescription or illegal, is treated with the same seriousness as alcohol-related DUIs.
It is important to remember that a DUI arrest does not automatically mean a conviction. Factors such as the accuracy of a breathalyzer, the validity of a traffic stop, and the conduct of law enforcement can all be challenged by a skilled defense attorney.
Felony DUI charges in Los Angeles are among the most serious criminal offenses a driver can face. Unlike standard DUI cases, felony DUI charges typically arise when there are prior DUI convictions, an accident resulting in injury or death, or other aggravating factors. The consequences of a felony DUI are severe and can include lengthy jail time, substantial fines, and long-term license suspension. These penalties can have a lasting impact on your personal and professional life.
When you are charged with a felony DUI, it is crucial to have a Los Angeles DUI lawyer with extensive experience in felony DUI defense. A skilled DUI attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your arrest, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your case. In many situations, an experienced DUI defense attorney can negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges or secure a favorable plea agreement.
In some cases, your attorney may be able to have the charges dismissed entirely or win an acquittal at trial. The primary goal of a felony DUI defense is to minimize the consequences, protect your rights, and help you move forward with your life.
Driving under the influence is a serious criminal offense in California, and the stakes are especially high in Los Angeles. If you are facing a DUI charge, it is essential to understand that you are up against a complex legal process that can impact your freedom, finances, and future. Navigating the criminal justice system in Los Angeles requires the guidance of a knowledgeable Los Angeles DUI lawyer who understands both the law and the local courts.
A DUI case in Los Angeles involves two separate proceedings: the DMV hearing, which determines the status of your driver’s license, and the criminal case, which addresses the DUI charge itself. Each process has its own rules, deadlines, and potential consequences. An experienced DUI defense attorney will manage both aspects, ensuring that your rights are protected at every stage.
With the help of a skilled DUI attorney, you can challenge the evidence, defend your driving privileges, and work toward the best possible outcome in your case. Having a dedicated DUI lawyer by your side is the most effective way to safeguard your future in Los Angeles.
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The consequences of a DUI conviction in Los Angeles can be severe and long-lasting. Penalties are designed to discourage repeat offenses, which means they become more serious with each conviction. Even a first-time offense can disrupt your life, while repeat or aggravated cases may result in life-changing consequences. If you are a repeat offender, you face even harsher penalties, including longer jail sentences, longer license suspensions, and increased fines.
Some of the most common penalties include:
A first DUI can result in fines ranging from $390 to $1,000, but after additional fees and penalty assessments, the actual cost is often several thousand dollars. Repeat offenses or DUI cases involving accidents and injuries can push costs significantly higher, resulting in hefty fines that can be financially devastating.
The California DMV can suspend your driver’s license for up to six months for a first offense and up to several years for subsequent offenses. If you do not request a DMV hearing within 10 days of your arrest, you risk automatic suspension of your driver's license, meaning it will be suspended without further court action.
In many cases, you may qualify for a restricted license, but only if specific conditions are met. After a DUI, a DUI attorney can help you navigate the process to recover your suspended license and regain your driving privileges.
A first conviction can lead to up to six months in county jail. A second or third conviction may bring mandatory jail time of 90 days to one year. If someone is injured or killed, felony DUI charges can result in years in state prison.
California law often requires drivers convicted of a DUI to install an IID, which prevents a vehicle from starting until the driver passes a breath test. This device must be maintained at the driver’s expense.
Courts frequently impose probation terms lasting three to five years. These conditions may include attending DUI school, completing community service, avoiding additional offenses, and submitting to random alcohol testing.
A DUI conviction almost always leads to higher insurance premiums. Some drivers are classified as “high risk,” resulting in dramatically higher monthly costs for several years.
Beyond the direct legal consequences, a DUI conviction can affect your career, limit your ability to hold professional licenses, and damage your reputation in the community. This is why securing skilled legal representation is critical to protecting your future.
Selecting the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make after a DUI arrest. At Perliss Law Firm, a criminal defense firm with a focus on DUI cases, we bring together decades of experience, local knowledge, and a client-first approach that makes a difference in court.
Jonathon Perliss is the co-founder and lead attorney of our firm. As experienced DUI lawyers and DUI attorneys, we focus exclusively on criminal defense and have successfully defended hundreds of clients in both state and federal courts.
His background includes handling complex cases that involve DUI charges, drug crimes, white-collar offenses, and federal conspiracy allegations. This experience gives him the insight needed to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and create effective defense strategies.
Our firm has been part of the Los Angeles legal community for more than 30 years. We understand how local courts operate and have built long-standing relationships with judges and prosecutors. Our expertise in Los Angeles DUI defense allows us to approach every case with proven strategies that reflect the realities of the Los Angeles court system.
We provide legal services in both English and Mandarin. By offering representation in multiple languages, we ensure that every client fully understands their rights, options, and the legal process ahead. Clear communication is key to building trust and confidence in your defense.
We believe in treating every client with respect, professionalism, and transparency. Our goal is to make the legal process less intimidating by explaining each step, answering your questions, and keeping you informed from start to finish. You will never feel like just another case file.
Our law offices are recognized for their reputation in Los Angeles DUI defense, providing trusted legal representation for clients facing DUI charges.
A DUI charge may feel overwhelming, but it is important to remember that an arrest does not guarantee a conviction. At Perliss Law Firm, we have extensive experience defending DUI cases and are recognized as skilled DUI defense attorneys. We build every defense around the unique circumstances of your case. Our goal is to challenge the evidence, question law enforcement procedures, and seek opportunities to reduce or dismiss charges to help clients avoid jail whenever possible.
Some of the defense strategies we may use include:
If the arresting officer or arresting officers lacked a valid reason to pull you over, we can argue that the stop was unlawful and that any evidence obtained should be excluded from court.
Breath and blood testing equipment must be properly calibrated and maintained. We examine testing records and procedures to identify errors or irregularities in the chemical test, which is crucial evidence in DUI cases. The results of these tests are used to determine whether your blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeded the legal limit, and any issues with the test can significantly impact your case.
A field sobriety test is administered by a police officer at the scene to assess impairment. These tests are subjective and influenced by factors such as uneven ground, poor lighting, medical conditions, or nervousness. We use these facts to question the reliability of the results and challenge the evidence collected by law enforcement.
If your constitutional rights were violated during the stop, search, or arrest, we can seek to suppress evidence, which may lead to reduced charges or dismissal.
In some cases, we may negotiate for reduced charges, such as a “wet reckless,” or explore alternatives like DUI education programs, probation, or community service to help clients avoid jail time.
If a favorable resolution cannot be reached through negotiation, we are ready to present a strong and strategic defense at trial.
By applying these strategies, our attorneys give you the best chance to protect your future, preserve your driving privileges, and reduce the impact of a DUI arrest.
Being charged with a DUI in Los Angeles is a serious criminal charge that can lead to additional criminal charges and have a significant impact on your ability to operate motor vehicles. At Perliss Law Firm, we guide you through each stage of the process so you know what to expect and how we are protecting your rights along the way. In addition to the court process, DMV hearings play a crucial role in challenging license suspension and can be an important part of your overall defense strategy.
The DUI process typically includes the following steps:
This is your first court appearance where the criminal charges are formally presented. It is important to know your court date and be prepared for it. Our attorneys enter a plea on your behalf and immediately begin reviewing the evidence against you.
Deciding whether to plead guilty or not is a critical decision—pleading guilty should not be done without first consulting an experienced attorney, as prosecutors may pressure you to plead guilty early in the process.
We collect and examine all available evidence, including police reports, body camera footage, breath or blood test results, and witness statements. This stage is critical for identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and for gathering evidence that may be used in DMV hearings to challenge license suspension.
Depending on the circumstances, we may file motions to suppress evidence, challenge the legality of the traffic stop, or request dismissal of charges. Successful motions can significantly change the direction of your case.
If there are opportunities to reduce charges or penalties, such as negotiating a lesser charge like a “wet reckless” or securing alternative sentencing, we explore these options to protect your future and minimize the impact of criminal charges.attorney
When a fair resolution cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to present a strong defense at trial. Jonathon Perliss is known for his courtroom confidence and strategic thinking, ensuring that your rights are aggressively defended before a judge and jury.
Throughout the process, we maintain open communication with you so you understand your options and can make informed decisions at every step.
Not always. The DMV can suspend your license, but you have 10 days to request a hearing to challenge the suspension. Our attorneys represent clients in these hearings to help protect their driving privileges. For non-citizens, a DUI arrest can also result in immigration consequences, including possible deportation or other immigration-related complications.
First-time DUI offenses usually carry lighter penalties compared to repeat convictions. A first offense DUI involving alcohol typically results in fines, DUI education classes, probation, or a short jail sentence. In many cases, we can negotiate alternatives that help you avoid the most serious penalties.
In many situations, yes. Once you complete your sentence and meet certain conditions, you may qualify for expungement. This process allows you to move forward without a public criminal record. Expungement is also available for certain DUI charges, and we can guide you through the process of clearing your record.
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case. Some cases resolve in a few months through negotiation, while others may take longer if they go to trial. We guide you through each step and keep you informed about what to expect. Consulting a DUI defense attorney early in the process can help you understand your options and protect your rights.
Not always. For a first offense, jail time can often be avoided through probation, DUI school, or alternative sentencing. Repeat or aggravated DUIs are more likely to involve mandatory jail terms.
Our firm has extensive experience defending clients against drunk driving, drunk driving charges, and a wide range of criminal offenses, including domestic violence cases.
If you are facing DUI or related charges, contact us today for a free case review.
A DUI arrest in Los Angeles can feel like your entire future is at risk, but you do not have to face it alone. The penalties are serious, but with the right defense attorney, there are ways to challenge the evidence, protect your license, and reduce or even dismiss the charges against you.
At Perliss Law Firm, we combine decades of criminal defense experience with a client-first approach that focuses on protecting your rights at every stage of the process. Led by Jonathon Perliss, our team provides skilled, bilingual representation for clients throughout Los Angeles.
Do not wait to take action. Contact Perliss Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation. Let us stand by your side, guide you through the process, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
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