DUI Defense
A DUI arrest is not
a DUI conviction. Not yet.
Being arrested for DUI in Los Angeles triggers two simultaneous proceedings — the criminal case and the DMV administrative hearing. Both have strict deadlines. Both affect your freedom and your ability to drive. Both require experienced legal defense from day one.
Get Immediate DUI Defense HelpTwo Cases, One Arrest
What happens after a DUI arrest
in Los Angeles
The Criminal Case
The DA prosecutes the DUI charge in court. Penalties can include fines, probation, DUI school, and jail time. Multiple DUI convictions carry escalating consequences — and a felony DUI can result in state prison.
- First offense — fines, probation, DUI school
- Second offense — mandatory jail time
- Third offense — potential felony
- DUI with injury — serious felony charges
- Felony DUI — state prison exposure
The DMV APS Hearing — ACT WITHIN 10 DAYS
When you are arrested for DUI, the DMV initiates a separate Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing to suspend your license. You have only 10 days from arrest to request a hearing. Without a timely request, your license is automatically suspended 30 days after arrest — even if your criminal case is later dismissed.
The former prosecutor advantage in DUI cases
Sam Ahmadpour spent years as a prosecutor. He knows exactly how the DA evaluates DUI cases, what evidence they need to prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt, and — critically — where DUI prosecutions routinely fail.
Breathalyzer and blood test evidence is not infallible. Calibration records, testing protocols, blood draw procedures, chain of custody, and testing lab practices all provide grounds for challenge. Sam knows how to challenge this evidence because he once relied on it to prosecute.
Field sobriety tests are subjective. The officer's training, the test conditions, the administration of the tests, and the interpretation of results are all subject to challenge by an experienced defense attorney.
The stop itself may be illegal. If law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle, evidence obtained during the stop — including breathalyzer results — may be suppressible.
Discuss your case with SamProfessional Consequences
A DUI can do more than affect
your driving privileges.
For licensed professionals, a DUI conviction may trigger mandatory reporting obligations and professional licensing consequences alongside the criminal case.
Medical Professionals
Physicians, nurses, and pharmacists may be required to report DUI convictions to the Medical Board or their respective licensing agency. A DUI involving alcohol or drugs can trigger a fitness-for-duty investigation.
Attorneys
California attorneys have mandatory self-reporting obligations for criminal convictions to the State Bar. A DUI conviction must be reported and can trigger a professional conduct investigation.
Real Estate and Financial Professionals
DRE licensees and financial professionals may face license review following a DUI conviction involving moral turpitude determinations.
Commercial Drivers
CDL holders face automatic disqualification from commercial driving on a first DUI conviction under federal regulations — even if the arrest was in a personal vehicle.
Ahmadpour Law coordinates DUI defense with professional licensing protection simultaneously — so neither proceeding undermines the other. Learn more about criminal defense for licensed professionals →
Common Questions
Clear answers for an important decision.
Is the DMV proceeding separate from the criminal DUI case?
Yes. A California DUI arrest can create a DMV administrative matter as well as a criminal court case. The procedures and deadlines are different, so both should be evaluated promptly.
Does a DUI arrest mean I will be convicted?
No. An arrest is not a conviction. The evidence, testing procedures, driving facts, and legal issues must be reviewed in the individual case.
Can a DUI affect a professional license?
It can, depending on the profession, facts, conviction, and reporting rules. Licensed professionals should consider criminal and licensing consequences together.
These general answers are not legal advice. The facts, deadlines, and available options depend on the individual matter.
Speak With Sam Ahmadpour
10 days. One call.
Don't lose your license.
The DMV deadline runs from the day of arrest — not the day you decide to act. Call Sam Ahmadpour now for immediate DUI defense and DMV hearing representation.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation Or call directly: 424-226-7810