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Santa Monica DUI Lawyer

Zero Tolerance in Santa Monica for DUI Drivers

Berglund Law Office, P.C. is a law firm that specializes in defending persons arrested and charged with DUI.  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.  CONTACT our office today if you have been arrested for DUI in Santa Monica.  DUI arrests frequently lead to both criminal charges and a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) administrative action being taken against you.  

DMV Hearing Must Be Requested Within 10 Days

If you were arrested on suspicion of DUI involving alcohol, the Santa Monica Police Department officers or other law enforcement 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 DMV Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing from the DMV Driver Safety Office.  DMV hearings for those arrested for DUI in Santa Monica are held at the El Segundo office.  

Failure to Request Hearing Means Automatic License Suspension

If you fail to request an APS hearing, your driver's license will automatically be suspended upon expiration of the temporary license (30 days from arrest date).  How long the license remains suspended will depend on whether or not you have prior DUI offenses, and how many, and/or whether you refused to submit to a chemical test following your DUI arrest.  CONTACT an experienced Santa Monica DUI Lawyer as soon as possible following a DUI arrest to ensure that your driving privilege is protected.  

DUI Criminal Charges

If you are arrested for DUI in Santa Monica, a criminal complaint will be filed against you unless the Santa Monica City Attorney's Office or Los Angeles County District Attorney decline to file the case due to insufficient evidence.  A DUI conviction can have a devastating impact on a person's life, adversely affecting employment, finances, child custody agreements, and freedom.  

Santa Monica DUI Cases at Airport Courthouse

Misdemeanor and felony Santa Monica DUI cases will be filed at the Airport Courthouse.  Misdemeanor DUI arrest reports from Santa Monica are forwarded to the Santa Monica City Attorney's Office for criminal prosecution.  If you are arrested on felony DUI charges the case will be prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney.  Do not go to Court alone and represent yourself.  Do not assume that you must plea guilty to DUI and have no other options.  CONTACT Berglund Law Office, P.C. today for a free DUI consultation.

DUI Cases Can Involve Either Alcohol, Drugs, or Both

You can be arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, marijuana, and prescription drugs. If the Santa Monica Police Department 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, 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, request all items of evidence that the Santa Monica City Attorney or Los Angeles County District Attorney may use against you, and consult with an expert to review breath and/or blood analysis records.  Once all the evidence has been reviewed, Mr. Berglund meets with his clients to develop the best case strategy.  

DUI Patrols in Santa Monica

To keep residents and tourists safe, particularly the thousands of pedestrians that you will find every day walking in and around Downtown Santa Monica and the adjoining neighborhoods, the Santa Monica Police Department is vigilant in its efforts to stop DUI drivers and keep the community safe.  Santa Monica PD Officers conduct DUI saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints to crackdown on DUI drivers.  California Highway Patrol officers are on the lookout for DUI drivers on the 10 freeway.   CONTACT our office today if you need a Santa Monica DUI lawyer.

Dedicated Santa Monica DUI Defense Lawyer

The coastal city of Santa Monica is considered one of the most beautiful communities in the world and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Downtown Santa Monica is home to the 3rd Street Promenade, considered one of the premier dining and shopping districts on the Westside.  Street performers and entertainers can be found performing daily along the 3rd Street Promenade.  The world famous Santa Monica Pier is only a short walk away from the 3rd Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place, an open aired shopping mall to the south of the 3rd Street Promenade. Palisades Park along Ocean Avenue is a popular destination for walkers, runners, and bicyclists, and provides breathtaking views of Pacific Coast Highway and the Pacific Ocean. Main Street in Santa Monica is home to dozens of bars, restaurants, and retail stores.

Free DUI Consultation

If you have been arrested for DUI, CONTACT a skilled Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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.