With a quarter-century of experience in the Van Nuys criminal court, I've handled numerous DUI cases. This extensive experience has provided me with a profound understanding of how these cases are typically managed.  Over the years, the DUI law across California has evolved, often to the detriment of those facing DUI charges.

In the Van Nuys court, high blood alcohol levels have become a significant concern. Those found with such levels are immediately ordered to attend AA meetings during the pendency of their case. This underscores the court's proactive approach to addressing DUI cases and the potential consequences for the accused.

From the court's perspective, a high blood alcohol level is a red flag for a potential alcohol problem, regardless of the individual's beliefs.  The court's primary concern is public safety, and they are willing to take measures to ensure it, even if it means restricting the accused.

So, they have to figure out a way to stop that person.  What can they do?  What types of measures can they employ?  So, that's one thing I've seen them do is force that person to do AA meetings while their case is pending.

Scram Bracelet

Another thing that I've seen going on in Van Nuys recently is that if you have multiple DUIs and you continue to get DUIs, or if you get a DUI while you're on probation for a DUI, they're going to make you put a SCRAM bracelet on.

This detects whether or not you're drinking alcohol, and as a condition of your release, they're going to order you not to drink. If you drink, you violate your freedom, and you go into custody.  They figure you can't get any alcohol in charge.  You can't go on the road, and you can't put others in danger.

That's one thing people don't seem to realize when it comes to DUI cases is that they're just looking at themselves and the impact on them of their DUI case.  They're not looking at the millions of deaths over many years related to DUI-related fatalities.

And let me tell you, the judges and prosecutors are looking at that, and if you kill somebody having drunk alcohol, they're going to charge you with murder.  The first thing they do is charge you with murder, and then they consider whether they're going to work backward from there and drop it down to vehicular manslaughter.

So, if you've got a DUI in a Van Nuys court, know that these guys take DUIs very seriously, regardless of your social and economic background — whether you have a good job, whether you've ever been in trouble before, whether you have a bad driving record or not.

If you're charged with a DUI, they will look at you as somebody they need to punish, somebody they need to restrict, and somebody they need to deter from getting on the road and getting behind the wheel with alcohol in their system.

Marijuana and Prescription Drug DUI Charges in Van Nuys

It's not just alcohol that stops people in Van Nuys court from consuming and getting behind the wheel.  There are a lot of marijuana DUIs being charged.  Believe it or not, many people are using prescribed medication and getting behind the wheel.

They are either mixing it with alcohol or other prescribed medication, or just taking prescribed medication when they shouldn't be taking it, and driving, getting in accidents, injuring people, and injuring themselves. Those cases will also be prosecuted as DUIs.

Given that a DUI charge in Van Nuys court is a criminal offense, it's crucial to understand the potential severity of the situation. Depending on the circumstances, you may face a misdemeanor or even a felony, with the possibility of jail or prison time if someone is harmed. The potential consequences of a DUI charge are significant and should not be underestimated.

Given the complexities and potential consequences of a Van Nuys DUI case, it's essential to have an experienced attorney by your side. A knowledgeable attorney can navigate the nuances of the courthouse, understand the tendencies of the prosecutors and judges, and work towards the best possible outcome for you. Don't underestimate the value of professional legal representation in such a serious matter.

First, you have to figure out that, in your circumstances, in a Van Nuys courthouse case, you're going to start in Division 101, which is the misdemeanor arraignment court in Van Nuys.

That's where all the DUIs are processed, so the Judge there is very familiar with handling DUI cases.  He has a fairly good understanding of when he will require people to attend AA meetings and when he will require them to wear the Scram bracelet to maintain consistency. The prosecutors will figure out when jail time is necessary to stop somebody from continuing to get behind the wheel while intoxicated.

Call our Law Firm for Help

So, if you have a Van Nuys DUI case, pick up the phone and talk to someone who has been doing this for twenty-five years. Let's get a plan together. Let's establish the strategy from the outset, and then we'll put the pieces in place to execute it to perfection.

We want to get you out of the criminal justice system and protect your rights, freedom, and driving record with the DMV because they're going to get involved with the case as well, and when a DMV hearing is involved, they can take your driver's license away.

They can restrict your driver's license and require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. We not only handle the criminal aspect of DUI, but we also handle the driving aspect. Driving on the roads in Van Nuys or anywhere in California is not a right; it's a privilege, and they can take that privilege away from you if you endanger the community.