DUI Defense in Los Angeles County

Introduction: DUI Defense by a Los Angeles Lawyer

Being charged with DUI in Los Angeles County can be overwhelming. A conviction can threaten your career, your driver’s license, and even your freedom. Los Angeles prosecutors aggressively pursue DUI cases — even for first-time offenders. But you don’t have to face this alone.

At Power Trial Lawyers, we know the ins and outs of every courthouse across LA County. Our attorneys understand how judges, prosecutors, and DMV hearing officers operate. With local courtroom knowledge and aggressive defense strategies, we fight to protect your license, your record, and your future.

Call us today at 888-808-2179 for a confidential consultation.

Understanding DUI Charges in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County is one of the most aggressive jurisdictions in California when it comes to prosecuting driving under the influence (DUI) cases. Whether you are stopped in Downtown LA, the San Fernando Valley, South Bay, or Pasadena, prosecutors are well-resourced, judges handle thousands of DUI cases annually, and law enforcement agencies — including the LAPD, LA County Sheriff’s Department, CHP, and dozens of local police departments — work together to secure convictions.

DUI charges in Los Angeles are filed under the California Vehicle Code, which sets strict legal thresholds for alcohol and drug impairment. Understanding the specific statutes and how they apply in Los Angeles courts is critical for building a strong defense.

Core DUI Offenses in California

• VC §23152(a): Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
  You can be charged even if your BAC is under 0.08% if the officer believes alcohol impaired your ability to drive safely.
• VC §23152(b): Driving with a BAC of 0.08% or Higher
  The “per se” DUI law. Even if you appear sober, a BAC test result of 0.08% or more is enough for prosecutors to file charges.
• VC §23152(f): Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
  Includes illegal drugs, prescription medications, and even over-the-counter substances if they impair driving. Drug DUIs are increasingly common in LA, especially with cannabis-related arrests.
• VC §23152(g): Driving Under the Combined Influence of Alcohol and Drugs
  Prosecutors often file this charge when both alcohol and drugs are present in your system, even in small amounts.
• VC §23153: DUI Causing Injury
  A “wobbler” offense that can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the severity of injuries. In LA County, even minor collisions can escalate charges to felony DUI with injury.

Special DUI Laws in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles also enforces enhanced DUI laws that apply to vulnerable groups and professional drivers:

• VC §23136 — Zero Tolerance for Drivers Under 21
  Any BAC of 0.01% or higher is a violation. This can result in immediate license suspension, even if you weren’t “drunk.”
• VC §23140 — Under 21 with BAC of 0.05% or Higher
  Considered an “underage DUI.” While less severe than an adult DUI, it can still result in fines, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education.
• VC §23152(d) — Commercial Drivers
  Commercial license holders (truck, bus, rideshare, delivery drivers) are held to a 0.04% BAC standard. A conviction can lead to the loss of a CDL, ending a professional driving career.

The Two-Front Battle: Court vs. DMV

What makes DUI defense in Los Angeles especially challenging is that you must fight on two fronts at the same time:

1. Criminal Court (Los Angeles Superior Court):
   Judges and prosecutors in Los Angeles handle one of the highest DUI caseloads in the state. The District Attorney and City Attorney aggressively pursue convictions, often pushing for jail time, probation, and mandatory ignition interlock devices (IIDs).
2. California DMV (Driver Safety Offices):
   Independent of the court, the DMV can suspend your license immediately after arrest. You have only 10 days to request a DMV hearing, or your license will be automatically suspended. DMV hearings in Los Angeles are notoriously tough, with offices in Downtown LA, Van Nuys, Covina, and City of Commerce.

Why Los Angeles DUI Charges Are Unique

• High-Volume Enforcement: LAPD and CHP frequently conduct DUI saturation patrols and checkpoints across Hollywood, Santa Monica, the Valley, and South Bay.
• Aggressive Prosecution: Even first-time offenders are often pushed toward harsh penalties unless strong defenses are raised.
• Local Court Culture: Every courthouse — from Clara Shortridge Foltz (Downtown LA) to Long Beach, Van Nuys, Pasadena, Torrance, and Compton — has its own courtroom dynamics, which only experienced DUI attorneys understand.
• Professional Consequences: Los Angeles is home to thousands of licensed professionals. A DUI can trigger reporting requirements to medical, legal, real estate, and financial licensing boards.

Bottom Line: Understanding the Stakes

If you are facing DUI charges in Los Angeles County, you are up against some of the strictest enforcement in California. The combination of the California Vehicle Code, LA County prosecution policies, and DMV license penalties makes it critical to hire an attorney who knows how to fight on both fronts.

At Power Trial Lawyers, we use scientific defenses, procedural challenges, and local courtroom knowledge to protect clients from the harshest penalties. Whether your case is in Downtown LA, Long Beach, Van Nuys, Pasadena, Compton, or Torrance, we know how to build a winning strategy.

Call 888-808-2179 today to discuss your Los Angeles DUI defense.

DUI Penalties in Los Angeles County

The penalties for a DUI conviction in Los Angeles County can be severe — even for first-time offenders. Prosecutors in Downtown LA (CCB), Long Beach, Van Nuys, Compton, Torrance, Pasadena, and other LA courthouses treat DUI cases seriously, and judges rarely show leniency without strong legal defense.

Penalties vary depending on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), prior DUI history, whether an accident occurred, and whether anyone was injured. In addition to criminal court consequences, the California DMV may impose its own license suspension, making DUI cases a two-front battle.

First-Time DUI in Los Angeles (VC §23152)

Even with no prior record, a first-time DUI conviction in Los Angeles can bring:

• Jail Time: Up to 6 months in LA County jail.
• Fines & Assessments: Base fines of $390–$1,000, but with penalty assessments, the real cost is usually $2,000+.
• DUI School: Mandatory 3–9 month alcohol education program.
• License Suspension: 4–6 month suspension. However, Los Angeles courts often require an Ignition Interlock Device (IID), which may allow continued driving.
• Probation: 3 years of informal probation is common, with strict terms (no alcohol while driving, submit to chemical testing if stopped again).

While many first-time DUIs can be reduced to wet reckless (VC §23103.5) or dismissed, prosecutors in LA fight hard to secure convictions.

Second DUI (Within 10 Years)

If you are convicted of DUI a second time within 10 years in Los Angeles County, penalties increase dramatically:

• Jail Time: 96 hours to 1 year in county jail.
• DUI School: Mandatory 18–30 month alcohol education program.
• License Suspension: 2-year suspension. IID may allow restricted driving.
• Fines: $2,000–$2,500+ with penalty assessments.
• Probation: Typically 3–5 years.
• Mandatory IID: Almost always required in Los Angeles County.

Repeat offenders are also monitored more closely by probation officers, and judges often impose community labor or CalTrans work.

Third DUI (Within 10 Years)

A third DUI in Los Angeles County makes you a habitual offender, triggering some of the harshest misdemeanor penalties:

• Jail Time: 120 days to 1 year in county jail.
• DUI School: Up to 30 months.
• License Revocation: 3-year revocation through both the court and DMV.
• Habitual Traffic Offender Status: Your DMV record will flag you as high-risk.
• IID Requirement: Mandatory for reinstatement.

By a third DUI, prosecutors in Los Angeles often seek the maximum jail sentence unless there are strong defenses or rehabilitation evidence.

Felony DUI in Los Angeles (VC §23153)

Certain circumstances escalate DUI charges to a felony, including:

• DUI causing injury or death.
• Fourth DUI within 10 years.
• Prior felony DUI on record.

Felony penalties include:

• State Prison: Up to 3 years (and more if injuries are serious or a death occurred).
• License Revocation: 4 years or longer.
• Restitution: Substantially higher fines, plus victim restitution.
• Felony Strike: A DUI causing great bodily injury may count as a “strike” under California’s Three Strikes law.

Felony DUI convictions carry life-altering consequences — impacting not just your driving privileges but your employment, housing, and civil rights.

Collateral Consequences for Professionals

For professionals in Los Angeles County — including doctors, nurses, lawyers, accountants, pilots, teachers, and real estate agents — a DUI conviction can be even more devastating. Consequences may include:

• Licensing Board Investigations: Medical Board of California, State Bar of California, Nursing Board, Department of Real Estate, and others may open disciplinary proceedings.
• Employment Consequences: Employers in finance, healthcare, transportation, and education may terminate or suspend employees after a DUI.
• Immigration Issues: Non-citizens can face immigration complications, visa problems, or denial of naturalization.
• Insurance Premiums: A DUI can double or triple car insurance costs, sometimes for years.

Why DUI Penalties Are Tougher in Los Angeles

• Aggressive Prosecution: LA County District Attorney and City Attorneys treat DUIs as a public safety priority.
• High Volume of Cases: Judges hear thousands of DUI cases annually, making them less sympathetic to excuses.
• Mandatory Sentencing Policies: In many courts, prosecutors push for jail time, probation, and IID installation even for borderline cases.

Bottom Line on DUI Penalties in Los Angeles

Whether it’s your first offense or a repeat arrest, DUI penalties in Los Angeles County are harsh and unforgiving. Jail time, fines, DUI school, license suspension, and professional consequences can change your life overnight.

At Power Trial Lawyers, we fight aggressively to:

• Get charges reduced to wet reckless or dry reckless.
• Challenge chemical test results and illegal stops.
• Protect your driver’s license at the DMV.
• Defend your professional license and career.

Call 888-808-2179 today for a confidential consultation with our Los Angeles DUI defense team.

The DUI Process in Los Angeles County

Being arrested for DUI in Los Angeles County sets off a complex legal process that unfolds across two separate systems:

1. Criminal Court (Los Angeles Superior Court).
2. California DMV (Driver Safety Offices in Downtown LA, Long Beach, Van Nuys, Covina, and City of Commerce).

Understanding each step of the DUI process is critical. Missing deadlines or failing to raise the right defenses can mean automatic license suspension, steep fines, and even jail time.

Step 1: Arrest & Booking

Most DUI cases in Los Angeles begin with one of the following:

• A traffic stop for speeding, weaving, or another moving violation.
• A DUI checkpoint, which must meet constitutional standards (advance publicity, neutral stopping patterns).
• An accident investigation, even if no one was seriously injured.

During the stop, police may:

• Conduct Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs), which are highly subjective and often influenced by nerves, fatigue, or medical conditions.
• Request a Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) test. You may legally decline the PAS unless you are under 21 or on DUI probation.
• After arrest, California’s Implied Consent Law (VC §23612) requires you to take a breath or blood test. Refusal can trigger an automatic one-year license suspension and harsher penalties.

In Los Angeles, you may be booked into local city jails (e.g., LAPD Metro, Van Nuys, or West Valley) or county facilities such as Twin Towers.

Step 2: Arraignment

Your arraignment is your first court appearance, usually within days or weeks of your arrest. It will take place at one of the Los Angeles criminal courthouses, depending on where you were arrested (e.g., Downtown LA at CCB, Long Beach, Van Nuys, Pasadena, Compton, Torrance, etc.).

At arraignment:

• The prosecutor formally files charges, typically under VC §23152(a) and/or VC §23152(b).
• The judge advises you of your rights and the charges.
• You (or your attorney) enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
• Your attorney can argue for release without bail or request reasonable bail conditions.

Having an attorney present at arraignment is critical — early negotiations can sometimes lead to reduced charges, especially in borderline BAC cases.

Step 3: DMV Hearing (The 10-Day Rule)

Separate from court, the California DMV will try to suspend your license after a DUI arrest. You have only 10 calendar days from your arrest to request a DMV Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing.

• If you fail to request the hearing in time, your license will be automatically suspended.
• Hearings are held at Driver Safety Offices in Downtown LA, Van Nuys, Covina, and City of Commerce.
• At the hearing, your attorney can challenge:
  • Whether the officer had probable cause for the stop.
  • Whether your BAC test complied with Title 17 regulations.
  • Whether you were properly advised of the consequences.

Winning your DMV hearing can mean keeping your license while your case proceeds through court.

Step 4: Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation

After arraignment, your case enters the pre-trial phase. This is where experienced defense attorneys at Power Trial Lawyers fight to weaken the prosecution’s case.

Common defense strategies include:

• Motions to Suppress (PC §1538.5): If police lacked probable cause for the stop, any evidence collected may be thrown out.
• Title 17 Violations: Attacking chemical test reliability (improper calibration, chain of custody, or contamination).
• Rising BAC Defense: Demonstrating that your BAC may have been under 0.08% while driving, but rose above the limit later.
• Negotiation: With strong evidence, cases may be reduced to wet reckless (VC §23103.5), dry reckless, or even dismissed.

In Los Angeles courthouses, prosecutors are often aggressive, but experienced defense lawyers can negotiate effectively by pointing out flaws in the evidence.

Step 5: DUI Trial

If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to trial. At trial:

• The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you drove under the influence.
• Defense strategies often focus on scientific challenges (breath/blood test reliability), officer credibility, and procedural errors.
• Many DUI cases are won because of reasonable doubt raised about test accuracy, medical conditions, or police errors.

In Los Angeles County, trials can be unpredictable. Some courthouses (like Van Nuys and CCB) see heavy trial calendars, while others (like Pasadena or Torrance) may move cases faster. Having trial-ready attorneys is key — prosecutors are more likely to offer favorable deals when they know the defense is prepared to fight.

Why Understanding the DUI Process in Los Angeles Matters

The Los Angeles DUI process is fast-moving and unforgiving. Missing a DMV deadline or failing to raise a pre-trial challenge can mean the difference between a conviction and a reduced charge.

At Power Trial Lawyers, we guide clients through every step:

• Requesting and fighting DMV hearings within the 10-day deadline.
• Filing aggressive pre-trial motions to suppress evidence.
• Negotiating reductions like wet reckless or dismissals.
• Taking cases to trial when necessary to secure acquittals.

Call 888-808-2179 today to protect your license, your record, and your future.

Los Angeles County DUI Courthouses

Los Angeles County is home to over 20 criminal courthouses, each with its own judges, prosecutors, probation departments, and courtroom culture. Unlike smaller counties, LA operates like several counties rolled into one.

What this means for you: the outcome of your DUI case can depend heavily on which courthouse handles your arrest.A defense strategy that works in Van Nuys may not work in Compton; what persuades a judge in Pasadena may fall flat in Downtown LA (CCB).

At Power Trial Lawyers, we appear in every DUI courthouse across Los Angeles County, leveraging local knowledge and courtroom reputation to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center (CCB – Downtown LA)

• Location: 210 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA.
• Caseload: The busiest criminal courthouse in Los Angeles. Thousands of DUI cases pass through annually.
• Prosecution Style: Extremely aggressive. The City Attorney prosecutes most misdemeanor DUIs here, while the District Attorney handles felony DUIs.
• Judicial Culture: Judges are highly experienced with DUI motions and defenses but have little tolerance for delay tactics.
• Defense Insight: Scientific challenges (Title 17 violations, rising BAC) and well-prepared PC §1538.5 suppression motions can be persuasive here.

Airport Courthouse (LAX)

• Location: 11701 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA.
• Caseload: Serves DUI arrests from West LA, Santa Monica, Venice, Culver City, and the 405/10 freeways.
• Prosecution Style: Known for strict DUI prosecutions, especially for high BAC cases (0.15%+) and accidents.
• Defense Insight: Negotiating wet reckless reductions is challenging here unless the case involves borderline BAC or major evidentiary flaws.

Metropolitan Courthouse (Downtown LA)

• Location: 1945 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA.
• Caseload: Handles a heavy volume of DUI cases from Downtown nightlife areas and surrounding neighborhoods.
• Judicial Culture: Judges emphasize quick resolution of cases, often encouraging early plea deals.
• Defense Insight: Strong local relationships and early motions practice are key to negotiating favorable terms.

Compton Courthouse

• Location: 200 W. Compton Blvd., Compton, CA.
• Caseload: Known for its tough stance on misdemeanor DUIs.
• Prosecution Style: Prosecutors here often push for jail time — even for repeat misdemeanor DUIs.
• Defense Insight: A proactive defense strategy with strong mitigation (alcohol treatment, community service) can be critical.

Van Nuys Courthouse West

• Location: 14400 Erwin Street Mall, Van Nuys, CA.
• Caseload: One of the largest courthouses in the San Fernando Valley.
• Prosecution Style: Mixed — some prosecutors are strict, others open to negotiation depending on the BAC and arrest circumstances.
• Defense Insight: Wet reckless negotiations are possible for borderline BAC cases (0.08–0.10%), especially with clean records.

Pasadena Courthouse

• Location: 300 E. Walnut Street, Pasadena, CA.
• Caseload: Covers arrests from Pasadena, Glendale, and nearby foothill areas.
• Prosecution Style: Prosecutors are firm but open to negotiation when defense attorneys present strong evidence.
• Defense Insight: Local ties and reputation matter — prosecutors and judges here respect attorneys they know and trust.

Burbank & Glendale Courthouses

• Location: 300 E. Olive Ave., Burbank & 600 E. Broadway, Glendale.
• Caseload: Smaller caseloads compared to larger LA courts.
• Prosecution Style: Local prosecutors tend to be reasonable.
• Defense Insight: Skilled negotiation and personalized defense presentations often lead to favorable plea reductions.

Inglewood Courthouse

• Location: One Regent Street, Inglewood, CA.
• Caseload: Handles many DUIs from South LA and surrounding freeways.
• Prosecution Style: Known for resisting reductions unless evidence problems exist.
• Defense Insight: Success here often depends on challenging chemical test accuracy and improper checkpoint procedures.

Bellflower, West Covina, Norwalk, Downey, El Monte, Pomona Courthouses

• Caseload: These suburban courts handle thousands of DUI cases each year.
• Prosecution Style: Mixed. Some prosecutors negotiate fairly, while others take a harsher stance.
• Defense Insight: Results vary widely. Local experience and courthouse reputation are key factors in negotiating better outcomes.

San Fernando & Santa Clarita Courthouses

• Location: 900 3rd St., San Fernando & 23747 Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita.
• Prosecution Style: Judges in these courts often impose strict probation terms and longer DUI schools.
• Defense Insight: Strong scientific defenses and pre-trial motions are effective here to counter strict judicial culture.

Torrance Courthouse

• Location: 825 Maple Ave., Torrance, CA.
• Caseload: Handles South Bay DUIs, including arrests from Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Palos Verdes.
• Prosecution Style: DUI prosecutions are frequent after weekend saturation patrols and holiday checkpoints.
• Defense Insight: Checkpoint legality challenges and rising BAC arguments often play well here.

Michael Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse (Lancaster)

• Location: 42011 4th St. W., Lancaster, CA.
• Caseload: Covers DUI arrests in Northern LA County.
• Prosecution Style: Known for tough sentencing policies, especially against repeat offenders.
• Defense Insight: Requires aggressive motions practice and mitigation strategies (rehab, treatment programs) to reduce penalties.

Catalina Courthouse (Avalon)

• Location: 215 Sumner Ave., Avalon, CA.
• Caseload: Rare but serious DUI cases from Catalina Island.
• Prosecution Style: Unique setting with fewer cases, but prosecutors treat DUI seriously due to limited medical and emergency services on the island.
• Defense Insight: Local knowledge and early resolution strategies are crucial here.

Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse (Long Beach)

• Location: 275 Magnolia Ave., Long Beach, CA.
• Caseload: One of the busiest suburban courts in Los Angeles.
• Prosecution Style: Prosecutors here file DUIs aggressively, particularly after accidents or high BAC arrests.
• Defense Insight: Strong scientific evidence challenges and proactive mitigation can lead to plea reductions.

Why Local Courthouse Knowledge Matters in DUI Defense

No two Los Angeles courthouses are alike. Some are open to wet reckless reductions, while others push for jail time even on a first DUI. Judges vary widely in how they handle probation, DUI school, and sentencing.

At Power Trial Lawyers, we:

• Know the personalities of judges and prosecutors in every Los Angeles DUI courthouse.
• Understand which arguments resonate locally.
• Use our track record of success across LA to negotiate aggressively and fight effectively.

Call 888-808-2179 today to speak with a Los Angeles DUI defense attorney who knows every courtroom in the county.

Common DUI Defenses in Los Angeles

Not every DUI arrest in Los Angeles County leads to a conviction. Judges and juries must find you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and with the right attorney, many DUI cases can be reduced or dismissed entirely.

At Power Trial Lawyers, we use a wide range of defenses tailored to Los Angeles courts, prosecutors, and DMV hearings. Below are the most effective DUI defense strategies in LA County:

1. Unlawful Traffic Stops

Police must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over and probable cause to arrest you.

• If you were stopped without a valid reason — for example, just leaving a bar late at night — the stop may be unconstitutional.
• Under Penal Code §1538.5, we can file a motion to suppress all evidence gathered after an illegal stop.
• In LA courthouses like CCB (Downtown LA) or Van Nuys, judges take constitutional violations seriously. Winning a suppression motion can lead to a complete dismissal.

2. Breathalyzer Errors

Breath testing devices must be calibrated, maintained, and properly operated according to Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations.

• Machines may give false positives if not calibrated.
• Environmental factors (radio frequency interference, mouth alcohol from recent drinks, or even dental work) can skew results.
• Operator errors are common — LAPD and CHP officers often fail to follow required 15-minute observation periods.

By subpoenaing calibration logs and officer training records, we can demonstrate unreliable BAC results.

3. Blood Test Issues

Blood tests are considered more reliable, but they are not immune from error.

• Chain of Custody: Samples must be properly labeled, stored, and transferred. Any break in documentation creates doubt.
• Contamination: Blood samples can ferment, producing endogenous alcohol that artificially inflates BAC.
• Storage Errors: Improper refrigeration can alter results.

We often retain forensic toxicology experts to review Los Angeles crime lab records and highlight flaws in testing.

4. Rising BAC Defense

Alcohol absorption takes time. You may have been below the legal limit (0.08%) while driving, but by the time you were tested, your BAC had risen.

• This defense is especially effective in borderline cases (0.08–0.10%), common in Los Angeles nightlife-related arrests (Hollywood, Downtown, Santa Monica).
• Our experts model your BAC curve based on the timing of drinks, driving, and testing.

Prosecutors in LA know this defense is scientifically valid, making it a strong tool for negotiation or trial.

5. Medical Conditions That Mimic Intoxication

Certain medical conditions can mimic DUI symptoms or cause false positives:

• GERD (acid reflux): Can create “mouth alcohol” that skews breath tests.
• Diabetes: Ketoacidosis produces acetone, which breathalyzers may misinterpret as ethanol.
• Neurological Conditions & Fatigue: Can impair balance and coordination, leading officers to falsely assume intoxication during Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs).

Medical defenses are particularly persuasive in front of Los Angeles juries, who often doubt the reliability of field sobriety tests.

6. Improper DUI Checkpoints

DUI checkpoints in Los Angeles are common — especially on weekends and holidays in areas like Hollywood, West LA, and the South Bay.

• Checkpoints must follow constitutional standards, including advance notice, neutral stopping patterns, and supervisory oversight.
• If police fail to comply, all resulting arrests can be invalid.

We carefully review checkpoint procedures and, when violations exist, file motions to suppress the entire arrest.

Why DUI Defenses Matter in Los Angeles

Los Angeles prosecutors are aggressive, but they are also aware that DUI evidence is scientifically and procedurally vulnerable. A skilled defense attorney can leverage these weaknesses to:

• Negotiate reductions to wet reckless (VC §23103.5) or dry reckless.
• Secure dismissals through pre-trial motions.
• Win not guilty verdicts at trial.
• Prevent license suspension at DMV hearings.

At Power Trial Lawyers, we combine cutting-edge forensic science, courtroom experience, and deep local knowledge of every Los Angeles courthouse to build the strongest defense possible.

Call 888-808-2179 today to discuss how we can fight your Los Angeles DUI case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About DUIs in Los Angeles County

At Power Trial Lawyers, we know that when you’re facing DUI charges in Los Angeles, you have urgent questions about your license, penalties, court process, and legal options. Here are answers to the most common concerns we hear from clients across Downtown LA, Van Nuys, Pasadena, Compton, Torrance, Long Beach, and every LA County courthouse.

How long will my license be suspended after a DUI in Los Angeles?

For a first DUI offense in Los Angeles, your license can be suspended for 4–6 months. However:

• If your BAC was 0.08% or higher, the DMV may suspend your license unless you request a hearing within 10 days of your arrest.
• Courts often require installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID), which allows you to continue driving.
• Restricted licenses are available in some cases, letting you drive to and from work, school, or DUI programs.

Key point: With the right defense and DMV hearing strategy, many Los Angeles drivers are able to avoid full suspension and keep driving.

Can my DUI be reduced to a wet reckless in Los Angeles?

Yes. A DUI can sometimes be reduced to wet reckless under VC §23103.5 — but it is not automatic. Prosecutors in LA typically consider a wet reckless reduction if:

• Your BAC was borderline (0.08%–0.10%).
• There was no accident, no injury, and no children in the vehicle.
• Evidence problems exist (Title 17 violations, improper stop, calibration errors).
• Your defense attorney negotiates aggressively and files strong motions.

At courthouses like Van Nuys, Pasadena, and Metropolitan, wet reckless reductions are more common for first-time offenders, while Compton and Lancaster prosecutors are tougher.

Which courthouse will handle my DUI in Los Angeles County?

Your DUI case will be assigned to the Los Angeles Superior Court courthouse closest to your arrest. Examples include:

• Downtown LA (CCB): Arrests from Central Los Angeles.
• Airport Courthouse (LAX): Arrests from West LA, Santa Monica, and surrounding freeways.
• Van Nuys Courthouse: San Fernando Valley arrests.
• Compton Courthouse: South LA and surrounding communities.
• Pasadena Courthouse: Foothill areas including Pasadena and Glendale.
• Torrance Courthouse: South Bay arrests (Manhattan Beach, Redondo, Palos Verdes).
• Long Beach Courthouse: Arrests in Long Beach and surrounding areas.

Local courthouse knowledge matters. Each has its own prosecutors, judges, and plea-bargaining culture.

How strict are Los Angeles prosecutors on DUI cases?

Very strict. Los Angeles County is one of the toughest in California when it comes to DUI enforcement.

• The City Attorney’s Office prosecutes most misdemeanor DUIs and rarely drops charges without strong evidence.
• The District Attorney’s Office prosecutes felony DUIs and pursues state prison time in injury or repeat-offender cases.
• Even for first-time offenders, prosecutors often push for jail time, probation, DUI school, and mandatory IID installation.

This makes it critical to hire a DUI lawyer who knows how to challenge evidence and negotiate reductions at your assigned courthouse.

How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Los Angeles?

Legal fees for DUI defense vary depending on:

• Whether it’s a first-time DUI or repeat offense.
• Whether there was an accident, high BAC, or injury.
• Whether the case goes to trial or resolves through negotiation.

While the cost may range from a few thousand dollars upward, hiring the right DUI attorney can save you far more in the long run:

• Fines and assessments often exceed $2,000.
• Car insurance premiums can double or triple.
• Professional consequences can cost you your career or license.

At Power Trial Lawyers, we provide clear, upfront fee agreements and focus on delivering maximum value: dismissals, reduced charges, and license protection.

Will a DUI conviction in Los Angeles affect my professional license or immigration status?

Yes, it can. Los Angeles is home to thousands of licensed professionals — doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, pilots, and real estate agents — many of whom must report DUI convictions to their licensing boards.

• The Medical Board of California, State Bar of California, Nursing Board, and Department of Real Estate may open disciplinary reviews.
• For non-citizens, a DUI can trigger immigration consequences during visa renewals, green card applications, or naturalization.

A reduction to wet reckless or a dismissal can significantly improve outcomes in these situations.

Can I beat a DUI in Los Angeles?

Yes. Many DUI cases are winnable, especially with the right defense:

• Challenging illegal stops or checkpoint procedures.
• Attacking faulty breath or blood test results.
• Demonstrating rising BAC or medical conditions.
• Filing PC §1538.5 suppression motions to exclude unlawful evidence.

In fact, many borderline BAC cases (0.08%–0.10%) in Los Angeles are reduced or dismissed when defended properly.

Why Choose Power Trial Lawyers for DUI Defense in Los Angeles

If you have been charged or arrested for DUI, consult with a Los Angeles DUI defense lawyer immediately.

• Proven track record of DUI dismissals and reductions.
• Local courthouse knowledge across every LA County court.
• Access to top toxicology experts and scientific defenses.
• Personalized strategies for professionals, students, and commercial drivers.
• Aggressive negotiation and trial readiness.
• We are trusted by the media on a nation-wide level

Call Power Trial Lawyers today at 888-808-2179 to protect your license, your record, and your freedom. You can also submit a confidential contact submission.