Civil and Criminal Penalties for a DUI in Los Angeles
A DUI conviction in Los Angeles can result in a lengthy license suspension and increased insurance premiums. There are many other potential criminal and civil penalties that can result from a conviction as well. If you have been charged with driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol in Los Angeles, it is absolutely vital to your case that you contact an experienced DUI criminal defense attorney. You could be facing severe criminal penalties and devastating civil litigation from anyone who may have been affected by the incident.
Under California Vehicle Code 23152, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of .08 percent or greater. This offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor unless you have previously been convicted of a felony DUI. Penalties for a first-time conviction can include imprisonment, hefty fines and a license suspension.
Driving under the influence causing injury is a separate offense. Whenever a serious injury results from a DUI to someone other than the driver, the driver can face misdemeanor or felony charges under California Vehicle Code 23153. The severity of the penalties depends on the seriousness of the injuries suffered, the circumstances of the crash and the defendant’s driving record.
