Van Nuys DUI Lawyer
Defending Van Nuys & Los Angeles County Against DUI Charges Since 1994
California law makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. A DUI charge is serious from the moment of arrest, not just at conviction, and the decisions you make in the hours and days after a stop can affect the outcome of your case. If you’ve been pulled over or arrested for drunk driving, speaking with a Van Nuys DUI attorney as quickly as possible is important.
At Law Offices of Scott R. Spindel, we’ve focused on criminal defense and DUI defense since 1994. Attorney Spindel has achieved dismissals and charge reductions in Los Angeles County and throughout Southern California. Clients work directly with Scott Spindel at every stage of their case. We don’t hand off to junior associates. Scott Spindel is a member of the California DUI Lawyers Association and the National College for DUI Defense, and he consistently attends DUI and criminal law conferences nationwide to stay current on defense strategies and legal developments.
Accused of drunk driving in Los Angeles County? Call Law Offices of Scott R. Spindel at (818) 797-9212 for a free initial case evaluation. We accept collect calls 24 hours a day.
Should You Get a Lawyer for a First DUI?
A first-time DUI charge is not a minor matter. A first-offense misdemeanor DUI conviction in California can carry up to six months in jail, significant fines, license suspension, and mandatory DUI school. The collateral consequences reach further: a conviction on your record can affect employment, professional licensing, and other opportunities you haven’t anticipated. If you care about your driving privileges and want to try to keep a criminal conviction off your record, you need to contact a legal representative as soon as possible after a DUI arrest.
Possible consequences of a DUI conviction include:
- Expensive fines
- Jail time
- License suspension
- Mandatory DUI school
- Ignition interlock device (IID) requirement
- Effects on employment and professional licensing
Scott Spindel Is a Certified Instructor in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests
Attorney Scott Spindel is a Certified Instructor of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and is certified in the operation of the Alco-Sensor IV and the BAC DataMaster Breathalyzer. That training means he knows not only how these tests are supposed to be administered, but the many ways they can go wrong. When tests aren’t performed correctly, the evidence gathered may be challenged and potentially invalidated. Attorney Spindel can review the facts of your case, identify any defenses related to sobriety or chemical testing results, and advocate for dismissal or a reduction of charges.
How to Request a DMV Hearing After a DUI Arrest
When an officer pulls over a driver for drunk driving in Los Angeles County, the driver’s license is taken and forwarded to the DMV along with a copy of the revocation form or notice of suspension. To fight the suspension, the driver may request an administrative hearing with the DMV.
The window to act is short: the driver has only 10 days from the date of receipt of the order to contact the DMV. Missing that deadline can mean losing your driving privileges for up to one year on a first offense. A subsequent offense within a 10-year period could result in a revocation of up to three years. Contacting a Van Nuys DUI attorney immediately after an arrest can help you take steps to protect your license before that window closes.
Speak with a Van Nuys DUI Attorney Today
Facing a DUI charge in Los Angeles County is serious from the moment of arrest. The sooner you have skilled representation, the more options may be available to you, whether that means challenging the evidence, requesting a DMV hearing before the 10-day deadline, or negotiating for reduced charges. At Law Offices of Scott R. Spindel, you work directly with Scott Spindel from your first call through the resolution of your case.
We offer free initial case evaluations and accept collect calls 24 hours a day. Call (818) 797-9212 to get started.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 818-797-9212 today!
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Is a DUI a Felony in California?
Typically, a DUI is considered a misdemeanor offense in California. However, if you have at least three prior DUI convictions within the last 10 years, a fourth offense will be charged as a felony.
Additionally, you could be charged with a felony DUI if you have been previously convicted of a felony DUI, your DUI caused an accident that resulted in serious injuries, or your DUI caused another person’s death. Remember, the 10-year lookback period does not apply to felony DUIs.
At the Law Offices of Scott R. Spinel, our Los Angeles County DUI attorney will do whatever it takes to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor or the penalties associated with a felony DUI, or even get your entire case dismissed.
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Should I Agree to Take a Chemical Test? What Happens If I Refuse?
Under California law, you must submit to a chemical test if the officer believes you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you refuse the test, you may have your license suspended for up to one year and could face other penalties.
Our office specializes in DUI cases and can develop a defense strategy on your behalf to minimize or drop all charges. No matter how overwhelming the evidence may seem, we are here to help.
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What Will Happen to My License?Your privilege to drive may be suspended or revoked, depending on the circumstances surrounding your case. When you hire our firm to represent you, we'll do everything in our power to fight for your license and driving privileges.
Put Scott Spindel On Your Side
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Providing the Personalized Attention Your Case Deserves
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Available 24/7/365 to Handle All Your Needs
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Impressive Track Record of Victories
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Nationally Trained Instructor in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests
