Am I Facing Jail Time If I Am Accused Of A DUI Causing Injury In Los Angeles? (CVC 23153)
A violation of California Vehicle Code section 23153 occurs when a driver causes injury to another while driving under the influence. If you are charged with DUI causing injury, you may face jail time, fines, and a loss of your driving privilege.
If you have been charged with a DUI causing injury in Los Angeles, you need to call a Los Angeles Wallin & Klarich Attorney immediately. Hiring a Los Angeles Wallin & Klarich DUI Defense Attorney early in your case is the most effective way to protect you from a lengthy jail sentence.
Prosecuting a DUI Causing Injury Charge
To convict you of a DUI causing injury in Los Angeles, the prosecution must prove that:
- You were driving the vehicle
- You were under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or drug while driving
- You committed an illegal act or neglected to perform a legal duty; AND
- Another person was injured as a result of your actions
What does “driving under the influence” mean?
“Driving under the influence” means that the driver’s mental or physical abilities are so impaired that he or she is no longer able to drive a vehicle with the caution of a sober person, using ordinary care, as a result of drinking an alcoholic beverage, taking a drug, or a combination of both.
In California, it is illegal for you to drive a vehicle and commit an illegal act or neglect to perform a legal duty with blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08%. If your BAC was 0.08% or greater at the time of a chemical test performed within three hours of your driving, then it is presumed that you had a BAC over the legal limit at the time you were driving.
Sentencing for DUI Causing Injury in Los Angeles
The consequences for a DUI causing injury in Los Angeles can be severe. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could face either misdemeanor or felony charges. A misdemeanor conviction will result in imprisonment in county jail for up to one year. A felony conviction will result in imprisonment in county jail for up to three years.
If you caused bodily injury or death to more than one victim, you may receive an additional one year sentence for each additional victim. The court may impose up to three one year enhancements for your DUI causing injury conviction.
A conviction for DUI causing injury will also be punished by a fine of between $390 and $1,000. In reality, the total court fines and fees will cost you about $2,000. Furthermore, your driving privilege will be suspended for one year.
DUI Causing Injury Defense Attorney in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles DUI Defense Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have successfully defended DUI causing injury cases for over 30 years. Our Los Angeles DUI Defense Attorneys will help you defend your rights through every stage of the criminal process. We have offices in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Victorville, West Covina, Torrance, and Sherman Oaks. We will fight for your freedom and make sure that you receive the best possible outcome in your case.
Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245. We will get through this together.
