Los Angeles County requires the installation of an ignition interlock device in all DUI cases — even for first-time offenders.
If you’re arrested for driving under the influence in Los Angeles county, watch out! Thanks to a pilot program for Los Angeles, Alameda, Tulare and Sacramento counties, even first-time DUI offenders face even harsher consequences for DUI convictions — including the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID). That’s why you will need a seasoned Los Angeles County DUI attorney on your team if you have been charged with a DUI in this county.
Severity of Punishment Increases
The level of punishment that a DUI offender faces in Los Angeles County depends on whether it is a first-time, second-time, third-time or greater offense. Unlike most California counties, if you’re arrested for a DUI in Los Angeles County, you will be required to install an ignition interlock device for any level of offense. This makes the penalties for being convicted of a DUI here more severe than in other places.
For a first-time offense with no aggravating factors, a prosecutor may offer you a plea bargain with the following terms: three years of probation, a fine of approximately $390, plus penalties and other assessments, three months of DUI classes, suspended driver’s license and installation of an IID. For a second offense, each of these penalties increases, including up to five years of probation, fines and penalties of up to $2,000, mandatory DUI classes for 18 to 30 months, at least 96 hours to one year in county jail, license suspension and IID installation. For a third-time offense, you can expect probation of three to five years, fines and penalties of up to $2,500, DUI classes for 30 months, 120 days to one year in county jail, a driver’s license suspension for three years, community service, mandatory attendance at AA meetings and installation of an IID.
These potential penalties are what is typically offered by a prosecutor in Los Angeles County, but they could increase or decrease depending on the facts of your case. Alternatively, a judge may decide to impose a more strict sentence. Of course, if your Los Angeles County DUI attorney can present a strong defense to the DUI charge, it is possible that these potential penalties will be much lower. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible after your arrest is critical to your ability to fight the case — and possibly have the charges reduced or even dismissed.
Mandatory Ignition Interlock Devices
Los Angeles County is one of four California counties where an ignition interlock device, or IID, is mandatory for all DUI offenders. An IID is a mini-breathalyzer that is installed on the steering column of a car. If you are ordered to install one in your car, then you must breathe into the IID in order to start the car; if your breath sample is not alcohol-free, the car will not start. Once you are driving, the IID will request samples within 5 to 15 minutes after you start driving and then about every 45 minutes or so afterward. The cost of these devices is paid by the offenders, although if you cannot afford the cost (approximately $2.50 per day, plus installation and maintenance fees).
In Los Angeles County, IIDs are required for even first-time DUI offenses for a period of five months to one year. For additional offenses, the IID must be installed for a longer time, usually from one to three years. The additional cost and hassle of having an IID installed in your car makes it all the more important that you have a skilled Los Angeles County DUI attorney representing you.
Contact the Chambers Law Firm today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to learn how we can help defend you against DUI charges in Los Angeles County. We offer free initial consultations, where we will analyze your case and determine if there are any factual or legal defenses to the charge. Our lawyers have significant experience in defending Californians on DUI charges — and we will fight hard to protect your rights and freedom!
