Taperman articles

Defense Lawyer   - DUI and DWI

In the city of Los Angeles, DUI's or driving under the influence cases are serious business. Even though the 'under the influence' charge is usually a misdemeanor offense the first time through the court system, they are prosecuted as vigorously as are felonies in Los Angeles.

Driving under the influence is defined as when an individual is driving a vehicle or has been seen operating a motor vehicle during a time when the action of alcohol or other controlled substance is such that mental and physical facilities are affected and/or that the content of alcohol in the blood system is higher than that set by law as the maximum allowable. 

In both Orange County and the City of Los Angeles being convicted of a driving under the influence charge on a first offense will usually mean suspension of the driver's license, stiff fines, work performed as community service and a required course at a DMV program approved by the State. 

Usually, a DUI arrest in the City of Los Angeles means that the person with spend at least one night in jail.  Occasionally they must install a locking device on the car ignition system of their automobile which requires that they must successfully pass a breath test before the automobile will start.  A conviction with a DUI charge usually will remain on the offender's records for several years.  This will result in insurance premiums that are higher and may even affect one's credit score.

A similar charge in Los Angeles is a DWI which stands for 'driving while intoxicated'  In California, and in many other states as well, it is illegal for a person with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher to operate a motor vehicle of any kind. 

A conviction for driving while intoxicated in the City of Los Angeles means that the prosecution has to prove that the accused driver was driving the vehicle, or had control physically of the motor vehicle during a time when he or she was intoxicated due to alcohol or drugs.  In addition, proof must be provided that there was reasonable and legal cause for the arresting officer to stop the vehicle in the first place.

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or of driving while intoxicated in the City of Los Angeles, it is critical that you retain the services of an experienced and qualified Los Angeles DUI/ DWI attorney as quickly as possible.  The qualified Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who specializes in DUI and DWI cases can help to identify issues in the pretrial phase of your trip through the legal system and can usually improve your changes of acquittal dramatically during the case.

It's important for the sake of the next few years of your life following an arrest for DUI or DWI in the City of Los Angeles that you contact a criminal defense lawyer with a specialization in DUI and DWI cases. 

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