Practice Areas

Office Locations

Liberman & Sigal, APC

Toll Free: (888) 335-6008

Valley Office
15250 Ventura Blvd.
Suite 1220
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Phone: (818) 325-0570
Facsimile: (818) 325-0571

Los Angeles Office
6320 Commodore Sloat Drive
First Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90048

Phone: (323) 931-5577
Facsimile: (323) 931-7577

DUI (Driving Under the Influence)

California statutes regarding driving under the influence of alcohol and/or controlled substances (DUI) are quite extensive and rather harsh. Whether you've been arrested for a first DUI offense or have been down this road before, it's critical that your rights are protected by a skilled criminal defense attorney who is well-versed in California DUI laws.

At Liberman & Sigal, our defense lawyers have a great deal of experience representing individuals facing California DUI charges. We use all of our skills and knowledge to get clients' DUI charge(s) dismissed or reduced, and to minimize the penalties for these serious offenses.

What to Do If You Have Been Arrested for DUI

Here is the basic information that any individual arrested for DUI in California should know:

First and foremost, you must, within 10 days of your arrest, request a hearing with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you don't make this request, your driver's license will be automatically suspended — or even revoked 30 days after the arrest. Calendar days count (not just business days Mon–Fri).

You should also be aware that there are two different cases regarding your DUI:

  • The DMV case and the
  • Criminal case

Your DMV hearing will seem rather informal (at least compared to a courtroom), but its outcome is very important. If you need to be driving at all (e.g., to get to work or school), you don't want to let this hearing happen without having a DUI defense attorney fighting on your behalf.

The Criminal Process for DUI

For many people, their first DUI charge is their very first encounter with the criminal justice system. Millions of people are arrested each year in the U.S. on suspicion of driving under the influence.

However, even a first DUI offense can carry heavy penalties, such as a misdemeanor conviction, incarceration up to one year in jail, and serious fines. Other potential consequences for a DUI conviction include:

  • probation
  • an ignition lock installed in your vehicle
  • mandatory alcohol or drug counseling
  • mandatory community service
  • impoundment of your vehicle

Factors Affecting Your Future

A number of factors are considered by a California prosecutor issuing charges related to a DUI arrest, including:

  • the blood alcohol content and/or levels of drugs in the bloodstream of the accused
  • whether the accused refused to submit to a chemical test
  • whether anyone was injured in the DUI incident
  • whether property damage was an outcome of the incident
  • whether anyone under the age of 18 was in the driver's vehicle
  • the age of the accused
  • the past criminal history (if any) of the accused

An experienced DUI attorney understands the laws governing DUI convictions and will have the tools necessary to investigate every shred of evidence in your case to ensure the best outcome and minimize your penalties.

If you have been arrested for driving while under the influence, contact Liberman & Sigal immediately for experienced and aggressive DUI defense. We know the system and we can help you.

Van Nuys DUI Lawyer