Long Beach Lawyer
DUI Attorney in Long Beach
It’s a familiar scene in Long Beach, a weekend evening near Shoreline Village, the sound of the ocean in the distance, and the glow of blue and red lights flashing in your rearview mirror. You’ve just left dinner with friends, confident you’re fine to drive home. Moments later, you’re taking field sobriety tests as an officer insists you’ve had too much.
A DUI arrest threatens your license, freedom, career, and reputation. Whether it’s your first time or not, you deserve a fair process and a strong defense. A Long Beach DUI lawyer can protect your rights at every stage.
Understanding DUI Charges in Long Beach
California law prohibits driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. A DUI can be charged in several ways, including:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, regardless of BAC;
- Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher;
- Driving under the influence of drugs; and
- Driving under the combined influence of drugs and alcohol.
Even if your blood alcohol level was only slightly over the limit, a DUI conviction carries serious consequences. Long Beach officers often conduct checkpoints and run targeted patrols along Ocean Boulevard, in downtown entertainment districts, and near the Long Beach Convention Center, where DUI arrests are frequently made.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Long Beach?
After your arrest, the process moves fast. The police will likely book you at the Long Beach Police Department or the LASD facility before release, and then two separate legal tracks begin: the criminal case and the DMV hearing.
- Criminal case. This begins with your arraignment at the Long Beach Courthouse, where you’ll be formally informed of the charges the Los Angeles County District Attorney or City Prosecutor has filed against you.
- DMV hearing. Separate from the court case, this administrative hearing determines whether your license will be suspended. You have only 10 days from your arrest or from service of the pink Notice of Suspension to request this hearing.
Failing to act quickly can lead to automatic license suspension, even if your criminal case is pending. A Long Beach DUI attorney can manage both processes and protect your right to drive and your right to a fair trial.
Potential Penalties for a DUI in California
Penalties depend on whether it’s your first DUI or a repeat offense, and whether anyone was injured. For a first DUI offense, penalties include:
- Up to six months in county jail;
- Fines from $390 to $1,000, plus court fees;
- License suspension up to six months;
- Mandatory completion of a three- to nine-month DUI program; and
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID).
Repeat offenses bring longer jail terms, higher fines, and multi-year license suspensions.
If an accident caused injury, you could face felony DUI with injury charges with potential prison time and a “strike” on your record.
Even a misdemeanor DUI conviction can affect background checks and insurance. Acting early with a Long Beach DUI defense lawyer can increase your chances of dismissal or reduced charges.
Felony DUI Charges in Long Beach
While many DUIs are classified as misdemeanors, certain circumstances can elevate the offense to a felony. You may face felony DUI charges if:
- Someone was injured or killed as a result of the incident,
- You have three or more prior DUI convictions within 10 years, or
- You have a prior felony DUI conviction on your record.
Felony DUIs bring far harsher penalties, including:
- 16 months to 4 years in state prison,
- Fines up to $5,000,
- License suspension for up to five years, and
- Mandatory IID installation upon reinstatement.
If someone suffered serious bodily injury, the charge could be treated as a “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law. A Long Beach felony DUI lawyer can challenge enhancements, negotiate for reduced charges, or explore alternative sentencing options such as DUI court or probation.
Effective Defenses in DUI Cases: Scientific and Procedural Strategies
DUI cases rely on scientific evidence, but science can be flawed. A skilled Long Beach DUI defense attorney will review the testing process for errors and procedural violations.
Scientific defenses may include:
- Faulty breathalyzer calibration. Breath testing devices must be regularly maintained and calibrated to ensure accurate results. Even minor errors can create false readings.
- Rising blood alcohol levels. Alcohol levels rise for a period after drinking stops, meaning your BAC at the time of testing may be higher than when you were actually driving.
- Contaminated blood samples. Improper storage or handling at the lab can compromise test results.
But even perfectly functioning equipment can’t fix flawed police work. That’s where procedural defenses come in. Procedural defenses often focus on constitutional rights:
- Lack of probable cause. Officers must have a lawful reason to stop your vehicle. A random stop or “hunch” doesn’t qualify.
- Unlawful arrest or Miranda violations. Statements made before your rights were read may be inadmissible in court.
- Inaccurate field sobriety tests. Factors like fatigue, nerves, or medical conditions can cause false indications of impairment.
Every DUI case is different. An early, strategic review of the police report, dashcam footage, and testing records is key.
How a Long Beach DUI Lawyer Can Help
Fighting a DUI means challenging assumptions and protecting your rights. A skilled defense attorney examines every detail to find errors, negotiate reduced charges, or seek dismissal.
Your attorney can:
- Obtain and review police and lab records for inconsistencies;
- Challenge the legality of the traffic stop or arrest;
- Represent you in both criminal court and DMV hearings;
- Advocate for alternative sentencing, like alcohol programs instead of jail; and
- Protect your driving privileges and professional record.
When your license, job, and freedom are at risk, every detail counts.
Accused of DUI in Long Beach? Trust Esfandi Law Group with Your Defense
A DUI charge in Long Beach does not have to define your future. At Esfandi Law Group, we bring over 25 years of DUI defense experience and a team-based, results-driven approach.
Our team thoroughly investigates, questions every piece of evidence, and crafts defenses tailored to your specific situation. We’ve helped hundreds of clients avoid convictions or reduce their charges through persistence, precision, and compassion.
When we take your case, we don’t see a file number. We see a person with a story that deserves to be heard. Whether you were stopped near Belmont Shore, pulled over after a concert at the Queen Mary, or accused of a felony DUI after an accident, Esfandi Law Group will fight to protect your freedom, your license, and your future.
Call us today. We offer bilingual representation and responsive support so you are never facing the process alone.
FAQs
What Should I Do After a DUI Arrest in Long Beach?
Stay calm, remain silent, and contact a lawyer immediately. You have 10 days from arrest or notice to request a DMV hearing, or your license may be automatically suspended.
Will I Lose My License After a DUI?
Possibly. The DMV can suspend your license even before your court date, but an attorney can fight to keep your driving privileges during the process.
Can a DUI Be Reduced or Dismissed?
Yes. Many DUIs are reduced to lesser offenses such as “wet reckless,” especially when the evidence is weak or improperly collected.
How Long Will a DUI Stay on My Record?
In California, a DUI conviction generally remains on your driving record for 10 years, which can affect penalties for future offenses and insurance rates.
