DUI Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles

Defending Against Charges of DUI

There are many actions that can be taken to provide those accused of DUI to successfully challenge a DUI charge. Following your arrest, the first step you should take is to contact a Los Angeles DUI lawyer to file a DMV Hearing request, which must be done within 10 days after your arrest. Floyd, Skeren & Kelly, LLP have helped residents in the Greater Los Angeles area since 1987 in fighting their DUI charges. Failing to take this first important step can lead to automatic suspension of your license. By contacting our firm quickly, we can have the time needed before your DMV Hearing to review your case and investigate the facts surrounding your police stop and arrest. This will all help to prepare for your hearing as well as for your criminal case to follow.

Prosecutors rely greatly on the results of your blood alcohol content (BAC) tests administered by law enforcement to prove their case. We have found a great many of these readings taken are unreliable due to various factors such as the improper training for the person conducting the test, improper maintenance or calibration of the machine or even a medical condition you may suffer from that could affect the results. This opens the door to possible defense that can be used on your behalf.

Los Angeles DUI Lawyer - Areas of Practice

Our firm can help you in all manner of DUI related matters and can offer helpful information on a number of topics, including:

DUI FAQ
If you have questions about DUI, we have answers. You will find basic information on this site, and we also welcome you to call a Los Angeles DUI lawyer at our firm to talk about your particular questions and concerns. Click here to read our DUI FAQs.

DUI Accidents
If a driver is accused of causing an auto accident while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, he or she may face felony charges if anyone was injured in the accident. Click here to read more about DUI accidents.

DMV Hearings
Separate from criminal court proceedings, a DMV hearing is held regarding the administrative suspension of one's driver's license by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. License suspension proceedings are automatically initiated when a driver refuses or fails a breath/blood test after a DUI arrest. Click here to read more about DMV hearings.

2nd & 3rd DUI
A driver who has one or more prior drunk driving convictions on his or her record will face enhanced penalties for a second or third DUI. We are competent in handling multiple DUI cases for our Los Angeles clients. Click here to read more about 2nd and 3rd DUI offenses.

Blood Test
Considered more accurate than a breath test, a blood test may be administered after a driver is arrested for suspected DUI. It is used to determine the presence and amount of alcohol in the driver's blood. Click here to read more about blood tests.

Breathalyzer Tests/Refusal
Breath tests are most commonly administered after DUI arrests in the Los Angeles area. A device called a breathalyzer is used to analyze the amount of alcohol in the driver's breath to then determine his or her blood alcohol concentration. Click here to read more about breathalyzer tests.

BUI
Just as a person can be arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a boat operator may be arrested for boating under the influence, or BUI. Our firm handles these cases with professionalism and care, as a defendant may face imprisonment, fines and other serious penalties if convicted. Click here to read more about BUI.

Commercial DUI
A conviction of driving under the influence while driving on a commercial license carries harsh penalties in the state of California. The driver will be held to a higher standard because of the greater risk of damage and injury caused by commercial vehicle accidents. Click here to read more about commercial DUI.

Criminal Defense
You will need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side if you are charged with DUI, as this is a criminal offense punishable by time in jail, community service, fines and more. Click here to read more about criminal defense.

Driving on a Suspended License
A common consequence of a DUI conviction is license suspension. If a driver is pulled over while driving with a suspended license, they could face very serious penalties and risk losing some of their personal freedoms. Click here to read more about driving on a suspended license.

DUI Accidents with Injury
Causing an injury accident while DUI is a felony offense in California, and a defendant may face years in state prison if convicted. Immediate and aggressive defense counsel is therefore of the utmost importance in these cases. Click here to read more about DUI causing injury.

DUI Appeals
If a defendant is convicted of DUI, all is not lost. One has the right to file an appeal on the grounds of an unreasonable sentence or unjust verdict. We handle criminal appeals for DUI convictions, offering our clients a second chance. Click here to read more about DUI appeals.

DUI as a Minor
Our state takes a "zero-tolerance" stance on underage drinking and driving. A driver who is under the age of 21 may face driver's license suspension if any amount of alcohol is found in their system. Standard DUI penalties may apply if the driver is found to have a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or greater. Click here to read more about underage DUI.

DUI Consequences
There are many serious consequences of a DUI conviction in Los Angeles, including imprisonment, driver's license suspension, fines, community service, probation and even increased insurance costs. Click here to read more about DUI consequences.

DUI Court Process
The DUI court process can be complicated and is best navigated with an attorney who can properly preserve your constitutional rights while protecting your freedom and even your driver's license. Click here to read more about the DUI court process.

DUI Involving Drugs
Though most people think of DUI in relation to driving under the influence of alcohol, a driver may face the same charges for driving under the influence of drugs, even prescription or over-the-counter medication if it affects one's abilities. Click here to read more about DUI involving drugs.

Expungement
For those who wish to have a DUI conviction expunged from their criminal record, our firm can offer the legal counsel to make this process as smooth and effective as possible. Click here to read more about expungement.

Federal DUI
A person arrested for drunk driving while on federal property, such as on a military base or at a national park, may actually face federal DUI charges. We are skilled in handling these cases and are ready to see how we can assist you. Click here to read more about federal DUI.

Felony DUI
Though simple DUI is typically charged as a misdemeanor, there are circumstances where a driver may face felony charges. This may include cases involving multiple DUI offenses, DUI causing injury or vehicular manslaughter. Click here to read more about felony DUI.

Field Sobriety Tests
To determine whether a driver's natural abilities are impaired by alcohol and/or drugs, law enforcement may administer field sobriety tests such as the walk and turn, one leg stand or horizontal gaze nystagmus. Click here to read more about field sobriety tests.

License Suspension
Driver's license suspension is one of the many penalties that may be associated with driving under the influence in Los Angeles. To keep your license, your attorney will have to protect your interests in your DMV hearing and in criminal court. Click here to read more about license suspension.

New DUI Laws
We take care to stay ahead of ever-changing laws regarding DUI in California, as this helps us provide more effective defense counsel. Click here to read more about the new DUI laws.

Out of State License
Drivers with out of state licenses can still be arrested and charged with DUI in Los Angeles. If you live in another state and were arrested here, we can help. Click here to read more about out of state DUI.

Vehicle Impoundment
A potential risk associated with a DUI arrest is the impoundment of one's vehicle. This is more common for drivers who have prior DUI convictions. Click here to read more about vehicle impoundment.

Vehicular Manslaughter
Causing the death of another person in an auto accident, even when accidental, may be deemed the criminal offense of vehicular manslaughter if a drunk driver caused the collision. Because the penalties for this felony offense are extreme, it is important to involve an attorney to protect one's interests. Click here to read more about vehicular manslaughter.

Warrants
The best thing to do in the face of an outstanding bench or arrest warrant is to secure legal counsel from a competent attorney who can help you face the warrant head on, and possibly avoid arrest altogether. Click here to read more about warrants.

Contact a Los Angeles DUI defense attorney to discuss your legal options when arrested for DUI.