DUI Defense at Van Nuys Courthouse

If you were recently arrested for driving under the influence and your paperwork lists the Van Nuys Courthouse as your first court appearance, time is already working against you. Every DUI in Los Angeles County begins with two ticking clocks: one at the DMV that can suspend your license within ten days, and another at the courthouse that can issue a warrant if you miss your arraignment. The anxiety is real—loss of license, criminal record, employment issues, and even jail time—but you do not have to navigate any of it alone.

At Power Trial Lawyers, attorney Matthew Barhoma and his defense team have built a reputation for taking control of chaotic DUI cases in Van Nuys from day one. A skilled DUI Defense Lawyer Van Nuys Courthouse knows the judges, prosecutors, and courtroom routines that define outcomes in this particular building. That local insight can mean the difference between a suspended license and a full dismissal.

Understanding How DUI Cases Work at Van Nuys Courthouse

The Van Nuys Courthouse West, located at 14400 Erwin Street Mall, Van Nuys, CA 91401, is one of Los Angeles County’s busiest criminal courthouses. It serves the entire San Fernando Valley, handling thousands of misdemeanor and felony cases each year, with multiple departments devoted exclusively to DUI prosecutions.

A typical DUI case here follows a structured path:

1. Arraignment:
   This is your first formal appearance. You—or your lawyer—enter a plea and receive future dates. Many first-time defendants appear in Departments 103 or 104, depending on calendar load. Judges expect punctuality and preparation; missing this hearing can trigger a bench warrant.
2. Pre-Trial Phase:
   Your DUI Defense Lawyer Van Nuys Courthouse begins challenging the prosecution’s evidence. Discovery is reviewed for police mistakes, faulty breathalyzer calibration, or procedural violations. Motions to suppress evidence under Penal Code §1538.5 are often filed here.
3. Negotiations:
   Local prosecutors in Van Nuys vary widely in attitude. Some departments favor plea bargains and wet-reckless reductions; others insist on program compliance before negotiations. An attorney familiar with these patterns can position your case accordingly.
4. Trial or Resolution:
   If negotiations fail, the matter proceeds to jury trial. DUI trials in this courthouse are typically scheduled within 45–90 days after arraignment. Knowledge of local jury tendencies, courtroom layout, and evidentiary rulings gives your defense tangible advantages.

Local Culture and Court Dynamics

Each courthouse in Los Angeles County has its own rhythm. In Van Nuys, mornings are hectic; clerks manage multiple calendars simultaneously. Departments open at 8:30 a.m., but cases are often called in groups. Judges expect attorneys to be ready to proceed, which is why defendants represented by seasoned local counsel move through the process more efficiently.

Prosecutors from the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office handle most misdemeanor DUIs; the District Attorney takes felony DUIs involving injury. The familiarity of your DUI Defense Lawyer Van Nuys Courthouse with these offices can directly influence charge reductions and sentencing outcomes.

What to Expect After a DUI Arrest in Van Nuys

1. Arrest and Booking

Most DUI arrests in this area occur along the 405 Freeway, Sepulveda Boulevard, or near nightlife corridors in Sherman Oaks, Encino, and North Hollywood. Arresting agencies include the LAPD Van Nuys Division, the California Highway Patrol (Newhall and West Valley units), and occasionally the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Once arrested, you are transported either to the Van Nuys Jail on Sylmar Avenue or to another Valley substation for booking. Officers confiscate your license and issue a pink Notice of Suspension/Temporary License, triggering the ten-day DMV deadline to request a hearing.

2. Release and Next Steps

After booking, most first-time DUI defendants are released on their own recognizance or post minimal bail. Your citation or release paperwork lists the court date—usually within 30 to 45 days—at the Van Nuys Courthouse. Do not wait until then to act. Contact a DUI Defense Lawyer Van Nuys Courthouse immediately to preserve your driving privileges and begin evidence preservation.

3. The DMV Hearing Deadline

The California DMV automatically initiates a license suspension unless a hearing is requested within ten days of arrest. That hearing is separate from your court case but just as critical. A qualified Van Nuys DUI lawyer can file the hearing request, subpoena the arresting officer, and challenge the chemical-test results. Winning at the DMV means keeping your license while your court case proceeds.

4. Understanding Your Charges

DUI charges filed in Van Nuys generally fall under Vehicle Code §23152(a) (driving under the influence) and §23152(b)(blood-alcohol ≥ 0.08%). In accidents or injury cases, prosecutors may add §23153 felony counts. Penalties can include jail time, probation, fines exceeding $2,000, alcohol-education programs, and license suspension.

Your DUI Defense Lawyer Van Nuys Courthouse will analyze whether the officer had probable cause for the stop, whether the chemical test was lawfully administered, and whether your constitutional rights were violated. These defenses can lead to reduced charges or full dismissals.

Why Local Experience Matters

Many lawyers advertise DUI defense, but few have daily courtroom experience in Van Nuys. Each judge here interprets the law slightly differently—some insist on early program enrollment; others are open to alternative sentencing such as community labor or SCRAM monitoring.

Power Trial Lawyers has appeared before nearly every DUI-handling bench officer in this courthouse. That familiarity enables our team to anticipate prosecutorial tactics and judicial preferences, crafting strategies that fit the environment rather than fight against it.

Clients benefit from:

• Fast access to local discovery and video evidence
• Knowledge of which departments allow remote appearances
• Established relationships with DMV Hearing Officers and clerks
• A reputation for preparedness that earns credibility with the court

When you hire a DUI Defense Lawyer Van Nuys Courthouse, you gain not only legal expertise but also a tactical roadmap tailored to this exact building—something an out-of-area attorney simply cannot replicate.

Setting the Stage for Your Defense

From the moment you retain counsel, our office files formal representation paperwork with both the Van Nuys Court Clerk and the Department of Motor Vehicles. We order police reports, request body-cam and dash-cam footage, and schedule a discovery review meeting.

While the prosecution gears up to prove guilt, we investigate the weaknesses that can dismantle their case:

• Unreliable Field Sobriety Tests: Conducted under poor lighting or uneven pavement near Ventura Boulevard.
• Breathalyzer Calibration Errors: Machines at LAPD Van Nuys Division often have maintenance logs showing overdue checks.
• Improper Blood Handling: Samples processed at county labs must follow Title 17 regulations; any deviation can invalidate results.

Each of these technical flaws becomes a pressure point in negotiation or trial. The earlier your DUI Defense Lawyer Van Nuys Courthouse begins this analysis, the stronger your position becomes.

The Human Side of DUI Defense

Legal battles are only part of what clients endure after a DUI. Many face job suspension, professional-license concerns, and family stress. At Power Trial Lawyers, we approach every case with empathy. We explain court paperwork in plain language, coordinate with bail bondsmen, and appear on your behalf whenever possible to spare you unnecessary court appearances.

Our goal is not just a legal victory—it is restoring control over your life. That philosophy underpins every step we take inside the Van Nuys Courthouse.

The Importance of Hiring a DUI Defense Lawyer at Van Nuys Courthouse

When facing a DUI in the Van Nuys Courthouse, the attorney you hire may determine not only the outcome of your case but also the impact on your job, family, and driving record. The stakes are far higher than most people realize. Judges in this building see hundreds of DUI cases each month, and prosecutors handle them in assembly-line fashion—unless someone intervenes with precision and experience.

That is the role of a skilled DUI Defense Lawyer Van Nuys Courthouse—to stop your case from being treated like just another file on the docket.

Experience That Commands Attention

Every courthouse develops its own rhythm and expectations. Some departments prefer early resolution; others expect extensive pretrial motion practice. Prosecutors often rotate, but many in Van Nuys have years of experience handling DUIs specifically. They recognize defense lawyers who know what they’re doing—and they also recognize those who don’t.

Power Trial Lawyers’ presence in this courthouse sends a signal of preparation and professionalism. We approach every case as though it might go to trial, which immediately changes the tone of negotiations. Judges and prosecutors know that when attorney Matthew Barhoma or his defense team enters the case, shortcuts and unsupported assumptions will be challenged.

Personalized Strategy for Each Client

There is no “one-size-fits-all” defense in Van Nuys. Some clients benefit from quietly resolving the case with minimal publicity. Others need aggressive motion work or a jury trial. The key is strategy. A veteran DUI Defense Lawyer Van Nuys Courthouse evaluates:

• Whether body-cam or dash-cam video supports the officer’s claims
• If the initial traffic stop was lawful under Fourth Amendment standards
• How medical conditions or prescription drugs may have affected field sobriety results
• Whether breathalyzer equipment was properly calibrated under Title 17 regulations
• Which judges are more receptive to suppression arguments or alternative sentencing

This courthouse-specific intelligence saves clients from unnecessary convictions and license suspensions.

The Legal Process – Step by Step Through the Van Nuys DUI System

Understanding what lies ahead helps reduce anxiety and sets realistic expectations. While every DUI case is unique, the procedural steps in Van Nuys Courthouse follow a consistent pattern.

1. Arraignment

This is your first appearance before a judge. The charges are read, and a plea of “not guilty” is usually entered. If you retain counsel beforehand, your lawyer can appear on your behalf, sparing you from missing work or enduring the crowded court lines. At this stage, your DUI Defense Lawyer Van Nuys Courthouse obtains the police report, chemical-test results, and any body-camera footage.

2. Discovery and Evidence Review

Over the next several weeks, both sides exchange evidence. Power Trial Lawyers files discovery motions to compel calibration logs, maintenance records, and field-sobriety-test data. We analyze whether the officer followed NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) protocols. Even minor deviations—uneven pavement, improper lighting, or fatigue—can discredit test accuracy.

3. Pretrial Negotiations

Once evidence has been reviewed, your attorney meets with the prosecutor to discuss resolution. A lawyer experienced in Van Nuys understands which departments may allow a “wet reckless” reduction under Vehicle Code §23103/23103.5 and which require evidence suppression before negotiation. Sometimes we present mitigation packages including proof of employment, community service, or alcohol counseling to influence outcomes.

4. Motions to Suppress or Dismiss

If there was no valid reason for the traffic stop, or if breath/blood samples were collected improperly, your DUI Defense Lawyer Van Nuys Courthouse may file a motion under Penal Code §1538.5 to exclude the evidence. Winning this motion can lead to dismissal before trial. Even losing the motion strategically narrows the prosecution’s options for trial.

5. Trial

When negotiation does not yield a fair result, the case proceeds to trial. Jury selection is critical. Jurors in the San Fernando Valley tend to be analytical and expect reliable scientific evidence. They are also sensitive to overreaching by law enforcement. A prepared defense attorney who knows the courtroom layout, clerk staff, and evidence presentation technology can make a decisive difference.

6. Sentencing and Post-Conviction Options

If convicted, sentencing in Van Nuys is handled promptly—often the same day. Your lawyer can argue for alternatives such as community service, house arrest, or electronic monitoring. In first-offense cases, Power Trial Lawyers has successfully negotiated no-jail dispositions with alcohol programs instead. We also handle expungements under Penal Code §1203.4 once clients complete probation.

Common DUI Charges Prosecuted at Van Nuys Courthouse

The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office files the vast majority of misdemeanor DUI cases arising from LAPD or CHP arrests within the Valley. The District Attorney’s Office handles felony DUIs, particularly those involving injury or multiple priors. Understanding the exact code section charged is essential to crafting your defense.

Vehicle Code §23152(a): Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

This is the “impairment” statute. It allows prosecutors to charge you even if your blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) is below 0.08%, as long as they claim your ability to drive was impaired. A DUI Defense Lawyer Van Nuys Courthouse focuses on cross-examining the arresting officer’s observations—slurred speech, red eyes, unsteady gait—often exaggerated or misinterpreted.

Vehicle Code §23152(b): BAC of 0.08% or Higher

This “per se” charge relies entirely on chemical-test accuracy. Breath or blood results above 0.08% trigger automatic suspension proceedings. Defense strategies include challenging machine calibration, contamination, and timing between driving and testing.

Vehicle Code §23153: DUI Causing Injury

If an accident occurs and someone is injured, prosecutors may file this as a felony. Potential penalties include up to four years in state prison and a strike under California’s Three Strikes law if serious injury is alleged. Power Trial Lawyers aggressively challenges causation—whether intoxication truly caused the injury—or seeks charge reductions to misdemeanors.

Underage and Drug-Related DUIs

For drivers under 21, even a 0.01% BAC can lead to a one-year license suspension under Vehicle Code §23136. Drug-based DUIs under §23152(f) involve additional complexity since no legal limit exists for THC or prescription medications. A qualified Van Nuys DUI lawyer often relies on expert toxicologists to demonstrate that measured concentrations did not actually impair driving.

Commercial-Driver DUIs

Drivers holding commercial licenses face a stricter 0.04% BAC threshold. Conviction means automatic loss of CDL privileges—often career-ending for truckers and delivery professionals. Power Trial Lawyers negotiates aggressively to protect employment and explore alternative resolutions such as reckless driving reductions.

How Local Context Influences Case Outcomes

A DUI in Downtown Los Angeles differs from one in Van Nuys. The Van Nuys Courthouse serves a diverse population and heavy caseload, prompting judges to value efficiency. Well-prepared lawyers who file motions early and communicate respectfully often achieve better results. Prosecutors appreciate when defense counsel present mitigation rather than delay tactics.

This insight only comes from repeated exposure. A DUI Defense Lawyer Van Nuys Courthouse who regularly practices there understands how to time motions, which departments favor diversion programs, and when to push a case toward trial.

From the moment we are retained, Power Trial Lawyers demonstrates diligence and professionalism—qualities that immediately separate clients from the crowd of unrepresented defendants. Our filings are precise, our discovery requests complete, and our presence respectful. Judges notice. So do prosecutors.

When credibility is earned early, negotiations become productive. Dismissals and reductions often follow not from luck, but from preparation.

Strategies Our DUI Defense Lawyers Use in Van Nuys Courthouse

Defending a DUI charge successfully requires more than quoting statutes or negotiating leniency—it requires strategy grounded in local practice. At Power Trial Lawyers, every case begins with a precise assessment of what actually happened, followed by an evidence-based plan designed to produce leverage in this specific courthouse.

An experienced DUI Defense Lawyer Van Nuys Courthouse knows that prosecutors here often rely on routine police narratives and over-confident chemical-test results. Our job is to expose errors and raise doubt at every stage.

1. Challenging the Traffic Stop

Many DUI arrests in the San Fernando Valley originate from minor traffic violations—rolling through a stop sign on Ventura Boulevard, crossing the line on Sepulveda, or making a wide turn near Burbank Boulevard. However, not every stop is legally justified. If the initial detention was unlawful, all evidence gathered afterward—field sobriety tests, admissions, chemical results—can be suppressed.

Our attorneys file Penal Code §1538.5 motions to contest such stops. Judges in Van Nuys take Fourth Amendment issues seriously, particularly where the officer’s dash-cam or body-cam contradicts the written report. When suppression motions succeed, the prosecution often dismisses the case outright.

2. Discrediting Field Sobriety Tests

The best DUI attorney near Van Nuys Courthouse understands how subjective and unreliable field sobriety tests can be. Conditions like fatigue, inner-ear imbalance, or nervousness can mimic impairment. Many officers in the Valley conduct these tests late at night under flashing lights and uneven pavement—exactly the environment where sober people stumble.

Our firm cross-examines officers using the same NHTSA manuals they were trained on, exposing every deviation. Jurors quickly realize that what was called “failing” a test may simply have been a nervous reaction or misunderstanding.

3. Attacking the Chemical Tests

Breathalyzers used by the LAPD Van Nuys Division and the CHP West Valley Office must be calibrated regularly. We subpoena maintenance records and chain-of-custody logs. If calibration was overdue, if the officer failed to observe the fifteen-minute waiting period, or if blood samples were stored improperly, test results can become inadmissible.

When evidence reliability is questioned, prosecutors lose confidence in their case. That often leads to favorable plea offers or full dismissals.

4. Proving Rising BAC or Timing Errors

In many cases, a person’s blood-alcohol level rises after driving. A Van Nuys DUI lawyer near me can retain forensic toxicologists to calculate whether you were below the legal limit while actually driving—even if later tests showed 0.09% or higher. Courts in this jurisdiction respect expert testimony when it’s backed by science and clear math.

5. Negotiating for Alternative Outcomes

Prosecutors in Van Nuys may offer alternatives such as wet reckless or dry reckless pleas when defense counsel demonstrates mitigation. Our firm presents evidence of employment, education, volunteer work, and counseling participation to show rehabilitation and responsibility.

For clients with prior DUIs, we explore SCRAM monitoring, home detention, or private work-release programs to avoid jail time. Having an experienced DUI defense in San Fernando Valley gives us insight into which programs each judge considers credible.

The DMV Hearing and License Suspension Defense

The DMV hearing is often the forgotten battlefield in DUI cases—but for most clients, losing a license is worse than a court fine. At Power Trial Lawyers, we handle DMV defense as aggressively as courtroom litigation.

The 10-Day Rule

If you were arrested anywhere near Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, or Encino, you received a pink “Notice of Suspension.” You have ten calendar days from the date of arrest to request a DMV hearing. Miss that deadline, and the suspension begins automatically. A DUI Defense Lawyer Van Nuys Courthouse can file the hearing request immediately, preserving your right to contest the suspension.

How the DMV Hearing Works

DMV hearings in the San Fernando Valley are usually conducted by telephone or video with the Driver Safety Office in Covina or El Segundo. The hearing officer acts as both prosecutor and judge—a setup that strongly favors the state unless you have experienced representation.

Your attorney can subpoena the arresting officer, challenge test procedures, and cross-examine witnesses. Issues we often raise include:

• Whether there was probable cause for the arrest
• Whether you lawfully consented to the chemical test
• Whether the machine was properly maintained
• Whether the arresting officer observed you continuously before testing

Winning this hearing means your license remains valid throughout your court case. Even if you lose, we can help you obtain a restricted license for work or school under California’s IID (Ignition Interlock Device) program.

Why This Step Is Critical

A surprising number of defendants ignore the DMV process and lose their license by default. Prosecutors interpret that as disinterest and become less flexible in court. By contrast, clients represented by a DUI Defense Lawyer Van Nuys Courthouse who files timely DMV paperwork demonstrate seriousness and credibility, which influences negotiations.

Van Nuys Courthouse Procedures, Judges, and Prosecutors

Every courthouse has unwritten rules. Knowing them can be just as important as knowing the Penal Code.

The Van Nuys Layout

The criminal departments for DUI cases are primarily on the second and third floors of the Van Nuys Courthouse West. Arraignments often occur in Departments 103 and 104. Pretrials may move to Department 106 or 107. Parking is available on Erwin Street, and lines begin forming early. Understanding where to go and how to navigate security saves stress and avoids unnecessary delays.

The Prosecutors’ Approach

The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office assigns prosecutors to Van Nuys who handle nothing but DUIs. They know the testing officers by name and rely heavily on police reports. However, they are also receptive to solid defense work. When they see an organized mitigation package or well-researched motion, they become pragmatic.

That is why working with the best DUI attorney near Van Nuys Courthouse matters: credibility built through reputation often opens doors that aren’t available to less-known lawyers.

The Judges’ Expectations

Most Van Nuys judges manage massive dockets. They appreciate efficiency and preparation. A lawyer who arrives with discovery tabbed, witnesses ready, and briefing completed earns respect—and that respect translates to leniency for clients. Judges are also sensitive to community safety; showing that you’ve taken proactive steps (like voluntary classes or AA meetings) can dramatically improve sentencing outcomes.

The Local Advantage

Power Trial Lawyers has handled numerous cases in this building—from first-offense misdemeanors to felony DUIs with injury. Because we appear here frequently, we know how to sequence court appearances, when to seek continuances, and how to navigate the clerks’ preferences. This experienced DUI defense in San Fernando Valley helps our clients move through the system faster, often avoiding multiple appearances.

A Broader Geographic Reach

Our firm routinely defends DUI cases across Sherman Oaks, Studio City, North Hollywood, Encino, Reseda, and Woodland Hills—all of which feed into the Van Nuys Courthouse. Whether your arrest occurred on Ventura Boulevard, Balboa Boulevard, or the 101 Freeway, the procedures and key personnel remain consistent. Hiring a Van Nuys DUI lawyer near me who understands this geography ensures seamless coordination between the courthouse, DMV, and local agencies.

The Power Trial Lawyers Approach

Our defense method blends legal precision with human understanding. We know clients are frightened—worried about jobs, families, and reputations. By taking decisive action early, we replace fear with a clear plan: preserve your license, protect your record, and position your case for dismissal or reduction.

We do not rely on templates or copy-and-paste motions. Each case receives individualized attention from our team. We integrate cutting-edge toxicology experts, former law-enforcement consultants, and private investigators when necessary.

The result is a defense that feels comprehensive, personal, and locally informed.

Why Choose Power Trial Lawyers for DUI Defense in Van Nuys

The difference between a conviction and a dismissal often comes down to your lawyer’s familiarity with the courthouse, their reputation with prosecutors, and their ability to control the narrative early. Power Trial Lawyers brings all three advantages to every DUI case handled at Van Nuys Courthouse.

Reputation and Results

Attorney Matthew Barhoma is known throughout Los Angeles County for intelligent, precise, and persuasive defense work. Prosecutors recognize the firm’s name, and that recognition changes how cases are handled from the start.

Our approach is personal and tactical:

• Comprehensive Investigation – We obtain every report, calibration record, and video file tied to your arrest.
• Local Knowledge – As an experienced DUI defense in San Fernando Valley, we know how each courtroom operates and what arguments resonate.
• Relentless Negotiation – We leverage mitigation and science to pursue dismissals, reductions, and alternative sentences.
• Trial-Ready Preparation – Even if your goal is settlement, we prepare as if the case will be tried before a jury.

When you hire a DUI Defense Lawyer Van Nuys Courthouse, you deserve representation that commands respect and delivers clarity at every stage.

What to Do Immediately After a DUI Arrest

If you have just been released or received a citation, take the following steps right away:

1. Call a Lawyer Within 48 Hours – The ten-day DMV deadline is critical. A Van Nuys DUI lawyer near me can file your hearing request and stop an automatic suspension.
2. Do Not Speak to Police or the DA – Anything you say can be used against you. Let counsel handle all communication.
3. Gather All Paperwork – Save your citation, bail receipt, and pink DMV slip.
4. Document the Event – Write down everything you remember: the location, officer names, what was said, and timing of tests.
5. Avoid Social Media – Posts about drinking or your case can appear in discovery.

Power Trial Lawyers provides same-day consultations for urgent DUI arrests in Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Encino, North Hollywood, and surrounding communities.

Common DUI Scenarios Prosecuted at Van Nuys Courthouse

Because of the region’s dense nightlife and commuter traffic, certain DUI scenarios appear repeatedly in this courthouse. Recognizing them helps you understand what the prosecution might allege.

First-Offense DUIs

These are the most common. Many arise from routine traffic stops near Ventura Boulevard or the 101 Freeway. First offenders face potential license suspension, fines, and mandatory alcohol-education programs. A DUI Defense Lawyer Van Nuys Courthouse can often secure a “wet reckless” reduction or dismissal through evidentiary challenges.

DUIs Involving Accidents or Property Damage

Even a minor fender-bender can trigger harsher penalties if alcohol is suspected. Prosecutors may seek restitution or probation conditions. Our team uses accident reconstruction to separate intoxication from actual causation.

Repeat-Offense DUIs

A second or third DUI carries mandatory jail time unless mitigated. We analyze prior convictions for procedural errors and explore alternatives like residential treatment or work-release programs.

DUI with Injury – Felony

Handled by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, these cases carry severe exposure. Our firm partners with medical and forensic experts to dispute causation and injury severity, often reducing felonies to misdemeanors.

Underage or Drug-Related DUIs

The San Fernando Valley sees frequent arrests involving THC, prescription medication, or under-21 drivers. We challenge the reliability of drug-recognition-expert reports and highlight non-impairing prescription use.

How Our Team Protects Professional Licenses

Professionals often have far more at stake than fines or jail. A DUI conviction can threaten your state or federal license—and with it, your career.

Power Trial Lawyers regularly defends:

• Nurses and Medical Professionals: Reportable DUIs can trigger disciplinary action by the California Board of Registered Nursing. We coordinate defense strategies to mitigate licensing consequences.
• Teachers and Educators: The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing reviews criminal convictions. We prepare disclosure letters and provide proactive rehabilitation evidence.
• Pilots: The FAA requires reporting of alcohol-related convictions and administrative actions. We guide pilots through compliance while protecting their records.
• Commercial Drivers: A single DUI can end a trucking or rideshare career. Our team fights for charge reductions that preserve commercial driving privileges.

When your profession is on the line, you need the best DUI attorney near Van Nuys Courthouse—one who understands both the courtroom and the collateral consequences that extend beyond it.

DUI Programs and Sentencing Alternatives in Van Nuys

Judges in the Van Nuys Courthouse often value rehabilitation over punishment, particularly for first-time offenders. Knowing which programs they trust allows our attorneys to present meaningful alternatives to jail.

Common Court-Approved DUI Programs

• AB541 (3-Month Program): Standard for most first offenses.
• AB762 (6-Month Program): For BAC readings slightly above .15%.
• AB1353 (9-Month Program): For higher BAC or accident-related cases.
• SB38 (18-Month Program): Required for second-offense DUIs.

We help clients enroll early, demonstrating accountability to the court.

Sentencing Alternatives

• Community Labor or Caltrans: Satisfies jail requirements through supervised public service.
• SCRAM Alcohol Monitoring: Allows clients to continue working while showing sobriety compliance.
• Residential or Outpatient Treatment: Often accepted in lieu of custody for those struggling with alcohol dependency.
• Work-Release and Private Custody Programs: Certain judges in Van Nuys permit private jail or electronic monitoring options for non-violent offenders.

An experienced DUI defense in San Fernando Valley ensures these options are proposed persuasively, maximizing your chance of avoiding incarceration.

FAQs About Van Nuys From A Van Nuys DUI Defense Lawyer

Contact Power Trial Lawyers for Immediate Consultation With a Van Nuys DUI Defense Lawyer

If your court date is approaching or you just learned your case is filed at 14400 Erwin Street Mall, Van Nuys, do not wait. Early intervention by a DUI Defense Lawyer Van Nuys Courthouse can prevent license suspension, reduce charges, and protect your reputation.

Call Power Trial Lawyers today to schedule a confidential consultation. You will speak directly with an attorney, not a salesperson. We represent clients across the San Fernando Valley, including Sherman Oaks, Encino, Reseda, and North Hollywood.

Take control of your case before the system does it for you.
Your defense begins the moment you call.