Beverly Hills Attorney
DUI Defense Attorney in Beverly Hills
A DUI arrest in Beverly Hills can feel like the world is closing in. The flashing lights in your rearview mirror, the questioning on the side of the road, and the cold finality of handcuffs create a moment of intense stress and uncertainty. Suddenly, your reputation, your career, and your freedom are on the line. You may be consumed with questions about what comes next and terrified of the potential consequences. During this overwhelming time, you need a guide who can provide a clear path forward and defend your rights with conviction.
Esfandi Law Group is ready to help with caring, compassionate, experienced lawyers who have a passion for justice. Call today to discuss your case and how we can use our skills to protect your future.
What Happens Immediately After a DUI Arrest in Beverly Hills?
Following a DUI arrest, you face two separate and simultaneous legal battles. The first is the criminal case prosecuted by the criminal court system. The second battle concerns your driving privileges. This administrative action is handled by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
One of the most critical deadlines arrives just after your arrest. You have only 10 days from the incident date to request a DMV administrative hearing. Failure to request this hearing within the 10-day window automatically suspends your driver’s license. We can manage this process on your behalf, fighting to protect your driving privileges while simultaneously addressing the criminal charges. A skilled Beverly Hills DUI attorney understands the urgency of this deadline and can take immediate action to help preserve your driving rights.
The Role of a Beverly Hills DUI Lawyer in Navigating Penalties
Prosecutors charge most DUI offenses under a statute making it illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or greater. A conviction carries significant penalties that can disrupt your life for years to come. A Beverly Hills DUI lawyer works to minimize or eliminate these consequences by building a robust defense tailored to the facts of your case.
For a first-time misdemeanor DUI, the potential penalties you could face are substantial. These consequences become more severe with each subsequent offense. The court may impose a range of sanctions, including:
- Up to six months in county jail,
- Fines and penalties often totaling several thousand dollars,
- A driver’s license suspension ranging from six to 10 months,
- Mandatory completion of a state-approved DUI education program,
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle, or
- Three to five years of informal probation.
An experienced attorney can scrutinize every aspect of your case to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and negotiate for reduced charges, a complete dismissal, or the most advantageous sentence possible.
How a Beverly Hills DUI Defense Lawyer Builds Your Case
A DUI charge does not automatically lead to a conviction. The prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, and a knowledgeable Beverly Hills DUI defense lawyer knows how to identify weaknesses in the evidence. Our approach involves a meticulous investigation of every detail of your arrest. We will analyze several key areas to build a strong defense strategy:
- Unlawful traffic stop. Law enforcement must have a valid legal reason to pull you over. If the police did not have sufficient cause, the judge could suppress any evidence gathered as a result of the illegal stop.
- Improperly administered field sobriety tests. Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are notoriously subjective and prone to error. Factors like medical conditions, fatigue, poor weather, uneven surfaces, or improper instructions can lead to an inaccurate assessment of impairment.
- Inaccurate chemical test results. Breathalyzer devices require regular maintenance, calibration, and proper administration to produce reliable readings. Blood samples must be drawn, stored, and analyzed in accordance with strict legal protocols to prevent contamination or degradation.
- Rising blood alcohol. Your BAC may have been below the legal limit while you were driving, and could have risen to 0.08% or higher by the time law enforcement tested you. This situation can occur if you consumed alcohol shortly before you got behind the wheel.
By methodically examining these and other potential issues, we can effectively challenge the prosecution’s narrative and protect your rights. A proactive Beverly Hills DUI defense attorney will leave no stone unturned.
DMV and Criminal Court Proceedings
Navigating the dual tracks of the administrative DMV hearing and the criminal court case requires a comprehensive legal strategy. The two proceedings are independent from one another, with different rules, objectives, and standards of proof. What happens in one does not necessarily dictate the outcome of the other, which is why having a Beverly Hills drunk driving attorney represent you in both forums is vital.
The DMV administrative hearing focuses solely on your driving privileges. The hearing officer is a DMV employee. They determine whether there was reasonable cause to believe you drove under the influence and whether your BAC was 0.08% or higher. The standard of proof is a preponderance of the evidence, which is a much lower burden of proof than criminal court requires. We can present evidence, cross-examine the arresting officer, and argue against the suspension of your license.
In contrast, the criminal court case is about determining your guilt or innocence. Here, the prosecutor must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. A dedicated attorney will handle all aspects of your criminal defense, from arraignment and pre-trial motions to plea negotiations and, if necessary, a jury trial. Success in one area could positively influence the other, but only an attorney experienced in both arenas can coordinate a defense that addresses all potential ramifications of a DUI arrest.
Esfandi Law Group: Your Beverly Hills DUI Attorney
When your future is at stake, the legal team you choose could make all the difference. Esfandi Law Group has more than 22 years of experience. During those years, we’ve built a solid reputation for obtaining positive outcomes for clients facing DUI charges throughout California.
Our attorneys’ proficiency extends through both state and federal courts, providing a comprehensive defense regardless of the jurisdiction. Guided by our core values of integrity and dedication, we fight tirelessly for every client. We are also deeply committed to serving our entire community and take pride in providing bilingual support for our Spanish-speaking clients, facilitating clear and effective communication throughout the legal process.
Take the First Step to Protect Your Future Today
A DUI charge can leave you feeling powerless, but you do not have to face this challenge alone. By taking decisive action and securing skilled legal representation, you can regain control over your situation. We are prepared to stand by your side, challenge the evidence against you, and fight for the best possible resolution to your case. Contact Esfandi Law Group today for a confidential consultation and to begin your defense now.
FAQs
How Long Will My Beverly Hills DUI Case Take to Resolve?
While a simple case may resolve in a few months, complex cases can take longer. We can provide a more specific timeline after our initial review of the facts.
Should I Plead Guilty to Get It Over With?
Pleading guilty without an attorney’s review means you forfeit your right to challenge the evidence, which could have led to a better outcome for your case.
What Should I Bring to My First Meeting with an Attorney?
Please bring your citation, driver’s license, and any paperwork from the police or court so we can immediately begin evaluating the details of your case.
