Arrested for DUI in Van Nuys?
Berglund Law Office, P.C. is a law firm that specializes in defending persons arrested for Driving Under the Influence. DUI Attorney Robert D. Berglund vigorously represents his clients to ensure that they are treated fairly under the law and receive the best possible outcome in their cases. CONTACT our office today if you have been arrested for DUI and are facing criminal charges at the Van Nuys Courthouse.
DUI Patrols in Van Nuys
The Los Angeles Police Department has jurisdiction and, along with the California Highway Patrol, are always on the lookout for DUI drivers, both on the Van Nuys city streets and the 405 freeway. DUI saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints are frequently conducted in Van Nuys, with LAPD's Community Police Station located on Sylmar Avenue in the heart of Van Nuys. Checkpoints are frequently conducted along Van Nuys Blvd. and other main streets, including Sepulveda and Victory. A major benefit of DUI checkpoints is the deterrent effect it has on those who might drive drunk or drugged, bringing about more awareness and encouraging people to use rideshare drivers, taxis, or public transportation.
DUI is a Criminal Offense
Do not mistake a DUI for an ordinary traffic violation. Misdemeanor DUI arrest reports from Van Nuys are forwarded to the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office for criminal prosecution. Felony DUI arrest reports are forwarded to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. If your BAC test result was .08 or greater, you will be charged with both Sections 23152(a) and 23152(b) of the Vehicle Code. If you need a Van Nuys DUI lawyer to defend you against DUI charges, CONTACT our office today.
10 Days to Request DMV Hearing
DUI is a criminal offense, not to be mistaken with a traffic violation such as speeding or running a red light. If you were arrested on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence of alcohol in Van Nuys, the LAPD or other law enforcement officers likely confiscated your driver's license and issued a pink "temporary" license that is good for 30 days. However, you only have 10 days from the arrest date to request a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing from the DMV Driver Safety Office. DMV APS hearings for Van Nuys DUI arrests are held at the Van Nuys branch office.
Automatic License Suspension if No Hearing
If you fail to request an APS hearing, your driver's license will automatically be suspended upon expiration of the temporary license. How long the license remains suspended will depend on whether you have prior DUI offenses and how many. An experienced Van Nuys DUI lawyer should be contacted as soon as possible following a DUI arrest to ensure that your driving privilege is protected.
Types of DUI Cases
You can be arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs, such as heroin and methamphetamine, and prescription drugs. Many people do not realize that you can still be arrested for DUI even if you have only used legal prescription medication. However, if law enforcement officers believe that your ability to drive has been impaired, it does not matter that the drugs were legally prescribed, a DUI investigation will be initiated. You can read more about this issue on our website (DUI Prescription Drugs). If you were observed driving recklessly, got into an accident, fail to perform well on the field sobriety tests, or show other signs of impairment, you will be placed under arrest for DUI.
Van Nuys DUI Defenses
The possible defenses to the charges vary depending on the type of case and the specific circumstances. In addition to listening to your recollection of the events of the incident, a good DUI Lawyer will thoroughly review the police report, review any and all available audio or video of the investigation and arrest (most LAPD cars have dash cams and many officers are wearing body cameras), request all items of evidence that the prosecuting agency, either the Los Angeles City Attorney or Los Angeles County District Attorney, will use against you, and consult with an expert to review breath and/or blood analysis records. DUI Lawyer Robert D. Berglund works with his clients to develop a customized "game plan" to defend them against DUI charges.
Criminal Charges Filed at Van Nuys Courthouse
If you are arrested for a DUI in Van Nuys, a criminal complaint will likely be filed against you unless the prosecutor determines there is insufficient evidence to pursue the case. A DUI conviction can significantly impact various aspects of life, including employment opportunities, financial stability, child custody arrangements, and personal freedom. DUI cases, whether misdemeanors or felonies, are typically filed at the Van Nuys Courthouse, with misdemeanor arraignments taking place in Department 101 and felony arraignments in Department 100. Judges at this courthouse are known for their strict approach, often requiring mandatory attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings as a condition of release and setting bail for individuals facing second or third DUI charges. It's crucial to avoid going to court alone or attempting to represent yourself. Additionally, you should not assume that pleading guilty is your only option.
Zero Tolerance for DUI Drivers
Prosecutors are aggressively seeking to convict and punish alleged DUI offenders following the recent tragic death of a mother of three in nearby North Hills. She was standing outside her vehicle when she was struck by a car driven by a person who was DUI. There have been numerous fatal DUI accidents in the Van Nuys area this year and, as a result, both the Los Angeles City Attorney and Los Angeles County District Attorney offices are committed to aggressively prosecuting DUI offenders.
Dedicated Van Nuys DUI Defense Lawyer
Van Nuys is located in the central San Fernando Valley in the City of Los Angeles. The Metro Orange Line runs through Van Nuys and provides access for Valley residents to reach locations throughout the Valley and into the city. The main government offices for the San Fernando Valley are located in the Van Nuys Government Center on Van Nuys Boulevard. Although no major airlines fly into it, the Van Nuys Airport is popular among celebrities and politicians as they can maintain privacy traveling to and from the Los Angeles area.
If you have been arrested for DUI, CONTACT a skilled Van Nuys DUI lawyer today. DUI Attorney Robert D. Berglund will personally speak with you about what happened. He will ask you to tell him your story and explain exactly what happened, understanding that each and every DUI case is unique in its own way. This information will allow him to evaluate your case carefully and look for any problems of proof that the prosecution may have in proving its DUI case against you. Do not delay if you are facing DUI charges at the Van Nuys Courthouse, CONTACT our office today for a free and confidential consultation.