Glendale DUI Defense Lawyer
Decades of Experience On Your Side
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a crime in California. A person is considered “under the influence” if their physical or mental abilities are impaired to the extent that they can no longer drive as safely as a cautious sober person. These crimes are treated very seriously by prosecutors, and the consequences of a conviction can be severe. If you are facing charges for drinking and driving, you need a legal team that will treat your case with as much importance as you do.
Call Weiss and Stepanian LLP at (818) 619-3337 or fill out our online contact form today to speak to our Glendale DUI defense lawyers. We proudly serve clients throughout Pasadena, Burbank, and North Hollywood.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI in California?
Under California law, a DUI is a “priorable” offense. This means that the penalties for a DUI increase each time a person is convicted of a DUI within a 10-year period.
The penalties for a DUI in California may include:
- Probation
- A fine
- A driver’s license suspension
- Completion of a DUI education program
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
- Community service
- Imprisonment
The penalties for a DUI in California may also include an increase in the defendant’s insurance premiums, and a DUI conviction can have other negative consequences as well, such as damage to a person’s reputation and limitations on their ability to obtain employment or a professional license.
Why Choose Weiss and Stepanian LLP?
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Personalized Strategies and ResultsWe craft customized legal strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of each case.
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Free ConsultationsWe offer a free initial consultation, providing individuals with the opportunity to discuss their legal concerns and explore their options with no obligation.
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Aggressive AdvocacyOur approach is characterized by proactive and aggressive representation, advocating for our client's best interests within and beyond the courtroom.
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Client Centered ApproachWe are always on our clients' side, dedicated to protecting their rights and interests with unwavering commitment.
Can a DUI Conviction Affect Your Job?
A DUI conviction can have serious repercussions on employment, particularly in industries that require driving or hold strict professional standards. Many jobs, especially those involving transportation or operating heavy machinery, mandate a clean driving record. A DUI conviction could lead to suspension or termination from such positions due to the loss of driving privileges or the employer’s insurance requirements.
Additionally, employers may view a DUI as a red flag, raising concerns about reliability and judgment. This can be especially true for positions in sectors like healthcare, education, or government, where background checks are routine, and maintaining a clean criminal record is essential. In certain fields, such as commercial driving, a DUI conviction could result in disqualification from holding a commercial driver’s license (CDL), making it difficult to continue working in that profession.
Furthermore, professionals holding licenses, such as attorneys, nurses, or real estate agents, may face disciplinary action from licensing boards. A DUI on one's record can lead to fines, mandatory courses, or even the revocation of professional licenses in severe cases.
Even if current employment is unaffected, future job prospects may be at risk. Many employers conduct background checks, and a DUI conviction could diminish chances of being hired. Consulting with a DUI defense attorney in Glendale can provide guidance on minimizing the impact of a DUI on career prospects and protecting one's professional future.
Protect Your Rights & Future
Many people who are charged with a DUI in California assume that they will be convicted, especially if the breath, blood, or urine test shows that their blood-alcohol content (BAC) is at or above .08%. As a result, they do not even attempt to fight the charges, and they simply accept the penalties, which can be severe. In fact, a DUI charge can often be successfully defended, even if the test results show that the defendant’s BAC was at or above .08%.
A skilled DUI defense attorney can challenge the results of a DUI chemical test and may be able to have the test results suppressed. In addition, a skilled DUI defense attorney can often identify other defenses, such as a lack of “reasonable cause” to stop the defendant’s vehicle. In some cases, an attorney may be able to have the charges against the defendant dismissed entirely or reduce the charges to a lesser offense.
To schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable DUI defense attorneys in Glendale, call us at (818) 619-3337 today or contact us online. We are here to help.
