Los Angeles Driving Offenses Defense: Experienced Attorneys for All DUI and Traffic Crimes at Rogers | Beltran LLP

Facing driving offense charges in Los Angeles, including DUI and other serious traffic crimes, can lead to severe consequences, such as jail or prison time, substantial fines, license suspension, and a criminal record that impacts your employment and driving privileges. At Rogers | Beltran LLP, our experienced Los Angeles driving offenses defense attorneys regularly defend clients against all misdemeanor and felony driving offenses, including DUI, hit and run with injury, reckless driving, exhibition of speed, speed contest, driving on a suspended license, evading a peace officer, and more. With our deep expertise in California’s Vehicle Code and DUI laws, we fight aggressively to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome. Below, we explain common driving offense charges, what the prosecution must prove, effective defenses, potential penalties, and why you need our skilled legal team to navigate these complex cases.

Common Misdemeanor and Felony Driving Offenses in California

California’s Vehicle Code imposes strict penalties for driving-related crimes, and Los Angeles prosecutors pursue these cases vigorously. At Rogers | Beltran LLP, we handle all misdemeanor and felony driving offenses, including but not limited to the following:

1. DUI (Driving Under the Influence, VC § 23152)

Description: Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol (BAC of 0.08% or higher) or drugs, or with a measurable amount of a controlled substance.
Key Factors: A misdemeanor for first-time offenses; can be a felony with prior DUIs or aggravating factors like injury (VC § 23153).

2. Hit and Run with Injury (VC § 20001)

Description: Fleeing the scene of an accident causing injury or death without stopping to provide information or render aid.
Key Factors: A felony; misdemeanor hit and run (VC § 20002, property damage only) is excluded as an infraction or minor offense.

3. Reckless Driving (VC § 23103)

Description: Driving with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property (e.g., aggressive lane changes or excessive speeding).
Key Factors: A misdemeanor; can be a felony if it causes bodily injury (VC § 23104).

4. Exhibition of Speed (VC § 23109(c))

Description: Accelerating or driving to display speed or power (e.g., spinning tires or “burning out”).
Key Factors: A misdemeanor; often charged alongside speed contests.

5. Speed Contest (VC § 23109(a))

Description: Engaging in a race or speed contest on a public road or highway.
Key Factors: A misdemeanor; carries mandatory license suspension.

6. Driving on a Suspended License (VC § 14601)

Description: Operating a vehicle while your license is suspended or revoked (e.g., due to prior DUI or traffic violations).
Key Factors: A misdemeanor; penalties escalate with prior convictions.

7. Evading a Peace Officer (VC § 2800.1)

Description: Intentionally fleeing from law enforcement in a vehicle.
Key Factors: A misdemeanor; can be a felony (VC § 2800.2) if done with reckless driving.

8. All Other Misdemeanor and Felony Driving Offenses

Description: Our firm handles every serious driving offense, including vehicular manslaughter (PC § 192(c), excluding DUI-related cases), DUI causing injury (VC § 23153), and felony evading with willful disregard (VC § 2800.2).
Key Factors: We tailor defenses to each charge, ensuring comprehensive representation.

What the District Attorney Must Prove in Driving Offenses Cases

To secure a conviction for misdemeanor or felony driving offenses, the Los Angeles DA must prove specific elements beyond a reasonable doubt. Our attorneys at Rogers | Beltran LLP leverage these requirements to build robust defenses:

For DUI (VC § 23152):

Driving: You operated a vehicle.
Impairment: You were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or had a BAC of 0.08% or higher.
No Justification: Your actions were not legally excused.

For Hit and Run with Injury (VC § 20001):

Accident Involvement: You were involved in an accident causing injury or death.
Failure to Stop: You knowingly failed to stop, provide information, or render aid.
No Justification: You had no legal excuse for leaving.

For Reckless Driving (VC § 23103):

Driving: You operated a vehicle on a public road.
Willful Disregard: You drove with willful or wanton disregard for safety.
No Justification: Your actions were not legally justified.

For Exhibition of Speed (VC § 23109(c)):

Driving: You operated a vehicle.
Intent to Display: You intentionally exhibited speed or power.
Public Road: The act occurred on a public road or parking lot.

For Speed Contest (VC § 23109(a)):

Engagement in Race: You participated in a speed contest or race.
Public Road: The contest occurred on a public highway.
Intent: You intentionally engaged in the contest.

For Driving on a Suspended License (VC § 14601):

Driving: You operated a vehicle.
Suspended License: Your license was suspended or revoked.
Knowledge: You knew or should have known of the suspension.

For Evading a Peace Officer (VC § 2800.1):

Fleeing: You intentionally fled from a pursuing peace officer.
Knowledge: You knew you were being pursued.
No Justification: Your actions were not legally justified.

The DA relies on evidence like police reports, breathalyzer or blood test results (for DUI), dashcam footage, witness testimony, or DMV records. Our Los Angeles driving offenses attorneys at Rogers | Beltran LLP challenge this evidence to protect your rights.

Common Defenses to All Misdemeanor and Felony Driving Offenses in Los Angeles

Our experienced attorneys at Rogers | Beltran LLP employ tailored defenses to fight all misdemeanor and felony driving offenses, including:

Lack of Knowledge:
- If you were unaware of the offense (e.g., unaware your license was suspended or you caused an accident), you may not be guilty.
- Example: You didn’t know your license was suspended due to a DMV error.
No Intent:
- If you lacked intent to commit the offense (e.g., no intent to race in a speed contest or display speed), charges may be dismissed.
- Example: Your vehicle’s acceleration was unintentional, not an exhibition of speed.
False Allegations or Mistaken Identity:
- Charges may stem from misidentification or false claims.
- Example: A witness wrongly identified your vehicle in a hit and run.
Insufficient Evidence:
- The prosecution may lack evidence to prove key elements, such as impairment (DUI), willful disregard, or intent.
- Example: No reliable breathalyzer results confirm DUI.
Emergency or Necessity:
- If you acted to avoid immediate harm (e.g., evading an officer to escape danger), your actions may be justified.
- Example: You fled a scene to seek medical help for an injured passenger.
Procedural Errors:
- If police or DMV procedures were flawed (e.g., improper DUI testing or license suspension notice), charges may be challenged.
- Example: A breathalyzer was improperly calibrated, invalidating DUI evidence.

Our Los Angeles driving offenses defense lawyers thoroughly investigate your case to identify the most effective defense strategy for any DUI or traffic-related charge.

Potential Penalties for Misdemeanor and Felony Driving Offenses in California

Penalties for misdemeanor and felony driving offenses vary depending on the charge and your criminal history. As of July 20, 2025, potential consequences include:

Misdemeanor Driving Offenses

Jail Time:
- DUI (VC § 23152, first offense): Up to 6 months in county jail.
- Reckless Driving (VC § 23103): Up to 90 days in county jail.
- Exhibition of Speed (VC § 23109(c)): Up to 90 days in county jail.
- Speed Contest (VC § 23109(a)): Up to 90 days in county jail.
- Driving on a Suspended License (VC § 14601): Up to 6 months in county jail.
- Evading a Peace Officer (VC § 2800.1): Up to 1 year in county jail.
Fines:
- Up to $1,000 for most offenses (plus court fees).
- Up to $2,000 for DUI (first offense, including assessments).
Probation: Up to 3 years of informal probation, with conditions like DUI classes, community service, or ignition interlock devices.
License Suspension: Mandatory for DUI (6 months or more) and speed contests (up to 6 months); possible for other offenses.

Felony Driving Offenses

Prison Time:
- DUI with Injury (VC § 23153) or 4th+ DUI: 16 months, 2, or 3 years in state prison.
- Hit and Run with Injury (VC § 20001): 2, 3, or 4 years in state prison.
- Reckless Driving with Injury (VC § 23104): 16 months, 2, or 3 years in state prison.
- Evading with Reckless Driving (VC § 2800.2): 16 months, 2, or 3 years in state prison.
Fines: Up to $10,000 (plus fees).
Probation: Formal probation in some cases, with conditions like restitution or DUI programs.
Felony Record: Impacts employment, housing, and professional licenses.
Strike Offense: Felony charges (e.g., VC § 20001) may count as a “serious” felony under California’s Three Strikes Law.

Additional Consequences

License Suspension/Revocation: Extended suspensions for DUI (up to 4 years for felonies) or repeat offenses.
Immigration Consequences: Non-citizens may face deportation, especially for felony convictions.
Employment Challenges: A criminal record limits job opportunities, particularly for driving-related roles.
Civil Lawsuits: Victims may sue for damages (e.g., injuries from hit and run or DUI), increasing financial liability.

Why Choose Rogers | Beltran LLP for All DUI and Driving Offenses Defense?

At Rogers | Beltran LLP, we bring extensive experience defending clients against all misdemeanor and felony driving offenses in Los Angeles, including but not limited to:

DUI (VC § 23152, VC § 23153)
Hit and run with injury (VC § 20001)
Reckless driving (VC § 23103)
Exhibition of speed (VC § 23109(c))
Speed contest (VC § 23109(a))
Driving on a suspended license (VC § 14601)
Evading a peace officer (VC § 2800.1)

Our attorneys have a proven track record of securing dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable plea deals across the spectrum of driving offenses. We understand the complexities of California’s Vehicle Code and DUI laws, leveraging our expertise to challenge evidence, assert defenses like necessity or procedural errors, and protect your driving privileges and future. Our personalized, aggressive representation ensures the best possible outcome for your case.

What Else Should You Know About Driving Offenses in Los Angeles?

Driving offenses, including DUI, are aggressively prosecuted in Los Angeles due to the city’s high traffic volume and public safety concerns. Here are key details to understand:

The Driving Offenses Defense Process in Los Angeles

Investigation: Police investigate using traffic camera footage, breathalyzer or blood tests (for DUI), dashcam or bodycam footage, witness testimony, or DMV records, often involving traffic enforcement or DUI task forces.
Arrest and Booking: You may be arrested and held without bail for felonies (e.g., DUI with injury) or released on bail for misdemeanors.
Court Proceedings: Your case involves arraignment, pre-trial motions, and possibly a trial. Plea deals may reduce charges to lesser offenses like “wet reckless” (VC § 23103.5) for DUI.
Diversion Programs: For misdemeanor charges, judicial diversion (PC § 1001.95) may be available for first-time offenders, dismissing charges upon completion of conditions.

Why You Need a Los Angeles Driving Offenses Attorney

Navigating DUI and other driving offenses requires legal expertise due to complex laws and severe penalties. Our attorneys at Rogers | Beltran LLP can:

Challenge the prosecution’s evidence, such as faulty breathalyzer results or lack of intent, to seek dismissal or reduction.
Negotiate with the DA or DMV to minimize penalties or preserve your license.
Represent you in court and DMV hearings to protect your rights.
Mitigate impacts on your employment, driving privileges, or immigration status.

How to Protect Yourself After a Driving Offense Charge

Do Not Discuss the Case: Avoid talking about the incident with anyone except your attorney, as statements can be used against you.
Document Evidence: Keep records of accident details, witnesses, or DMV correspondence supporting your defense.
Hire an Attorney Immediately: Early intervention can lead to dismissed charges or reduced penalties.
Comply with Court Orders: Follow bail or citation conditions to avoid additional charges.

Los Angeles-Specific Considerations

Urban Context: Los Angeles’s congested roads (e.g., Downtown, Hollywood) and aggressive traffic enforcement, including DUI checkpoints, increase driving offense allegations.
Local Courts: Cases are heard in courts like the Los Angeles Superior Court, Van Nuys Courthouse, or Compton Courthouse, each with unique procedures.
Police Enforcement: LAPD uses advanced tools like dashcams, ALPR (Automated License Plate Readers), and DUI testing, which can be challenged for errors or bias.

Contact Rogers | Beltran LLP for Expert Defense Against All DUI and Driving Offenses in Los Angeles

No matter the driving offense you face, Rogers | Beltran LLP is here to help. Our skilled Los Angeles driving offenses attorneys have the expertise to defend against all misdemeanor and felony traffic charges, from DUI to hit and run and evading an officer. Visit www.rogersbeltran.com to learn how we can protect your future.

Call us today at (213) 900-9004 or fill out our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation. Let us fight for your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.