The police will be out in force this holiday season, including Christmas and New Year's. They make most of their arrests on these days, as well as on New Year's Eve and all the weekends leading up to them.
Even on weekdays, people go to Christmas parties and come home drunk, not realizing — the people who haven't even drunk much — how alcohol can affect you. They have a few drinks and try to drive home, only to end up in an accident, swerving on the road, being pulled over by the California Highway Patrol, or encountering another unexpected incident, such as a police checkpoint, which is particularly prevalent during the holidays.
Picture this: you're driving along, everything seems fine, and then, out of nowhere, you're at a DUI checkpoint. The police have the authority to set these up, and they can start questioning you about your alcohol consumption.
Also, where you've been, and those poor fools that say that they've had a couple of drinks, they're just coming from a bar or restaurant, they're going to be yanked out of the car and are going to be tested with field sobriety tests.
Ultimately, the police at the checkpoints will have everything they need to get the person right in jail quickly — a breath machine, the ability to take somebody's blood, and you're done.
Once you're arrested for DUI, the holiday season takes a drastic turn. It's crucial to understand the severity of this situation before you find yourself in a similar one in Los Angeles County. The aftermath of a DUI arrest can be severe, impacting both your personal and professional life.
DUI Lawyer for Local Los Angeles Courts
But if it's after, pick up the phone. Make the call. I've handled thousands of DUIs over a 25+ year career. I know the local courts. I know how to manage them. I am familiar with the intricacies of an illegal stop, an illegal search, and an illegal statement, and I know how to challenge the breathalyzer. Having a skilled DUI lawyer on your side can make a significant difference in your case. My experience and expertise in DUI cases make me a reliable choice for your legal representation.
Even if you've been caught, there's still hope. I know how to challenge the evidence, such as the blood test. However, not all challenges are available to every client. Some clients simply need damage control, and that's where I come in, especially during the holidays.
After a DUI arrest, a specific legal process follows. Your case will likely be heard in court approximately 30 days later. The court system is set up to handle a large volume of cases, so all the individuals arrested on New Year's Eve, for example, will have their court dates scheduled in a similar timeframe. During this time, it's crucial to seek legal representation to guide you through the process and ensure your rights are protected.
San Fernando Valley Jurisdiction
Those who get caught in the Van Nuys or San Fernando Valley jurisdictions will be taken to Van Nuys, Division 103 — that's a misdemeanor arraignment court. If you were unlucky enough to get in an accident or hurt somebody, you'd go to Department 100 — that's the felony arraignment court.
In San Fernando, located at the northern end of the Valley, all felonies are assigned to Department S, and all misdemeanors are assigned to Department M. I've been handling cases in all of these courts. All cases in downtown Los Angeles will be transferred to 1945 Hill Street, Division 60. That's the central arraignment court down there. Of course, there are other arraignment courts, such as the LAX or Airport Court.
Cases will also be handled in that courthouse on the west side in that court's jurisdiction. Issues that arise in Malibu are now split between the Airport Court and Van Nuys, as Malibu Court has been closed. The list goes on and on and on.
Thousands of DUIs are arrested during the holiday season, and if you have been caught up in this big, broad net, sometimes you make mistakes. Sometimes, they don't do things right.
Sometimes, your blood alcohol level is low. Get an attorney no matter what, even if it's not me; get somebody who knows what they're doing, having been down this road before, can do damage control for you and get you out of the criminal justice system as fast as possible and protect your rights, your freedom, your reputation, your driving record, and your criminal record.
