Los Angeles DUI Lawyer Blog
It is unlawful to drive in Los Angeles under the influence of alcohol, or drugs, or both. You can be charged with driving under the influence in Los Angeles, if you are 1) intoxicated and 2) driving. Both elements have to be present. So, if you are simply intoxicated, you cannot be charged with a DUI. If you are simply driving with no intoxication, you cannot be charged with a DUI.
If you are driving under the influence of alcohol, it is easier to detect intoxication. There are visual signs, such as blood shot eyes, slurred speech, incoherent sentences and smell of alcohol. There also tests that can be administered to determine someone is under the influence of alcohol. Legislation has determined that someone who has a blood alcohol content of a .08 or over, is likely intoxicated for purposes of a DUI.
When it comes to being under the influence of drugs, it is a little more difficult. Of course, some drugs may be easier to detect than others, but there are also ways to determine whether someone is intoxicated by drugs.
If you were charged with a Los Angeles DUI, the best thing you could do for your future is to speak to a Los Angeles DUI attorney as soon as possible. Lawyers, such as those at Hoffman & Associates have handled thousands of DUI Cases in Los Angeles and are not only familiar with the criminal justice system, but the Judges, clerks, prosecutors and deputies that handle DUI cases. This gives you an advantage, as the attorney can readily explain the best possible strategy for your case.
This is especially important if you were only under the influence of drugs. Unlike alcohol, which has some standard of measuring intoxication, drugs do not. That is because it is hard to determine how people are going to be affected by drugs, and what could be considered intoxicated. There is a considerable amount of gray area. The gray area gives your Los Angeles legal professional lots of room to argue and negotiate. This could result in a reduction of the charges brought against you, especially if there is a lack of evidence, or it could result in a dismissal of the case altogether.
A DUI conviction remains on your record for at least ten years. For ten years you are required to report it when asked about your criminal history. This could include job applications and school applications. Take the steps you need to now, can save you a lot of heartache and stress in the future. If there is room to argue your case, you should take every possible opportunity to do so. Call our office today for a free consultation. Our experienced and knowledgeable lawyers can asses the specific facts of your case and explain the process to you step by step. It is always our goal to get you the best possible results so that you can move forward!