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Being arrested for a DUI in Long Beach can feel overwhelming. From the moment the officer pulls you over, every word you say and every decision you make can impact your case. For most people, it’s their first time facing the criminal justice system — and it often happens at one of the busiest courthouses in Los Angeles County: the Long Beach Courthouse.

At Power Trial Lawyers, we understand how devastating a DUI charge can be. You might be worried about your driver’s license, your job, or your ability to take care of your family. You may be asking: Will I go to jail? Will I lose my license? Can my DUI be dismissed?
Our team has represented countless clients charged with DUI offenses in Long Beach. We know the Long Beach Courthouse inside and out — the judges, prosecutors, and procedures that shape how DUI cases are resolved. That experience matters. When it comes to DUI defense at Long Beach Courthouse, success often depends on precise local knowledge, relentless advocacy, and strategic timing.
This guide will walk you through exactly how DUI cases work at the Long Beach Courthouse, what defenses are available, and how our firm uses proven legal strategies to protect your freedom, your reputation, and your future.
The Long Beach Courthouse, officially known as the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, is located at 275 Magnolia Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802. This courthouse serves a large portion of southern Los Angeles County, including cases from the Long Beach Police Department, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD).
When you’re charged with a DUI in Long Beach, your case will almost always begin here. The process typically starts with an arraignment, where the judge reads the charges and you enter a plea. But before that, the paperwork begins with the arresting agency forwarding your report to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for review.
DUI charges in Long Beach generally fall under one of two categories:
If your case involves an accident, injury, or prior convictions, it may be filed as a felony and assigned to a specific courtroom within the Long Beach Courthouse’s felony division. Otherwise, most DUI arraignments are held in the misdemeanor departments on the first or second floor.
Under the California Vehicle Code, several statutes define and govern DUI offenses. Each carries its own elements, penalties, and defenses. Prosecutors at the Long Beach Courthouse rely on these sections to file criminal complaints, while experienced defense attorneys use them as the foundation to challenge every piece of evidence.
VC §23152(a) — Driving under the influence of alcohol, regardless of your BAC.
Even if your breath or blood test was below 0.08%, prosecutors can still charge you under this section if they believe alcohol impaired your ability to drive. These cases often depend heavily on the officer’s observations, field sobriety tests, and video evidence. A skilled Long Beach DUI lawyer can cross-examine these assumptions and expose inconsistencies.
VC §23152(b) — Driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
This is the “per se” DUI law. If your BAC is 0.08% or more, you are presumed intoxicated under California law. However, this presumption can be rebutted through scientific evidence and expert testimony. Faulty calibration, contamination, or improper testing methods frequently occur in Long Beach DUI cases.
VC §23152(f) — Driving under the influence of any drug.
This statute covers DUIs involving marijuana, prescription medications (such as Ambien, Xanax, or hydrocodone), or illicit substances. There is no legal limit for drugs, so these cases rely on subjective officer opinion and laboratory results that can easily be challenged. Power Trial Lawyers regularly defends clients accused of drug-related DUI offenses at Long Beach Courthouse, exposing weak forensic practices and improper police conclusions.
VC §23152(g) — Driving under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs.
Prosecutors often use this charge when both substances appear in the toxicology report. However, even trace amounts can trigger it — making it vital to have a defense team that understands how alcohol and drug interactions affect test results. Our attorneys frequently retain toxicologists to refute these complex allegations.
VC §23153 — DUI causing injury (felony DUI).
If another person is injured in a collision, prosecutors can file felony charges under §23153. Conviction can lead to state prison, probation, restitution, and driver’s license revocation. However, these cases often turn on causation — whether alcohol actually caused the accident — and the accuracy of the alleged victim’s injury claims. Our firm has successfully argued for reduced or dismissed charges by proving other contributing factors, such as unsafe road conditions or third-party negligence.
California enforces strict zero-tolerance laws, especially for young drivers, commercial drivers, and individuals on probation. The Long Beach Courthouse regularly handles these sensitive cases, where even minimal alcohol readings can result in severe consequences.
VC §23136 — Under 21 zero-tolerance rule (BAC 0.01% or higher).
Drivers under 21 can face immediate license suspension for even trace alcohol levels. This is a civil administrative offense handled primarily by the DMV, but criminal charges may also follow.
VC §23140 — Under 21 with 0.05% or higher BAC.
Minors charged under this section face both criminal and administrative penalties. A conviction can affect college admission, financial aid, and employment opportunities. We fight aggressively to protect young clients’ futures by seeking diversion programs or dismissal.
VC §23152(d) — Commercial driver DUI (BAC 0.04% or higher).
Commercial drivers — including rideshare, truck, and bus drivers — are held to a stricter standard. A DUI conviction can result in a lifetime ban from commercial driving. Because Long Beach has major shipping routes, ports, and logistics companies, CDL-related DUIs are common here. Our team frequently defends commercial drivers at Long Beach Courthouse, ensuring every procedural and scientific detail is scrutinized.
These zero-tolerance provisions demonstrate how aggressively California enforces DUI laws. However, they also create opportunities for defense — because the lower the threshold, the easier it is for error to occur. Breath test contamination, residual mouth alcohol, and physiological factors often explain falsely elevated BAC results.
At this stage, the most critical factor is timing. The sooner you retain a Long Beach DUI lawyer, the faster your defense team can intervene — often before formal charges are even filed. At Power Trial Lawyers, we regularly communicate with the filing D.A. to challenge incomplete or questionable police reports and, in some cases, prevent the case from being filed at all.
A DUI arrest in Long Beach doesn’t just trigger criminal charges — it also starts a DMV administrative process that can suspend your license before you even appear in court. This creates what we call the “two-front battle”: one in criminal court at the Long Beach Courthouse, and one at the DMV’s Driver Safety Office.
At Power Trial Lawyers, we use our experience in the courthouse to negotiate with prosecutors, file suppression motions, and expose weaknesses early in the case. Our goal is to obtain dismissals or reductions before the case reaches trial.
We handle both aspects simultaneously. By representing you at the DMV hearing and in court, we ensure consistent defense strategies and protect your rights on every level. This dual representation often produces better results — for example, using inconsistencies between the officer’s DMV testimony and court testimony to undermine the prosecution’s case.
The Long Beach Courthouse hears a wide range of DUI-related cases, including:
Each case requires a personalized strategy. What works in a first-offense negotiation may not apply to a felony injury case. That’s why local experience at the Long Beach Courthouse is crucial — because knowing how each courtroom operates often determines the outcome.
From the moment of arrest, the clock starts ticking. Within days, your license can be suspended, your arraignment scheduled, and evidence filed with the court. The sooner you hire a Long Beach DUI defense attorney, the greater your chances of controlling the narrative. Our firm immediately requests the DMV hearing, obtains discovery, and secures dashcam, bodycam, and breathalyzer maintenance records before they disappear.
Delays in taking action can cost you both legally and financially. Early intervention at the Long Beach Courthouse can lead to case rejection, charge reductions, or even dismissal before your first appearance.
A DUI case at the Long Beach Courthouse follows a predictable sequence of events, but every stage carries its own risks and opportunities for defense. Understanding the process helps you stay informed — and allows your attorney to stay ahead of the prosecution.
Most DUI arrests in Long Beach occur after a traffic stop, checkpoint, or accident investigation. Once arrested, you’ll be taken to the Long Beach Police Department or nearby LASD substation for chemical testing and booking. Your license will likely be confiscated, and you’ll receive a pink DMV notice that serves as a temporary driver’s license.
Depending on the severity of the charges and your criminal history, you may be released on your own recognizance (OR) or required to post bail. The bail schedule for Los Angeles County sets typical DUI bail amounts at $5,000 for a first-time misdemeanor and higher for felony DUIs.
Your arraignment is your first court appearance. The judge will read your charges and ask for your plea — guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Having an attorney present is critical. In many cases, our attorneys appear on your behalf so you don’t have to take time off work or face the courtroom stress directly.
After arraignment, the case moves into the pretrial phase. Here, your DUI defense attorney files discovery motions, challenges evidence, and negotiates with the prosecutor. The goal is to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, such as unreliable test results or procedural errors. At this stage, a plea may be reached to reduce your case to a “Wet Reckless“, which is more favorable than a general DUI conviction.
At the Long Beach Courthouse, certain judges and prosecutors are known for being open to pretrial resolutions when defense counsel demonstrates strong factual and legal arguments early. Our firm leverages that insight to secure reduced charges, diversion options, or dismissals before trial becomes necessary.
If police violated your rights during the stop, arrest, or chemical testing, your attorney can file motions to suppress evidence under Penal Code §1538.5. This can result in dismissal if key evidence, such as a BAC result, is excluded.
If your case proceeds to trial, Power Trial Lawyers will prepare as though your freedom depends on every word spoken in court — because it does. Our trial attorneys are experienced in selecting juries, cross-examining officers, and dismantling flawed forensic evidence. However, when a favorable resolution is available, we strategically negotiate outcomes that avoid jail and minimize the impact on your record.
Every client’s situation is unique, but knowing what to expect at the Long Beach Courthouse can make a world of difference.
Every DUI case is unique, but our firm consistently uses several proven defense strategies to get charges reduced or dismissed. Each one is tailored to the facts, the police agency involved, and the courtroom culture at the Long Beach Courthouse.
If the officer lacked reasonable suspicion to pull you over, any evidence obtained after the stop — including breath or blood test results — can be suppressed. Long Beach patrol units often conduct stops along Ocean Boulevard, PCH, and downtown areas where “weaving” or “wide turns” are frequently misinterpreted. We’ve successfully argued that such stops were unconstitutional, leading to full case dismissals.
The Long Beach Police Department frequently uses Draeger Alcotest and Intoxilyzer 9000 devices for breath testing. These instruments require strict calibration and maintenance logs. A small deviation can produce a false high reading. We subpoena maintenance records and challenge operator training. If calibration or data logs show inconsistencies, the BAC evidence can be ruled inadmissible.
Alcohol levels continue to rise for up to two hours after your last drink. If you were pulled over during this absorption period, your BAC may have been under the legal limit at the time of driving. We use toxicology experts to reconstruct your actual BAC during the stop, not when the test was performed.
The streets and parking lots of Long Beach are uneven and poorly lit — especially near Shoreline Village, Belmont Shore, or PCH. Field sobriety tests in such conditions are inherently unreliable. Officers often fail to consider medical issues, footwear, or fatigue. We use dashcam and bodycam footage to expose these testing flaws.
California’s Title 17 establishes specific procedures for collecting, storing, and analyzing blood and breath samples. Any deviation — such as improper refrigeration or contamination — can invalidate the results. We review every laboratory log and chain-of-custody document to uncover procedural violations.
Long Beach periodically conducts DUI checkpoints along Pacific Coast Highway and Cherry Avenue. These operations must follow constitutional guidelines. If officers failed to post required notices or apply neutral stopping patterns, any resulting arrest may be thrown out in court.
At Power Trial Lawyers, we combine these defenses with a deep understanding of the Long Beach Courthouse environment. We know which judges value scientific arguments, which prosecutors respond to negotiation leverage, and how to position your case for the best possible outcome.
When it comes to DUI defense at Long Beach Courthouse, local experience is not just a bonus — it’s the single most important factor that can determine whether your case ends in a conviction, a reduction, or a dismissal. Every courthouse in Los Angeles County has its own rhythm, personalities, and expectations. What works in Compton or Van Nuys might fail completely in Long Beach.
At Power Trial Lawyers, we appear before Long Beach judges and prosecutors on a near-daily basis. We know the nuances of courtroom assignments, the tendencies of particular deputy district attorneys, and how certain departments approach pretrial negotiations. This insider familiarity allows us to craft strategies that fit the Long Beach Courthouse ecosystem specifically — not generic “Southern California DUI” tactics you might find elsewhere.
Each judge at Long Beach Courthouse manages DUI cases differently. Some prioritize efficiency and resolution through plea agreements; others are open to in-depth motion hearings and evidentiary challenges. Prosecutors from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and Long Beach City Attorney’s Office each bring their own standards for case filing, settlement, and dismissal.
Our attorneys know which departments favor rehabilitation programs, which judges tend to suppress evidence from questionable stops, and which prosecutors respond to early mitigation. This kind of granular intelligence can only be developed through real courtroom experience — and it’s what separates Power Trial Lawyers from firms that rely on one-size-fits-all strategies.
The Long Beach Courthouse has its own internal processes. Arraignments are often held in Department 1 or 2; pretrial hearings may move between misdemeanor departments depending on scheduling. Felony DUI cases are typically assigned upstairs, where procedures are more formal and require additional filings.
Understanding the courthouse’s internal mechanics ensures that filings are on time, motions are properly calendared, and hearings proceed without costly delays.
Effective DUI defense at Long Beach Courthouse depends not only on the law but also on credibility. Judges and prosecutors quickly recognize when a defense attorney is prepared, respectful, and trustworthy. Our track record of successful litigation and professional advocacy gives our clients an immediate advantage. When we present a motion or negotiate a deal, our reputation precedes us — and that often opens doors that would otherwise stay closed.
One of the most misunderstood parts of a DUI case is the DMV hearing. When you are arrested for DUI in Long Beach, the officer confiscates your driver’s license and issues a pink slip — a temporary license valid for only 30 days. What most people don’t realize is that you only have 10 days from your arrest to request a DMV hearing. Miss that window, and your license will be automatically suspended even before your first court date at the Long Beach Courthouse.
The DMV hearing is completely separate from your criminal case. It is an administrative proceeding conducted by the California Department of Motor Vehicles to determine whether your driving privileges should be suspended or revoked. The hearing officer — not a judge — reviews evidence such as the arrest report, breath or blood results, and any witness statements.
Even though it’s not a criminal court, the DMV hearing still provides you the right to:
At Power Trial Lawyers, we handle the DMV hearing from start to finish, ensuring your constitutional and procedural rights are protected. This includes subpoenaing maintenance records for breath-testing devices used by the Long Beach Police Department, identifying inconsistencies in officer reports, and presenting expert analysis to contest the BAC findings.
Winning your DMV hearing can:
Conversely, losing your DMV hearing can lead to:
Our firm approaches the DMV hearing and the court case as two sides of the same battle. Consistency between both arenas builds credibility and power in negotiation — and can make the difference between losing your license and walking away with full driving privileges intact.
The potential consequences of a DUI conviction at Long Beach Courthouse can be severe and far-reaching. They affect not only your freedom but also your career, your finances, and your reputation. Understanding the full spectrum of penalties is essential to grasp what’s truly at stake — and why it’s critical to mount the strongest DUI defense at Long Beach Courthouse possible.
A first-time misdemeanor DUI conviction can include:
Even though these penalties might appear manageable, they often trigger collateral consequences like job loss, higher insurance rates, and immigration complications.
If you have prior DUI convictions or your case involves injury or high BAC, penalties can increase dramatically:
In cases of DUI causing injury or vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, the stakes become life-changing. These cases are prosecuted aggressively at the Long Beach Courthouse and require advanced litigation tactics — including accident reconstruction, medical causation analysis, and expert testimony.
For professionals — nurses, pilots, teachers, and licensed contractors — a DUI conviction can trigger disciplinary actions from state licensing boards. Immigrants may face visa denials or removal proceedings.
At Power Trial Lawyers, we analyze every case for potential collateral consequences and tailor strategies that protect your record, your career, and your family.
If you have been arrested for DUI in Long Beach, immediate action is critical. Every hour that passes without a legal response allows evidence to degrade, witnesses to disappear, and your options to shrink. Follow these essential steps to protect yourself and maximize your defense potential:
Do not panic, and do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney. Anything you say to law enforcement can be used against you later in court. Politely decline to answer investigative questions until you have legal counsel.
Time is everything in a DUI case. By contacting Power Trial Lawyers immediately after your arrest, we can request your DMV hearing, preserve evidence, and begin building your defense before the prosecution even files charges.
Our firm has developed advanced systems for DUI defense at Long Beach Courthouse, allowing us to analyze chemical test data, review bodycam footage, and identify procedural violations within days of arrest.
Keep copies of all paperwork you received from law enforcement — including your citation, the temporary license (pink slip), bail receipts, and any release forms. These documents contain crucial details such as arresting agency, date, and court department.
If you miss your DMV hearing request window, your license will be automatically suspended. If you miss your arraignment date at Long Beach Courthouse, a warrant will be issued for your arrest. Our office ensures all filings and deadlines are handled immediately so that no procedural issue harms your case.
The earlier we start, the more evidence we can preserve — such as dashcam footage, police radio logs, surveillance video, and calibration records. Early motion practice can result in dismissals or substantial charge reductions before trial.
Many people arrested for DUI believe there’s no way to fight the evidence. That’s simply not true. Breath and blood testing is far from perfect, and police officers make mistakes. We have overturned countless cases that initially appeared “open and shut” by exposing technical and procedural errors.
Hiring an experienced Long Beach DUI defense attorney within the first 48 hours of your arrest dramatically increases your chances of a favorable outcome. At Power Trial Lawyers, we take immediate steps to:
We combine courtroom skill with data-driven analysis, expert testimony, and persuasive advocacy. Our mission is simple: to ensure that your case is fought aggressively, intelligently, and locally — where it matters most, at the Long Beach Courthouse.
When your freedom and driving privilege are on the line, you need more than a generic defense — you need a strategic, aggressive, and locally experienced legal team that knows exactly how to navigate the Long Beach Courthouse. That’s where Power Trial Lawyers stands apart.
We don’t just “handle” DUI cases; we build tailored defense plans that anticipate every move the prosecution might make. Our firm’s reputation is built on trial victories, strategic dismissals, and our relentless pursuit of justice for clients facing DUI charges in Long Beach and throughout Los Angeles County.
1. Local Experience That Gets Results
Our attorneys appear before Long Beach judges and prosecutors regularly. We know how to leverage the courthouse’s specific procedures and personalities to your advantage — often achieving reduced charges or outright dismissals.
2. Scientific Precision and Expert Resources
DUI defense today is as much science as it is law. We work with some of California’s top toxicologists and forensic experts to challenge every part of the prosecution’s evidence — from breathalyzer calibration to blood sample chain of custody.
3. Courtroom Reputation and Negotiation Power
Prosecutors and judges know our name. They know that when Power Trial Lawyers is on a case, the defense is thorough, factual, and unrelenting. That credibility gives us an edge in both plea negotiations and trial.
4. Client-Centered Representation
From the moment you call our office, your case becomes our mission. We handle every detail — from DMV hearings to court appearances — so you can focus on your life and your family. You will never be left wondering about your case status or next steps.
5. Proven Track Record Across Los Angeles and Orange County
We have successfully defended hundreds of cases across Southern California, including Long Beach, Torrance, Compton, Van Nuys, and Santa Ana. Our results speak for themselves: dismissed charges, avoided jail sentences, and preserved licenses for countless clients.
We know that being charged with DUI raises countless questions. Here are some of the most common concerns our clients ask — answered by our experienced DUI defense attorneys.
You can find your court date by checking your citation or by visiting the Los Angeles Superior Court website’s case access portal. You can also call our office, and we will locate your case and appear on your behalf if possible.
Penalties typically include fines up to $2,000, up to 6 months in jail, probation, DUI classes, and a license suspension. However, with an effective defense, these penalties can often be reduced or avoided altogether.
Yes. DUI cases can be dismissed when evidence is suppressed, chemical tests are proven unreliable, or police procedures violate your rights. Our firm has secured numerous dismissals based on unlawful stops, calibration errors, and mishandled evidence.
In most misdemeanor cases, your attorney can appear for you. Our lawyers routinely make appearances on behalf of clients at Long Beach Courthouse, saving them time and unnecessary stress.
The average DUI case takes 3 to 6 months, but complex cases or those involving injuries can take longer. We keep clients informed at every stage and aim for the most efficient resolution possible.
A refusal can lead to automatic license suspension and harsher penalties. However, we often challenge whether the refusal was properly recorded and whether the officer clearly explained the consequences as required by law.
Yes, unless it is reduced or dismissed. Our team aggressively negotiates for alternatives such as wet reckless reductions, diversion, or full dismissals to protect your record.
Fees depend on the complexity of the case, but Power Trial Lawyers offers transparent, flat-rate options and payment flexibility. The cost of hiring an experienced lawyer is almost always less than the long-term cost of a conviction.
Yes. After probation ends, many DUI convictions can be expunged under Penal Code §1203.4. Our firm can handle the entire expungement process once your case is complete.
A warrant will be issued for your arrest. Contact our office immediately — we can often place the matter back on calendar and recall the warrant before it escalates further.
A DUI charge at the Long Beach Courthouse is not the end of the road — it’s the beginning of your defense. The most important step you can take right now is to speak with an experienced, aggressive attorney who understands the local system and knows how to fight for you.
At Power Trial Lawyers, we treat every case as if it were our own. From the moment you call, we take immediate action to protect your driver’s license, preserve your evidence, and build a defense plan that fits the facts of your case. Whether it’s challenging your BAC, negotiating with prosecutors, or taking your case to trial, our team fights relentlessly for the best possible outcome.
Your freedom, your license, and your future deserve nothing less than the most experienced DUI defense attorneys at Long Beach Courthouse.
Contact Power Trial Lawyers today to schedule your free, confidential consultation. call us at 888-808-2179. Call us or submit a request online 24/7.