DUI Charges
For more than twenty years, the criminal defense law firm of Robert Michael Helfend, Attorney at Law, has been recognized for tough and effective defense of drunk driving and related DUI charges in Los Angeles. I want you to know that you don’t have to roll over and accept the punishment that comes along with a DUI arrest. If you have been charged, your most important decision will be who you hire as your defense lawyer. You need a qualified, experienced, and aggressive criminal defense attorney who will fight for you.
Experienced DUI Defense Lawyer in California
“Robert M. Helfend helped me get through my legal struggles in a very reliable and thorough way when I was wrongfully charged with a DUI. Thanks to him, I have a clean record today because I was properly defended. I highly recommend Robert M, Helfend, criminal defense attorney.”Molly, CA
Why should you consider choosing me as your DUI defense attorney? I am recognized for my integrity and my honest determination to help my clients get the best possible outcome. Why is that important? Prosecutors who know that I fight hard – but fight fair – are more likely to work with me to reach a reasonable outcome for my clients. I am known throughout the Los Angeles area as a respected DUI lawyer who is tough, experienced, and highly skilled.
Protect your rights!
Consider the prosecution must prove that you were impaired at the time of driving. To do this you will most likely be asked to submit to a breathalyzer test or field sobriety test, and answer questions about your drinking. However many people are unaware of their rights during a traffic stop: you have the right to refuse to submit to a chemical test or to answer most questions. The refusal to submit to chemical tests may lead to loss of driving privileges for one year or longer depending on your prior convictions. The vast majority of people accused of drunk driving are not criminals; but in fact, are ordinary citizens caught in the criminal justice system. A vigorous defense can be mounted challenging the opinion of the police officer and the validity of the tests. Independent witnesses who can attest to the amount of alcohol the accused drank can help discredit the officer’s testimony.
Penalties and Convictions
California takes drunk driving seriously, which is evidenced by the penalties the court enforces for DUI convictions. If you are facing your first DUI, you could be sentenced up to six months in jail, have to pay a fine up to $2600, have your license suspended up to 10 months and in some counties, have an ignition interlock device installed. If you have been charged with your second DUI, you could face up to one year in jail, a fine up to $2800, up to a two-year license suspension and have an ignition interlock device installed. Or if you face a third conviction, you could spend up to one year in jail, pay up to $18,000, have your license suspended for three years and have an ignition interlock device installed. These harsh consequences adversely affect your finances, your reputation, your routine, and your and your family’s happiness and future.
DUI Enhancements
While the above penalties listed are harsh, these aren’t even taking into account the many sentence enhancements that are possible under California DUI law! If any of the following factors were present, a defendant can expect additional consequences:
- Bodily injury inflicted on another person
- Prior felony DUI conviction within 10 years
- Excessive blood alcohol level (.20 or above)
- Minor, under 14, present in car during DUI
- Refusal to submit to chemical testing
- Speeding over 20 mph on the street or over 30 mph on the freeway
- DUI in highway construction zone
- DUI in safety enhancement zone
- DUI with manslaughter charges
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your DUI, you should seek the professional and experienced counsel of a qualified criminal defense attorney immediately. Yours and your family’s lives are on the line, and those are not things to gamble with. Let The Law Office of Robert M. Helfend help you fight your charges and take back your life today!
Let Los Angeles DUI attorney Robert Helfend help you!
If you have been charged with drunk driving or a related DUI charge in the Los Angeles area, I am ready to start providing an aggressive and effective defense. Contact my offices right away to discuss the circumstances of your arrest and DUI charges. There are a lot of lawyers in the Los Angeles area who will say they can get you off. I won’t make that promise, and you shouldn’t believe any attorney who does. I’ve been practicing exclusively in the area of DUI and criminal defense since 1984. And I use every minute of that experience to help you get the best possible outcome for your charges. I promise. To learn more about your case and what steps you can take to defend yourself against your charges, contact my firm today!