Arrested for DUI in Westwood?
If you are arrested for DUI in Westwood it is best to CONTACT a Los Angeles DUI attorney as soon as possible. Berglund Law Office, P.C. is a law firm that specializes in defending persons arrested on suspicion of drunk or drugged driving. DUI Attorney Robert D. Berglund vigorously represents his clients to ensure that they are treated fairly under the law and receive the best possible outcome in their cases.
DUI Enforcement Around UCLA
Since Westwood is within the city of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Police Department has jurisdiction and, along with the UCLA Police Department, its officers conduct regular patrols for DUI drivers and alcohol related disturbances, both on the Westwood city streets and on the UCLA campus. DUI patrols are common along Gayley Ave., Veteran Ave., Sunset Blvd., Wilshire Blvd., and other streets in the neighborhood surrounding UCLA. LAPD's West LA Community Police Station serves Westwood.
DUI Checkpoints
During weekend nights, the LAPD carries out DUI checkpoints in Westwood, specifically targeting college students departing from fraternity and sorority gatherings near UCLA. These checkpoints align with the Los Angeles Police Department's dedication to furthering Vision Zero, the city's objective to eliminate all fatalities stemming from traffic accidents by 2025. The LAPD is of the opinion that these DUI checkpoints contribute significantly to public safety by deterring individuals from operating vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This approach raises consciousness about responsible driving and promotes the utilization of rideshare services (Uber and Lyft), taxis, or public transit.
DUI is Not a Traffic Offense
If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Westwood you will be arrested. Criminal charges will likely be filed against you. Misdemeanor DUI arrest reports occurring in Westwood are forwarded to the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office for criminal prosecution. If you are arrested for felony DUI in Westwood, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office will file a criminal complaint against you. Bail is usually set if you are arrested for felony DUI. If you cannot afford to post bail you will sit in jail while your criminal case is ongoing. CONTACT our office today to speak with a Westwood DUI Lawyer if you have been arrested for drunk or impaired driving.
10 Days to Request DMV Hearing
DUI is a criminal offense, not to be mistaken with a traffic violation such as speeding or running a red light. If you were arrested on suspicion of DUI involving alcohol in Westwood, the LAPD or UCLA PD officers likely confiscated your driver's license and issued a pink "temporary" license that is good for 30 days. However, you only have 10 days from the arrest date to request a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing from the DMV Driver Safety Office.
Effect on Driver's License
If you fail to request an APS hearing, your driver's license will automatically be suspended upon expiration of the temporary license. How long the license remains suspended will depend on whether you have prior DUI offenses and how many. Another factor is your age. UCLA students and others under the age of 21 who are arrested for DUI face much harsher consequences. An experienced Westwood DUI Lawyer should be contacted as soon as possible following a DUI arrest to ensure that your driving privilege is protected.
Criminal Charges Filed
When you are arrested for DUI in California and your chemical test result is .08 or greater you will have both a DMV administrative action taken against your driver's license (as described above) and criminal charges filed against you. UCLA students may also be subject to school disciplinary action for offenses occurring on campus. A DUI conviction can have a devastating impact on a person's life, adversely affecting employment, finances, child custody agreements, student loan eligibility, and freedom. Westwood misdemeanor and felony DUI cases will be filed at the Airport Courthouse. The Judges at this Court can be particularly tough when it comes to persons facing DUI charges, especially drivers under age 21, ordering mandatory attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous as a condition of OR release and setting bail for persons charged with a 2nd DUI offense. Do not go to Court alone and represent yourself. Do not assume that you must plea guilty to DUI and have no other options.
Westwood
Westwood is a neighborhood located in the Westside region of Los Angeles. It is home to the beautiful University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus. It is also home to the popular Westwood Village shopping district shopping district and the Geffen Playhouse. The Los Angeles Police Department is committed to keeping Westwood safe and free from drunk drivers.
Dedicated Westwood DUI Defense Lawyer
If you have been arrested for DUI, CONTACT a skilled and experienced Westwood DUI Lawyer today. DUI Attorney Robert D. Berglund will personally speak with you about your case. He will ask you to tell him your story and explain exactly what happened, understanding that each and every DUI case is unique in its own way. This information will allow him to evaluate your case carefully and look for any possible defenses to the DUI charges that are being brought against you. With this information he can start working on your case even before he receives a copy of the arrest report. Do not delay if you are facing Westwood DUI charges, CONTACT our office today for a free and confidential consultation.