310-848-1376
3460 Wilshire Boulevard #410F Los Angeles, CA 90010

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Over 30 Years DefendingCriminal & DUI Cases

310 -848 -1376

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AVVO Client's Choice Rating for Los Angeles DUI Attorney AVVO 10.0 Rating for Los Angeles DUI Attorney 25 years of excellence Los Angeles DUI Lawyer Reviews Vice President of California DUI Lawyers Association

LOS ANGELES DUI LAWYER

It is crucial to take driving under the influence, abbreviated as DUI, charges seriously. Once you are arrested and charged, the type of legal representation you seek can change your life forever. You could face jail time, fines, and loss of driving privileges after a DUI conviction. A DUI conviction could also affect your employment and future employment opportunities. You need guidance navigating the complex legal system. Seeking legal advice from an experienced and dedicated DUI defense law firm will make the difference in whether you can safeguard your rights when facing prosecution.

At the Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we pride ourselves on providing quality, aggressive defense to people facing DUI charges throughout Los Angeles. For decades, our legal team has prided itself on achieving favorable results for defendants whose legal rights have been violated by law enforcement. Despite offering an exceptional DUI defense, our legal services are affordable. With our professional advice, you will be at peace knowing that our attorneys will do everything efficiently. Our attorneys will work round-the-clock to protect your legal rights and secure a favorable resolution to your DUI case.

We understand that the people who come to us are good people facing difficult circumstances and challenges. We do not push criminal cases to trial to move forward, nor do we treat our clients like numbers or anonymous, faceless cases. Instead, we take the time to understand you and your legal goals, listen to your concerns, and answer your questions.

We believe in personal, one-on-one interaction with clients. Therefore, we will allow you to understand your legal options. We know that every case is unique. Our attorneys do not adopt a one-size-fits-all approach when handling DUI cases. Instead, we treat each case diligently, professionally, and carefully. Our close attorney-client relationship and results-oriented approach help develop the most suitable legal defenses and strategies.

About Jonathan Franklin

Many words could describe Jonathan Franklin - knowledgeable, tenacious, friendly, charismatic- but above all, he is a person who cares. He realizes that being a good trial lawyer requires two crucial skills: client-centeredness and persistent advocacy. Jonathan sees every customer as an individual, not a file, and gives them all the attention necessary to process their files.

You can expect him to be by your side throughout your criminal case. Our customers are Jonathan Franklin's top priority. When your freedom is on the line, one mistake can derail your life of hard work and career growth. A DUI conviction also has far-reaching consequences that could affect you for years to come. Finding employment and housing can be tricky when you have a conviction. As a proven Los Angeles DUI defense attorney, Jonathan Franklin is dedicated to you, your present, and your future.

Defendants and their relatives often ask Jonathan Franklin whether he has what it takes to handle their DUI cases. Then, at the same time, they ask rhetorical questions about whether they need a competent lawyer. Jonathan firmly assures them that they need a professional, qualified, friendly, and compassionate lawyer because that is how he handles all his clients.

He is considerate of the defendant and courteous to everyone, the jury, witnesses, and the prosecution team. Politeness and respect are still in fashion. He does not have to scream and yell to get what he wants. The words he chooses, the sound of his voice, and the power of his pen, backed by his legal experience and expertise, are enough.

Former Prosecutor Turned Criminal Defense Attorney

Jonathan graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He then attended Stetson University College of Law and received his law degree. Jonathan actively worked as a Special Assistant Public Defender during his study period. He then served as an assistant prosecutor, gaining vast experience prosecuting different crimes. However, his passion is criminal defense, and he understands the pain of defendants and the complexities of criminal law.

He opened a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer. We are a private law firm that provides personal, honest, and intelligent services to driving under the influence (DUI) defendants. We offer many options to clients seeking legal representation. We take pride in the fact that only a small percentage of attorneys in California have Jonathan Franklin's unique level of insight and experience.

As a former prosecutor with many years of legal experience, he understands "the other side" well. The former prosecutor prosecuted countless drunk driving cases. Jonathan understands the tricks and tactics prosecutors use to build cases because he has used them in the past. He can accurately predict their plans and strategies before implementing them and consider different options to achieve favorable results.

His experience as a former prosecutor enables Franklin to understand that when a prosecutor is focused and intent on bringing criminal charges, they will turn a blind eye to matters that could jeopardize a case against a DUI defendant. This insight helps him recognize the weaknesses of the prosecution and police teams. He exploits his inside knowledge for the benefit of his clients.

He regularly works in courtrooms in California. Franklin has established positive professional relationships and a strong reputation with judges, prosecutors, and other criminal defense attorneys. They understand he has experience on both sides of a legal proceeding and do not want to question his skills.

Our Promise To Every Client Facing DUI Charges

We carefully examine all the evidence and request that the prosecutor turn over all available evidence. Our team of DUI attorneys begins work immediately to identify and preserve crucial evidence that will come in handy in your defense. We work with our clients at every stage of the case to develop an effective defense strategy. We regularly update customers on a case's progress and are always ready to answer your questions.

We have handled all types of criminal charges and gained insight into how prosecutors prosecute each type of crime. We use this knowledge to help our clients avoid jail or hefty fines. When tensions are high, and customers worry about their future, we listen with compassion and let them understand our defense strategy to solve the problem. We work tirelessly to defend your case and to show prosecutors that you are more than just another figure on the court's agenda.

Prosecutors and courts often try to intimidate or scare clients into pleading guilty at the first hearing and threaten harsher punishment if they do not plead guilty. We have a solid reputation for winning high-profile DUI cases in many California courts.

We have the necessary expertise and experience to fight and achieve favorable outcomes, even in the most complex DUI cases. Our clients contact us in need of help handling all types of cases, ranging from very serious to minor crimes. We employ private investigators to collect valuable evidence that can make the difference between winning and losing your DUI case.

What Makes Los Angeles DUI Lawyers Stand Out

In addition to years of combined experience, other factors differentiate Los Angeles DUI Lawyers from other DUI law firms in Los Angeles. We firmly believe that a strong defense does not begin in the courtroom. Legal defense commences soon after you face charges, so we offer free case evaluations.

Most experienced law firms offer a free initial consultation. What they do not tell you, however, is that you will be meeting with a case manager, not the attorney handling your criminal case. The legal professional will then supervise the case manager and not perform in-depth work on your case. Our qualified attorneys handle cases clearly and are actively involved at all stages. We only authorize qualified people to work on a case. When you contact us, we will connect you with a legal professional who will take the time to understand your case and your legal goals and provide you with updates on the case.

We Take Time To Understand Your Needs

To help us understand your legal goals, we will ask you questions like:

  • Would you like to avoid detention and fines?
  • Would you like to keep your files clean?
  • Do you seek to solve the problem quickly?

We can provide you with help and advice tailored to your specific situation throughout your criminal case. Call us today at 310-848-1376 to gain more insight about our services and the help we can provide you. We offer a unique combination of trial experience and legal knowledge. Most clients want the best outcome for their cases but prefer to settle them out of court.

If we can save you a ton of money and time and get you the best results without a trial, then that is the route we will take. Unfortunately, this is only sometimes true. Most cases are resolved in court. With this in mind, your DUI case is on track with us on your side, whether the case proceeds to trial. We understand the litigation process and do not hesitate to attend trials.

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Client Focused And Result Oriented

We know exactly how the prosecutor will handle your case and seek a DUI conviction. We use our in-depth knowledge of the prosecutor's weaknesses and vulnerabilities to achieve the best, ordinarily unattainable results. We are results-driven and customer-focused. In the legal industry, winning is essential. We take pride in delivering consistent, favorable outcomes for our clients' cases. We will do everything possible to achieve a good outcome for your DUI case. Your case will not be completed until we have reached the best possible result.

We protect your driving privileges. A DUI charge can result in a long-term license suspension, even for a first DUI. We have what it takes to negotiate to reinstate your driver's license and keep you on the road. No matter how complicated your DUI case is, we aggressively fight DMV lawsuits to protect your driver's license. If you want to prevent DMV suspensions, it is essential to act quickly so as not to miss the hearing request deadline. When you fail to book a DMV hearing, the Department of Motor Vehicles will automatically suspend your driver's license.

Established relationships are necessary to access the best outcomes in the DUI court. Our relationship with the judges, prosecutors, and prosecutor's office supervisors is an incredible tool we use to achieve the results our clients deserve. Over time, we have earned the judges' respect and trust; they understand that what we say is true and will back it up with action to protect our customers. When we identify flaws in the prosecutor's evidence, they often lower their cards, knowing that we will fight the case vigorously to show how law enforcement mishandled the incident.

We handle all the paperwork for you. In misdemeanor DUI cases, we often appear in court on behalf of our clients. Having our lawyers attend court sessions on your behalf means that you can focus on what matters most to you. We notify our clients when the trial ends and let them know what happens next. In DUI cases where clients must appear in court, we will be on your side, answer the court's questions, and support you.

Helping You Beat Your DUI
 

The primary thing you want from a DUI attorney is to win your case or have your DUI charges reduced. A "win" could mean several things. It could involve reducing your charges to a much less severe level. This could save you thousands of dollars in fines or provide an alternative to jail time so you do not lose your job. In the best-case scenario, a win could mean the fees are waived, and you are free. Regardless of the details of your case, an attorney's job is to improve the outcome. This is why the right attorney makes a big difference. Our attorneys will fight aggressively for you. They understand DUI laws better, including how to choose an effective strategy for you.

Our DUI attorneys will defend your case as if it were theirs on trial. When an attorney truly cares about a case, it can make a difference. Walk into any courtroom, and you will see the same story: DUI defendants are convicted one after another. Most of these defendants went for the cheapest attorney they could find. These attorneys stood beside them as they received their sentences. Their attorney probably asked them to plead guilty, and now they face fines, jail time, higher car insurance, impounded vehicles, and even the risk of being fired from their jobs. This is the cost of not finding the right lawyers for the job. You deserve the best outcome and peace of mind. With our attorneys, you have a chance to beat your DUI.

Your attorney must move you from a position of weakness and doubt to a position of strength. The attorney must explain each recommendation they make and why it benefits you. Above all, an attorney must know what they are doing and help you achieve the best results possible. The sooner you talk to a reliable attorney, the more you can enhance a favorable outcome for your case.

DUI cases progress fast, and the outcomes are permanent. All the attorneys we work with have one thing in common: they have vast experience in handling drunk driving and related cases. For some lawyers, DUI is a side job. They understand the laws regarding drunk driving, but how often can they convince the prosecutor to drop the case? Do they know the local judge, including what the judge thinks about DUIs? Do they know the officers who made the arrest, and do they know anyone with a reputation? When attorneys focus on DUI law, they do so for a reason. That is because they see how strict California's drunk driving laws have become - too harsh on criminals. You should have an attorney passionate about fighting your case.

California DUI Laws

California VC 23152 outlines the offense of driving under the influence as driving. You could face charges under this statute if you operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. You are under the influence if your physical or mental abilities are so seriously impaired by a stimulant that you are unable to operate your car with the care expected of a sober driver under the circumstances.

The substance could be alcohol, prescription medication, or street drugs. Penalties for DUI vary depending on these factors: whether someone suffered injuries because of your actions and whether you are a repeat offender with a previous DUI offense on your record. Although most drunk driving offenses are misdemeanors, a DUI can be a felony if someone suffers injuries, you have a prior drunk driving conviction, or you have at least three convictions for drunk driving within the review period. The look-back period for DUI offenses in California is ten years.

When the police arrest you for a DUI in California, you have ten days to request a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles, abbreviated as DMV. The DMV hearing delays the license suspension until the administrative hearing is resolved. This can sometimes result in revocation of the license suspension. If you request our legal services before the ten days are over, we can request a DMV hearing and represent you during the hearing.

First-time DUI Offense

If you face a DUI conviction for the first time, the offense will be a misdemeanor with the following possible penalties:

  • Probation up to five years.
  • Six months in jail.
  • Up to one thousand dollars in fines.
  • Enroll in a drug and alcohol education program for up to nine months.
  • The judge could order you to install an interlock device ignition for six months to continue driving privileges.

Second-time DUI Offense

The potential consequences for a second DUI offense within a ten-year look-back period include the following:

  • Summary 5 years of probation.
  • Up to one year in jail.
  • Fines ranging from $390 to $1,000.
  • Attend and complete a three-month DUI course.
  • IID installation is required for a year; with an IID, you can drive to any place without restrictions.

Otherwise, the hearing officer suspends your driver's license for two years.

Third DUI Third Offense DUI

A third-time DUI crime within a ten-year look-back period is also a misdemeanor offense punishable by the following penalties:

  • Up to five (5) years of informal probation.
  • Enroll in and complete thirty months of DUI school.
  • Fine up to one thousand dollars.
  • One year in prison and an IID for two (2) years.
  • DMV designation as a habitual traffic violator.

DUI-Causing Injury

Under California law, prosecutors must prove the following, beyond a reasonable doubt, to successfully convict you of drunk driving causing injury:

  • You were driving the vehicle, while you were driving a vehicle.
  • You were under the influence of alcohol or drugs/or alcohol and drugs.
  • While you were driving while intoxicated, you were also committed an unlawful act/or neglected to perform a legal duty.
  • Your unlawful act/or failure to comply with a legal duty caused another person to sustain bodily injury.

For purposes of this law, "driving while intoxicated" can mean any of the following:

  • Driving under the influence under VC 23152(a).
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more under VC 23152(b).
  • Operating a vehicle under the influence under VC 23152(f).

Additionally, you are considered to be under the influence if, because of alcohol and/or drug use, your physical ability is impaired. Severe impairment means that you can no longer drive with the care of a sober person or exercise ordinary care under similar circumstances.

DUI causing injury is a wobbler offense, chargeable as a felony or misdemeanor. As a misdemeanor, the potential penalties for the offense are:

  • Informal probation for three to five years.
  • A jail time of one year in a county jail.
  • A fine not exceeding $30,000.
  • 30 months of DUI school.
  • A compulsory IID installation for six months.
  • A maximum fine of $5,000.
  • Paying restitution to the victim.

If charged as a felony, the offense is punishable by:

  • Up to 30 months of DUI Schools.
  • Fines of up to $5,000.
  • A strike on your record under the California Three Strikes law.
  • Imprisonment ranges from sixteen months to ten years in state prison; you could face a consecutive 1-6 year imprisonment, depending on the number of victims who sustain injuries and the extent of their injuries.
  • Restitution to the injured parties.
  • HTO status for three years.
  • Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.

Underage DUI

Vehicle Code 23136 is California's "zero tolerance" law against underage drivers. Under this law, it is a civil offense for a person under the age of 21 to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.01% or more. California's zero-tolerance law for persons under 21 years of age applies to all beverages that contain alcohol, not just alcoholic beverages. Even prescription drugs containing alcohol or products like mouthwash can subject an underage driver to charges under VC 23136.

VC 23136 will apply even if the driver's driving was not under the influence of alcohol. Underage drivers violate this law simply by having a measurable level of alcohol in their system. Violating VC 23136 is not an offense. The only penalty for violating California VC 23136 is a mandatory suspension of the driver's license.

The suspension period is one year for the first violation of California's zero-tolerance law for underage drinking and driving. A driver's license can be revoked for two or three years if the driver has a history of breaking California drunk driving laws.

Felony DUI

Driving while intoxicated with alcohol or drugs can be a felony in California in four circumstances:

  • DUI is your fourth offense in 10 years.
  • You have a previous felony conviction or DUI charge.
  • You caused an accident in which another person sustained injuries.
  • You caused a fatal accident.

Depending on the facts of your charges, these legal defenses have proven to be very effective in persuading prosecutors to dismiss felony DUI charges or reduce the charges to misdemeanors.

  • The police did not have reasonable suspicion to order a traffic stop or probable cause to arrest you.
  • The police failed to perform field sobriety tests appropriately.
  • Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was within the allowable limit, meaning it was below 0.08% or 0.04% if you are in a commercial vehicle or have passengers on board.
  • The police stopped you at an illegal alcohol checkpoint.
  • You have a medical condition, such as GERD, that causes the breathalyzer to give falsely high blood alcohol readings.

Aggravating Factors In DUI Cases

Driving while intoxicated is a serious offense under California law, as the state has strict laws against drunk driving. When a person drives while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, they face adverse penalties that can include fines, license revocation or suspension, probation, or jail time. Usually, some circumstances can increase the severity of the drunk driving offense, leading to harsher consequences. These are known as aggravating factors and can significantly impact the outcome of a California DUI case.

The following aggravating factors are common in DUIs in California:

DUI charges in California can have severe repercussions, and aggravating factors can worsen the situation. Prior DUI convictions, driving with a suspended license, harming a child, causing an accident or injuries, speeding excessively, resisting chemical testing, and reckless driving can all increase the severity of the crime and result in harsher punishments.

High blood alcohol concentration (BAC) 

One of the most typical aggravating factors in DUI cases is high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in the blood at the time of arrest. According to California DUI law, the legal limit for regular drivers is 0.08°C. Therefore, if a driver's blood alcohol level is significantly above the legal limit, it can result in harsher penalties. For repeat DUI offenders, high blood alcohol levels can lead to more severe consequences.

Accidents and Injuries

A DUI incident that involves an accident, especially one that results in injury or death, will attract more severe penalties. Drunk driving causing injury or intoxicated manslaughter is a crime in California and can carry a harsh prison sentence. Drivers can also be civilly liable for damages or deaths they cause.

Speeding

Combining a DUI with speeding could lead to severe consequences. This represents a violation of traffic rules and increases the risk of vehicle accidents and injuries to others on the road.

Refusal to submit to a chemical test

California has an implied consent law. This means that drivers must submit to a chemical test if they are legally arrested for impaired driving. Refusing to submit to the test can lead to an automatic suspension of your driver's license and more severe penalties if convicted of drunk driving.

Previous DUI convictions

If a person has a DUI conviction on their record, additional DUI offenses will be treated more harshly. The number of prior offenses can determine the severity of the punishment. Courts can impose a longer license suspension, higher fines, compulsory alcohol education programs, and, in some cases, a longer jail time for repeat DUI offenders.

Driving with a Suspended License

When the police arrest you for driving drunk while on a suspended license due to a previous drunk driving conviction, the penalty will increase significantly. The court considered this disregard for the law and public safety, attracting harsher sanctions.

 

Endangering children

Drunk driving with children under 14 years old in the car is an aggravating circumstance. A child's safety and health can be at risk in such a situation, making this violation especially serious. Therefore, the court can impose harsher sanctions to deter this irresponsible behavior.

Reckless Driving

Engaging in acts of reckless driving under the influence can be an aggravating factor. Driving recklessly is an intentional disregard for the safety of others and can result in more severe penalties.

High blood alcohol concentration (BAC) 

One of the most typical aggravating factors in DUI cases is high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in the blood at the time of arrest. According to California DUI law, the legal limit for regular drivers is 0.08°C. Therefore, if a driver's blood alcohol level is significantly above the legal limit, it can result in harsher penalties. For repeat DUI offenders, high blood alcohol levels can lead to more severe consequences.

Accidents and Injuries

A DUI incident that involves an accident, especially one that results in injury or death, will attract more severe penalties. Drunk driving causing injury or intoxicated manslaughter is a crime in California and can carry a harsh prison sentence. Drivers can also be civilly liable for damages or deaths they cause.

Speeding

Combining a DUI with speeding could lead to severe consequences. This represents a violation of traffic rules and increases the risk of vehicle accidents and injuries to others on the road.

Refusal to submit to a chemical test

California has an implied consent law. This means that drivers must submit to a chemical test if they are legally arrested for impaired driving. Refusing to submit to the test can lead to an automatic suspension of your driver's license and more severe penalties if convicted of drunk driving.

Previous DUI convictions

If a person has a DUI conviction on their record, additional DUI offenses will be treated more harshly. The number of prior offenses can determine the severity of the punishment. Courts can impose a longer license suspension, higher fines, compulsory alcohol education programs, and, in some cases, a longer jail time for repeat DUI offenders.

Driving with a Suspended License

When the police arrest you for driving drunk while on a suspended license due to a previous drunk driving conviction, the penalty will increase significantly. The court considered this disregard for the law and public safety, attracting harsher sanctions.

 

Endangering children

Drunk driving with children under 14 years old in the car is an aggravating circumstance. A child's safety and health can be at risk in such a situation, making this violation especially serious. Therefore, the court can impose harsher sanctions to deter this irresponsible behavior.

Reckless Driving

Engaging in acts of reckless driving under the influence can be an aggravating factor. Driving recklessly is an intentional disregard for the safety of others and can result in more severe penalties.

RESOURCES

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Case Review With Our Attention to Detail and Dedicated Defense Attorneys

If you have been arrested for drunk driving, you should contact an attorney right away. Getting solid legal assistance is crucial because the penalties for DUIs with aggravating elements are so harsh. A knowledgeable attorney can explain how the law applies to your case and advise you on the best action. An attorney will examine the facts of the case, identify any aggravating elements, and try to develop a good defense plan. They will also look into alternatives to typical sentencing, like rehabilitation programs or diversionary possibilities, to help mitigate the impact of a DUI conviction. For reliable legal representation, contact the Los Angeles DUI Lawyer. Call us at 310-848-1376 to speak to one of our attorneys.

LOS ANGELES DUI LAWYER

Contact us for a free consultation at the Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 310-848-1376. We represent clients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County and throughout the Southern California area.

Our offices are located in the historic Courtyard Building, conveniently located on Canon Drive in the heart of Beverly Hills. Complimentary two-hour parking is available next door.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.