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Criminal Charges and DMV Action

Berglund Law Office, P.C. is a law firm that specializes in defending persons arrested for driving under the influence.  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.  Call us at (877) 667-1205 or fill out our CONTACT form if you received a DUI in Downtown Los Angeles.  If you were arrested for DUI involving alcohol you will have two separate actions against you: criminal charges and a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) administrative action.

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 with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, the Los Angeles Police Department or other law enforcement officers likely confiscated your driver's license and issued a pink "temporary" license that is good for 30 days.  

Automatic Driver's License Suspension

You only have 10 days from the DUI arrest date to request a DMV Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing from the DMV Driver Safety Office.  If you fail to request an APS hearing, your driver's license will automatically be suspended upon expiration of the temporary license (which is 30 days after it was issued).  How long the license remains suspended will depend on whether you have prior DUI offenses and how many, and whether you refused to submit to a breath or blood test after you were arrested.  An experienced Downtown Los Angeles DUI lawyer should be contacted as soon as possible following a DUI arrest to ensure that your driving privilege is protected.  

Criminal Charges Filed

If you are arrested for DUI in Downtown Los Angeles, a criminal complaint will be filed against you unless the prosecutor declines to file the case due to insufficient evidence (for example, your blood test result came back under a .08 and the other evidence does not prove that you were impaired).  A DUI conviction can have a devastating impact on a person's life, adversely affecting employment, finances, child custody agreements, and freedom.  Do not take a DUI arrest lightly and dismiss it as nothing more that a traffic ticket.

Metro Courthouse

Misdemeanor DTLA DUI cases will usually be filed at the Metropolitan Courthouse.  Misdemeanor DUI arrest reports from DTLA are forwarded to the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office for criminal prosecution.  The attorneys at this office are an experienced group of prosecutors who understand DUI laws and how to get convictions.  Do not go to court alone and represent yourself.  CONTACT our office today and speak with an experienced Downtown Los Angeles DUI lawyer.

Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center

Felony DUI arrest reports are forwarded to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office and will be filed at the Criminal Courts Building in Downtown Los Angeles.  A conviction for a felony DUI can result in a state prison sentence.  If you have been charged with felony DUI, CONTACT Berglund Law Office, P.C. today for a free and confidential consultation.  

Types of DUI Cases

You can be arrested for DUI if officers suspect that your ability to drive has been impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, marijuana, or prescription drugs.  If the LAPD officers believe that your ability to drive has been impaired, a DUI investigation will be initiated.  If you were observed driving recklessly, got into an accident, fail to perform well on the field sobriety tests, blow .08 or higher on a Preliminary Alcohol Screening Test, or show other signs of impairment, you will be placed under arrest for DUI. 

DUI Defenses

The possible defenses to the charges vary depending on the type of case and the specific circumstances.  In addition to listening to your recollection of the events of the incident, a good DUI Lawyer will thoroughly review the police report, review any and all available audio or video of the investigation and arrest, and consult with an expert to review breath and/or blood analysis records.  A customized strategy will then be developed to best defend you against the DUI charges.

DUI Enforcement in Downtown Los Angeles

To keep the streets safe, the Los Angeles Police Department is always on the lookout for DUI drivers.  DUI patrols and DUI checkpoints are common in DTLA.  Checkpoints are frequently held along Wilshire Blvd., just west of downtown.  LAPD also likes to set up DUI Checkpoints on holidays, such as St. Patrick's Day, when they set up a DUI Checkpoint at Figueroa and 9th streets.  Other common checkpoint locations in the downtown Los Angeles area include Vermont and 5th Streets and along Wilshire Blvd.  

Dedicated DTLA DUI Defense Lawyer

DTLA has undergone a revitalization in recent years to attract sports and entertainment events and tourism to the area.  Crypto.com arena has events nearly every night. LA Live is known as the "most entertaining place on the planet" with multiple entertainment venues.  Dozens of restaurants and bars in the area provide for an exciting nightlife scene.  Law enforcement officers watch patrons depart from these popular locations and are looking for bad driving that will provide them with a lawful reason to stop the vehicle.  They also set up DUI checkpoints along Figueroa Street, frequently on weekend evening when tens of thousands of people are leaving Staples Center following a Lakers, Clippers, or Kings game.  If they observe objective symptoms of impairment, the driver will be asked to pull over to a designated location and a DUI investigation will be performed.  One mistake in judgment following a night of fun can result in an arrest for DUI.  

Free Consultation for Downtown Los Angeles DUI Arrest

If you have been arrested for DUI, CONTACT a skilled Downtown Los Angeles DUI Lawyer today.  DUI Attorney Robert D. Berglund will personally speak with you about what happened.  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 problems of proof that the prosecution may have in proving its DUI case against you.  Do not delay if you are facing DTLA DUI charges, CONTACT our office today for a free and confidential consultation.

Fight Your Traffic Ticket

Our office specializes in representing individuals facing traffic violations. We represent our clients in both court and at DMV hearings. Your case will be handled with the personalized attention and expertise that it deserves.

Free Consultation

There is no charge for the phone consultation. Our office specializes in representing individuals facing traffic violations. Attorney Robert D. Berglund will personally speak with you about your case and provide you with an honest analysis. Contact us today.