Skip to content 
DWI/DUI Legal Defense in Hollywood/Santa Monica, California
Expert Legal Representation from The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC
If you’re facing a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge in Hollywood/Santa Monica, California, you need to act quickly. These charges come with significant consequences, including potential jail time, fines, and a lasting criminal record. Whether it’s your first offense or a repeat charge, it’s crucial to have skilled legal representation to protect your rights and future. At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, we specialize in defending individuals against DWI and DUI charges throughout Hollywood/Santa Monica and surrounding areas. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to providing aggressive and strategic defense to minimize penalties and give you the best chance of success.
Understanding DWI/DUI Charges in Hollywood/Santa Monica, California
In Hollywood/Santa Monica, DUI and DWI charges are taken seriously, and the penalties can have a lasting impact on various aspects of your life. Convictions can lead to heavy fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education classes, and even jail time. Furthermore, a DUI conviction could remain on your permanent record, affecting your employment opportunities, insurance premiums, and more. At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, we are committed to defending you against DWI and DUI charges, providing the legal expertise needed to navigate the complexities of California’s driving laws and minimize the impact on your future.
Common DWI/DUI Charges and Potential Penalties in Hollywood/Santa Monica
Standard DUI (California Vehicle Code 23152)
A first-time DUI charge in Hollywood/Santa Monica, California, typically results in a misdemeanor offense. This can lead to a suspended driver’s license, fines, mandatory DUI education programs, and probation. Our attorneys work with you to explore all options for reducing or dismissing the charges.
DUI with a High BAC (California Vehicle Code 23152(b))
If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.15% or higher, you could face more severe penalties, including longer license suspension, larger fines, and possibly mandatory jail time. Our team can work to reduce the severity of these penalties through comprehensive legal defense strategies.
DUI with an Open Container (California Vehicle Code 23222)
If law enforcement finds an open alcohol container in your vehicle during a DUI stop, you could face enhanced penalties, including longer license suspension or mandatory community service, even if you are not legally intoxicated.
California DUI and BAC Limits
In California, the legal limit for BAC is 0.08% for adults 21 years and older. However, individuals under 21, commercial drivers, or those exhibiting signs of impaired driving can face DUI charges even with a BAC below 0.08%. At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, we carefully examine all aspects of your case, including BAC testing procedures and potential issues with evidence handling, to ensure that your rights were upheld during the investigation.
Legal Defenses to DWI/DUI Charges in Hollywood/Santa Monica
There are several possible defenses to DWI/DUI charges, and we utilize proven strategies to challenge the evidence against you. Common defenses include:
- Lack of Probable Cause for the Traffic Stop
If law enforcement did not have a legitimate reason to stop your vehicle, any evidence obtained during the stop may be inadmissible, potentially leading to case dismissal. - Inaccurate BAC Testing
Breathalyzer or blood tests may not be reliable if the proper procedures were not followed. If there was an issue with the equipment or testing process, we will challenge the results to protect your interests. - Improper Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests are subjective and can be influenced by various factors, including fatigue, weather, or medical conditions. Our attorneys will scrutinize these tests to ensure they were conducted fairly and accurately. - Medical Conditions Mimicking Intoxication
Certain medical conditions can create symptoms similar to intoxication. We can consult medical experts to demonstrate that a medical issue, rather than alcohol, caused signs of impairment. - First-Offender Programs
For first-time offenders, California law may allow you to avoid a criminal conviction through programs such as diversion or deferred adjudication, which can help preserve your record and avoid harsher penalties.
DUI vs. DWI: Key Differences in Hollywood/Santa Monica, California
In California, the terms DUI and DWI are often used interchangeably, but there are important distinctions:
- DUI (Driving Under the Influence): Refers to individuals whose ability to drive is impaired by alcohol or drugs. This is the most common charge for adult drivers over 21.
- DWI (Driving While Intoxicated): California uses DUI as the primary term, but in other states, DWI is often used to refer to more serious levels of alcohol intoxication, typically with higher BAC thresholds.
Understanding the differences between DUI and DWI is essential in forming an appropriate defense strategy and understanding the potential consequences.
Factors That Can Increase the Severity of DUI/DWI Charges in Hollywood/Santa Monica
Certain aggravating factors can lead to more severe penalties, including:
- Repeat Offenses
If you have prior DUI or DWI convictions, subsequent charges may lead to harsher penalties, including longer license suspension and mandatory jail time. - Injury or Death Involved in an Accident
DUI or DWI accidents that cause injury or death can result in felony charges, which carry much harsher penalties, including extended prison sentences. - Child Passengers
If there is a child passenger under 14 in your vehicle at the time of the offense, you could face increased penalties, including mandatory jail time and heavier fines. - Open Alcohol Containers
If there is an open container of alcohol in your vehicle, penalties can be enhanced, including longer license suspensions and additional fines.
At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, we fight aggressively to reduce or eliminate these aggravating factors and help achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Why Choose The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC in Hollywood/Santa Monica?
- Deep Knowledge of California DUI/DWI Laws
Our team has a thorough understanding of California’s DUI and DWI laws and has successfully defended clients in Hollywood/Santa Monica for years. - Aggressive Defense
We are committed to providing aggressive legal representation to protect your rights and achieve the best outcome possible. - Tailored Legal Strategies
Every case is unique. We develop customized defense strategies to suit the specific circumstances of your case, ensuring the best chance of success. - Proven Track Record in DUI/DWI Defense
The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC has a proven history of securing favorable results for clients facing DUI and DWI charges in Hollywood/Santa Monica and surrounding areas.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If you’ve been charged with a DUI or DWI in Hollywood/Santa Monica, California, don’t wait—contact an experienced attorney now. The sooner you act, the better your chances for a favorable outcome.
📞 Call The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC at 469-772-5806 or contact us online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
Let us guide you through the complexities of DUI and DWI charges and work toward securing a brighter future.
