If you were arrested after a DUI-related accident in Los Angeles your situation is far more serious than a standard DUI charge. Prosecutors treat these cases aggressively and if you do not act fast then you could face jail time or a suspended license and a criminal record that follows you for life.
This is not just about whether you had a drink. It is about whether you were behind the wheel when someone was hurt or property was damaged. That single detail changes everything. You are no longer just fighting for your license. You are fighting for your freedom, your reputation and your future.
DUI Accidents Are Prosecuted Differently in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, most first-time DUI cases without an accident are filed as misdemeanors. Many clients are released without posting bail and may only face fines, DUI school and probation. However, the moment an accident is involved then even one without injuries prosecutors begin treating the case very differently.
Under California Vehicle Code section 23578 the court is allowed to enhance penalties when your blood alcohol level is 0.15 or higher or if you refused chemical testing. When there is an accident on top of that then prosecutors often push for higher penalties or even for a first offense. If someone was injured then you could be charged with DUI causing injury under VC 23153 which is a wobbler meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. That means jail or even prison is on the table. A conviction can result in long-term probation, license suspension, restitution, mandatory alcohol programs and a permanent criminal record.
What a DUI Accident Attorney Actually Does for You
When you hire an experienced DUI accident attorney their job is not just to show up in court. Their job is to build a defense that protects everything you care about. That includes your driver’s license, your career, and your future. Here is what we do from day one:
We start by requesting the police report and bodycam footage to challenge the officer’s version of events. We investigate the cause of the accident because in many cases the other driver may have contributed to the crash. We examine whether the field sobriety tests were administered correctly and whether your chemical test was flawed due to faulty calibration or medical conditions. We represent you at the DMV hearing to protect your license which must be requested within 10 days of your arrest or you lose that right and we negotiate aggressively with prosecutors because we know the pressure points that matter most in Los Angeles courts.
Real Case Result: DUI Accident with Felony Charges Reduced
Location – Downey Court – People v. M.G.
Case Details – Client arrested for felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter after being involved in a fatal collision with a pedestrian.
Case Outcome– After the investigation determined the victim was most likely attempting suicide by intentionally walking into heavy freeway traffic, we were able to negotiate a plea agreement resulting in the dismissal of all felony charges in exchange for a plea to a standard VC 23152(b) misdemeanor DUI with 3 months of DUI classes, 3 years summary probation, and no jail time or felony record. In addition, we also prevailed in the DMV hearing, which resulted in a set aside of the DMV driver’s license suspension.
These are the kinds of results that are only possible with DUI attorneys who have the time, skill and experience to fight for you and not just process your case.
The Risks of Facing a DUI Accident Charge Alone
Public defenders do important work but they are overloaded and cannot represent you at your DMV hearing. Most will not have time to challenge the technical aspects of your case or fight aggressively for reduced charges. If your case involves an accident, high BAC, prior DUIs or professional license concerns then you cannot afford a generic defense.
You also cannot afford to wait because evidence in DUI accident cases can disappear within days. Surveillance footage, dashcam recordings, 911 calls, witness contact information these are often lost if not secured early. An experienced DUI accident lawyer in Los Angeles will know how to act quickly and preserve every piece of evidence that could protect you.
Penalties for DUI with Accident in Los Angeles
Even without injury, a DUI with an accident can carry severe penalties. You may face:
- Up to 1 year in LA County Jail
- Up to 5 years of informal probation
- A fine of up to $1,000 plus penalty assessments
- Restitution for property damage or injuries
- Mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device
- Completion of a hospital and morgue (HAM) program
- MADD Victim Impact Panel attendance
- 3 to 9 months of DUI education classes
- 6-month driver’s license suspension or restriction
And if injury is involved, the penalties increase sharply. Misdemeanor charges can carry up to one year in jail and felony charges can lead to state prison.
Why Having a DUI Accident Lawyer Early Changes Everything
The ten-day DMV deadline starts the moment you are arrested. If you miss it, your license will be suspended automatically and if you wait to hire a lawyer, you risk losing access to time-sensitive evidence, missing court deadlines or entering a plea before understanding your options.
A good DUI accident attorney does more than just delay the process. They build your defense from day one and take the pressure off your shoulders. They handle the court and DMV while you focus on protecting your job and family and they give you the clarity and strategy you need to move forward.
How Much Does a DUI Accident Attorney Cost in Los Angeles?
The cost depends on your case’s complexity and whether injuries were involved, your blood alcohol level and whether you have prior offenses. Most first-time accident DUI cases with no injury range between $4,000 to $10,000. More complex or felony DUI cases can exceed $15,000. The question is not just the cost. It is the value you get in return.
A weak defense can cost far more in the long run with license loss, career damage, and a permanent criminal record. At Sitkoff Law group every client receives personal representation by a senior attorney with over 30 years of experience in Los Angeles courts. This is not just about a traffic offense. It is about your future. If you are facing a DUI accident charge then the time to act is now. Book a free consultation now!