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Los Angeles DUI and Accident Reconstruction Experts
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Los Angeles DUI and Accident Reconstruction Experts
Being charged with a DUI in Los Angeles can be scary. The legal system is complicated, and the consequences are serious. But with the right legal help, you can get through this. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about DUIs in LA, from charges and penalties to defenses and finding the best lawyer for your case.
DUI Charges in Los Angeles
California’s DUI laws are strict. You can be charged with a DUI if:
- You were driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher (0.04% for commercial drivers).
- You were driving while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs.
- You refused to take a chemical test when pulled over.
The specific charges you face depend on factors like your BAC level and if you caused an accident. Common DUI charges include:
- DUI – Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
- DUI with a BAC of 0.15% or higher – Considered an “aggravated DUI” with harsher penalties.
- DUI causing injury – If you caused injury to another person due to impaired driving.
- DUI manslaughter – If someone died as a result of your DUI.
These charges come with heavy fines, license suspension, DUI classes, and possible jail time. Penalties increase for repeat DUIs within 10 years.
DUI Penalties in Los Angeles
Penalties for a first-offense DUI with no accident include:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $1,000 plus penalties
- Driver’s license suspension up to 6 months
- 3-9 months of DUI classes
- Possible community service and probation
Penalties are harsher for DUIs with an accident, injury, or death. Jail time increases to up to a year for a DUI causing injury. A DUI manslaughter conviction can result in up to 10 years in state prison.
Fines also increase dramatically. You may have to pay restitution to victims for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
Defending Against DUI Charges
There are many ways an experienced DUI lawyer can challenge the charges against you, such as:
- Questioning the reason for the traffic stop – Was there reasonable suspicion to pull you over?
- Challenging the field sobriety tests – Were they conducted properly?
- Contesting the BAC results – Was the breathalyzer machine calibrated and operated correctly?
- Disputing driving impairment – Can the prosecution prove beyond a reasonable doubt you were too impaired to drive safely?
An LA DUI lawyer can also negotiate with the prosecutor, arguing for reduced charges or penalties. Options like pleading to reckless driving instead of DUI may be available.
The Role of Accident Reconstruction Experts
If you were charged with DUI causing injury or manslaughter, the prosecution will use the accident scene and reconstruction evidence against you. An accident reconstruction expert analyzes:
- Skid marks
- Vehicle damage
- Final rest positions
- Other physical evidence
They use this to develop a theory about how the accident happened, often concluding driver impairment or intoxication was at fault. But a skilled DUI defense lawyer knows how to challenge these experts.
Your attorney may hire an independent accident reconstruction specialist to review the prosecution’s findings and identify any flaws, questionable assumptions, or alternative explanations. Their testimony can undermine the prosecution’s accident theories and show there is reasonable doubt you were impaired or at fault.
Finding the Best Los Angeles DUI Lawyer
Since DUI charges can wreck your finances, career, and reputation, it’s crucial to have the best legal defense possible. Look for a Los Angeles DUI attorney with:
- Extensive DUI trial experience
- A proven track record of getting charges reduced or dismissed
- Knowledge of technical defenses like challenging chemical test results
- A team including skilled accident reconstruction experts
- Understanding of complex cases like DUI manslaughter
Also consider lawyers who offer free case reviews, flexible payment plans, and personalized attention to each client. Don’t just pick the first lawyer you find – shop around and choose someone you feel comfortable with.
A DUI conviction can put your future at risk. Protect yourself with experienced legal counsel. The right Los Angeles DUI lawyer can challenge the charges against you and help you move forward.
References
[1] Los Angeles DUI Accident Reconstruction Experts