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DUI defense

DUI Defense Attorney in Los Angeles

A DUI arrest in California usually starts two separate processes at once: a criminal case in court and an administrative process with the DMV about your driving privilege. Acting early helps you protect your options in both.

  • Criminal court case and DMV process are separate
  • Some DMV deadlines are short, so act quickly
  • Testing and stop procedure are reviewed closely

Two tracks after a DUI arrest

The court case decides whether you are convicted of a criminal offense and what the consequences are. The DMV process is administrative and concerns your license. They run on different timelines, use different rules, and an outcome in one does not automatically decide the other.

The DMV process can involve a short window to request a hearing. Paperwork you received at the time of arrest often explains this. Bring it to your consultation and raise the DMV question right away, so it is not lost while you focus on court.

If your license was taken or you received a temporary driving document, keep it with your other paperwork and mention it as soon as you call.

What a DUI defense review looks at

  • Why you were stopped, and whether the stop was lawful
  • How field sobriety tests were explained, conducted and recorded
  • Breath testing devices, calibration and maintenance records
  • Blood sample collection, storage and laboratory procedure
  • Observation periods and whether required procedures were followed
  • Video from patrol vehicles and body-worn cameras
  • Medical conditions or other factors that can affect test results

What the court process typically involves

  1. Arraignment. The first court date, where the charge is formally presented and a plea is entered. In many misdemeanor DUI cases an attorney can appear on your behalf; ask whether that applies to you.
  2. Discovery. Your attorney requests reports, test results, records and video from the prosecution.
  3. Motions and negotiation. Problems with the stop or testing may support legal motions. Evidence issues can also shape discussions with the prosecutor.
  4. Resolution or trial. You decide, with full information, whether to resolve the case or take it to trial.

What to do in the days after a DUI arrest

  • Gather everything you were given: citation, release paperwork, any DMV-related document and property receipts.
  • Write down what you ate and drank, when, and the timeline of the stop, while you still remember.
  • Do not discuss the arrest with anyone other than your attorney, and stay off social media about it.
  • Ask about the DMV process during your first call.
  • Keep your court date, even if you believe the case is weak.

Frequently asked questions

Is a first-time DUI a misdemeanor?
Many DUI cases are charged as misdemeanors, but the charge depends on the facts, including whether anyone was injured and the person’s prior record. A consultation can clarify what you are actually facing.
Will I lose my license?
That depends on the DMV process and the court case, which are separate. Raising the DMV question early is important because the administrative timeline can be short.
Does refusing a test help or hurt?
Refusal has its own consequences under California law, and the circumstances matter. Discuss exactly what happened with your attorney rather than relying on general advice.

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Free, confidential consultation

Call 818-400-0293 or email Asya@Ovsepyan-Law.com. Office: 15303 Ventura Blvd., Suite 900, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403.