If you were arrested and the police took you to the police station, you've already been to jail, and it's just a matter of how long they held you.

After your arrest, you may be held for several hours or released relatively quickly, depending on your blood alcohol level. The current situation with the Coronavirus has also led to limited space in jails, which may affect the duration of your stay. Once you're out, you may be wondering about the next steps in the legal process. This is where I can help.

The following questions will be: once you get out of jail, I'm sure you had a horrible experience in prison, having your liberty taken away.  It's dirty.

Other people there are probably charged with more severe crimes than DUIs, so you want to make sure that you don't go back.

One big key is, is this your first offense? If it is, you have a good chance of not going back as long as nobody was hurt during your DUI arrest.

One of my biggest goals, especially for first offenders, is to protect their records and try to keep them out of jail in the future.

Once they get that taste of jail, most people hate it so much they never want to go back. This is a sentiment often expressed in my office at the first meeting — a plea to avoid returning to jail in Los Angeles County. It's a relief to know that with the right legal representation, you can steer clear of this experience and feel reassured about your future.

And you haven't even tasted the worst part of the jail.  You've just been held in probably a local police station.  Los Angeles County jail is much worse because:

• much more hardened criminals;
• much dirtier;
• much more likely to catch a virus like the Coronavirus.

Factors That Determine Jail Time on a DUI

So, it's crucial to set up a meeting immediately.  Let's sit down, discuss your case, and devise a game plan. This proactive approach will help you take control of your situation, avoid the possibility of going back to jail, and feel empowered in your legal defense.

Another factor that will determine whether you go to jail and whether somebody was injured is how many prior DUIs you have.

Your prior DUI record is a significant factor in determining your jail time. If you have no prior DUIs, your situation is more favorable. However, if you have prior DUIs, you're likely to face more severe consequences, including potential jail time. This is why it's crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

In Los Angeles County, for a DUI, if it's a second offense, it's a mandatory minimum of 96 hours in jail.  So, that's four days in prison.

So, if you weren't held for four days, you were only fit for four hours. For example, you still have some time left to do if you're convicted of a DUI.  That's a minimum, by the way, up to a year on a second offense.  So, 96 hours to a year.

Third and Fourth Time DUI in California

On a third offense, the jail time jacks up considerably more.  A minimum of 120 days up to a maximum of a year, and if you're still on probation for the first or second, that's additional time that can be tacked onto the back of your sentence.

And for a fourth offense, you're looking at going to prison.  For a felony DUI in Los Angeles County, the high-term felony DUI in Los Angeles County is three years in jail.  Plus, if you're on probation, they can add additional time.

You start to get the idea that DUIs in Los Angeles are taken very seriously. Mothers Against Drunk Driving has a lot of political power, which underscores the gravity of the situation and makes you fully aware of the consequences, instilling a sense of seriousness about the issue.

Judges, prosecutors, and police pressure them to prosecute, convict, and punish those who continue to get DUIs in Los Angeles County.  There are hundreds of DUIs every month.

Criminal Defense For DUI Cases in Los Angeles

So, you've come to the right place.  I have a lot of experience dealing with DUIs.  I've defended thousands of them over a 26-year career. I am a seasoned DUI defense attorney with a deep understanding of the legal system and a strong track record of success.

My legal career began in the early 1990s when I worked for the prosecutors and a Superior Court Judge. This experience provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system, which I now use to defend my clients effectively.

My approach is to thoroughly investigate your case, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution's argument, and aggressively defend your rights.  We're only looking at your side.  We're looking to keep you out of jail and keep you out of prison. If you've got a DUI, pick up the phone.  Ask for a meeting with Ron Hedding.  I stand at the ready to help you.