DUI Client Focused, Result Driven.

Los Angeles DUI Defense Attorneys

The Trusted Name in Defense & Representation Against DUI Charges in Los Angeles County

Driving under the influence (DUI) may be a common offense in California, but it comes with serious consequences. Beyond the potential fines, jail time, & loss of license, additional consequences can impact your life. Your auto insurance rates may skyrocket, and having a criminal record can close doors to future opportunities, such as certain jobs. You may even find that your personal relationships & community standing are affected.

The reassuring news is that DUI charges are easier to navigate with the help of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney like ours at Zarabi Law. Our team, led by veteran attorney Elliot Zarabi, has more than 60 years of combined legal experience. And when you hire our firm, you can be sure your case will never be handed off to a junior associate. You’ll always work directly with one of our dedicated & trial-tested lawyers.

Request a FREE initial consultation by calling us at (213) 786-4055 or using our online form.

Understanding DUI Charges in California

In California, the offense of driving under the influence is primarily governed by California Vehicle Code Section 23152. This statute outlines the various ways in which a person can be charged with DUI:

Vehicle Code 23152(a) VC: Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of Alcohol or Drugs: This section makes it unlawful for any person who is "under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug," to drive a vehicle. Under this section, you can be convicted of DUI even if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is below 0.08%.
Vehicle Code 23152(b) VC: Driving with a 0.08% BAC or Higher (DUI "Per Se"): This is the "per se" law, making it unlawful for any person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.

Most DUI arrests in California result in being charged with both VC 23152(a) and VC 23152(b). Even if charged with both, you can only be punished for one DUI conviction.

Other Important DUI-Related Charges:

Vehicle Code 23153 VC: DUI Causing Injury
Vehicle Code 23136 VC: Underage DUI
Vehicle Code 23140 VC: Under 21 and 0.05% BAC or More
Vehicle Code 23152(d) VC: Commercial DUI
Vehicle Code 23222(a) VC: Possession of Marijuana While Driving

Potential Criminal Consequences for a DUI Conviction in Los Angeles

The potential penalties for conviction increase with each offense. A general breakdown includes:

First-Time DUI Offense

Possible jail time up to six months
Informal probation typically lasting three to five years
Fines ranging from $390 to $1,000
License suspension for six months or more
DUI education courses

Second DUI Offense (Within 10 Years)

Jail time from 96 hours to one year
Fines between $390 to $1,000
License suspension for two years
DUI education courses of either 18 months or 30 months

Third DUI Offense (Within 10 Years)

Jail time of 120 days to one year
Fines consistent with previous offenses
License revocation for three years
Mandatory DUI school

The penalties above would be for “standard” DUIs with no aggravating factors. You could face significantly harsher penalties if you were accused of having a high blood alcohol content (BAC), refusing chemical testing, being impaired by drugs, causing a crash that ended in injury or death, or driving with a child (under 14) in the vehicle.

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The Details Are Critical in Any DUI Case

In order to fully understand your defense options, it’s important to have an experienced DUI lawyer in Los Angeles carefully examine the details of the DUI stop as well as any documents from police & prosecutors.

Important questions to ask (and answer) include:

Did the officer have a valid reason to pull you over?
Do you suffer from medical conditions that could have caused you to fail the field sobriety tests (FSTs)?
Did the officer make any mistakes or deviate from protocol when administering either the FSTs or the breathalyzer test?
Was the breathalyzer device accurate or overdue for servicing & calibration?

These cases often involve additional allegations, such as the driver’s refusal to pull over or submit to a breathalyzer test. These should be scrutinized closely, especially if no dashcam or bodycam footage corroborates the officer’s assertions. Our attorneys make the prosecution work hard to prove its case, & we leave no detail unaddressed.

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“Excellent Legal Representation”
“I am incredibly grateful to Elliot Zarabi and the team at Zarabi Law Firm. If there was more rating stars I would put more. After consulting with many attorneys, I knew Elliot Zarabi was the right one.”

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The DUI Defense Process: How Zarabi Law Fights for You

When you retain Zarabi Law, our commitment to your defense begins immediately. A DUI arrest triggers a complex legal process involving both the criminal courts and the DMV. As your Los Angeles DUI defense lawyer, we are prepared to engage at every critical stage.

Immediate Response & DMV APS Hearing Request: The crucial first step is to contact us within 10 days of your arrest. We will immediately request a DMV Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing on your behalf. This stops the automatic suspension of your license, allowing you to continue driving until the hearing is held. We will represent you at the APS hearing, challenging the DMV's evidence and striving to prevent your license from being suspended.
Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We do not simply accept the prosecution's version of events. Our team conducts an independent, exhaustive investigation into all aspects of your arrest and the evidence against you. This includes obtaining and meticulously reviewing all police reports, field sobriety test (FST) notes, and breathalyzer maintenance records, analyzing dashcam footage, subpoenaing 911 calls, interviewing potential witnesses for the defense., and consulting with forensic toxicologists or other scientific specialists when appropriate to challenge chemical test accuracy.
Challenging the Prosecution's Case and Evidence: A significant part of our defense strategy involves meticulously examining the prosecution's evidence for weaknesses, inconsistencies, or constitutional violations. This often involves:
- Challenging the Traffic Stop Legality
- Questioning Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs)
- Disputing Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) Device Accuracy
- Contesting Chemical Test Results (Breath/Blood)
- Arguing Rising Blood Alcohol Defense or Medical Conditions
- Proving Lack of Impairment
Strategic Motion Practice: We aggressively file pre-trial motions to challenge the prosecution's case. These may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss the charges, or motions in limine to exclude certain prejudicial evidence from trial. Your Los Angeles DUI defense attorney will strategically utilize these legal tools to build a strong defense.
Plea Negotiations: While we meticulously prepare every case for trial, we also engage in strategic negotiations with prosecutors. Our goal is to secure a favorable plea agreement that could lead to reduced charges (e.g., from DUI to a "wet reckless" or "dry reckless," which carries fewer penalties), alternative sentencing, or other outcomes that minimize the impact on your life and driving privileges.
Aggressive Trial Representation: If a plea agreement is not in your best interest or cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial. We will present your defense compellingly, conduct thorough cross-examinations of prosecution witnesses (including the arresting officer), present defense witnesses, and argue forcefully on your behalf before a judge and jury. Our courtroom advocacy is designed to create reasonable doubt and secure an acquittal.
Sentencing Advocacy: If a conviction occurs (either by plea or trial), the sentencing phase is critical. We prepare comprehensive sentencing memoranda, often including character letters, psychological evaluations, and arguments for a lenient sentence, always striving for the lowest possible penalty within the sentencing guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI in Los Angeles

What Happens If I Refuse a Breathalyzer in Los Angeles?

Refusing a breathalyzer test in Los Angeles can lead to immediate consequences under the state's implied consent law. Drivers who refuse testing may face administrative penalties, including license suspension. However, refusal does not lead to automatic conviction. Legal defenses can be built around procedural mishandling or improper advisement by law enforcement officers regarding refusal rights. Consulting with our seasoned attorneys at Zarabi Law can help you understand these nuances and prepare a robust defense strategy.

Can I Get My DUI Reduced to a Lesser Charge?

In Los Angeles, it's sometimes possible to negotiate a DUI charge down to a lesser charge, such as a 'wet reckless'—a lesser offense that carries fewer penalties. Success in plea bargaining depends on the circumstances of your case, including your BAC level, any past offenses, and the strength of the evidence against you. At Zarabi Law, we leverage our extensive experience to negotiate strategically with prosecutors, seeking outcomes that minimize the impact on your life.

How Do DUI Checkpoints Work in Los Angeles?

DUI checkpoints are legal in California and are a tool used to ensure road safety by removing impaired drivers from the roads. These checkpoints must be conducted in compliance with the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. This means they need to be publicly announced, and operational procedures should be systematically followed. Our legal team evaluates whether these protocols were adhered to and identifies potential breaches that could serve as the basis for your defense.

What Are the Costs Associated with a DUI Conviction?

The costs of a DUI conviction extend beyond fines. They may include increased insurance premiums, mandatory education programs, installation of an ignition interlock device, administrative fees, and potential employment impacts. It's important to consider the broader financial and personal implications when facing a DUI charge, and Zarabi Law aims to provide comprehensive insights into managing these costs with our dedicated DUI attorney team.

What Should I Do Immediately Following a DUI Arrest in Los Angeles?

Following a DUI arrest, prioritize your rights and begin gathering information. Note down everything you remember about the arrest, from the time you were pulled over to the tests you underwent. Do not discuss the incident without legal representation present. Contact Zarabi Law promptly for a free consultation with a DUI defense lawyer in Los Angeles. Our experienced team will guide you through the legal procedures that follow and ensure your rights are fully protected from the outset.

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Why Choose Zarabi Law

Zarabi Law specializes in DUI defense across California, offering aggressive and strategic representation for complex criminal cases. The firm's deep understanding of Vehicle Code 23152 and the intricate DMV process sets it apart. They are committed to a client-centered approach, providing compassionate, confidential, and non-judgmental support, recognizing the stress DUI charges can bring.

With a proven track record of successful outcomes, Zarabi Law not only defends clients in court but also offers comprehensive legal support, including assistance with DMV APS hearings, probation conditions, and expungements. The firm emphasizes the urgency of contacting a qualified Los Angeles DUI defense attorney immediately after an arrest to protect one's rights and future.

Schedule Your Free Initial Consultation Today

Zarabi Law is based in Los Angeles, but our DUI and DWI attorneys serve clients statewide. We offer FREE initial consultations & can typically meet in-person or virtually.

To discuss your legal options for free with one of our experienced Los Angeles DUI defense lawyers, call us at (213) 786-4055 or submit an online contact form. Se habla español.

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Your Rights. Your Future. Our Mission.

Personalized Defense
We take the time to know every detail of your case, your background, and your family. At Zarabi Law, no client is just a number—we treat you like family to build the strongest defense possible.
Hands-On Representation

From the first consultation to the resolution of your case, we’re deeply involved in every aspect. You can count on us to meticulously analyze every detail to fight for the best possible outcome.
Start with a Free Consultation

Your defense begins with a conversation. We offer free consultations to help you understand your options and take the first step toward protecting your future.
Around-the-Clock Help
Legal challenges don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we. At Zarabi Law, we’re here for you anytime, providing the guidance and support you need, whenever you need it.