Reseda DUI Attorney
DUI Enforcement in Reseda
Reseda, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley, is part of the greater City of Los Angeles. Law enforcement services in Reseda are provided by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), one of the largest and most advanced police agencies in the country.
LAPD & DUI Enforcement in Reseda
The LAPD is highly trained in modern investigative techniques and operates scientific labs for forensic analysis, including blood sample testing in DUI cases. The department is also known for conducting sobriety checkpoints, including DUI checkpoints in Reseda.
Challenging an Improper DUI Checkpoint
If you were arrested for a DUI at a checkpoint, it is crucial to have an experienced DUI attorney review your case. Many DUI checkpoints are not properly set up, and when they fail to meet legal guidelines, an attorney can:
✔ Challenge the validity of the checkpoint
✔ File a suppression motion to have evidence excluded
✔ Fight for a dismissal of charges
LAPD Division Responsible for Reseda
The LAPD Division responsible for public safety in Reseda is the West Valley Division:
If you were arrested at a DUI checkpoint in Reseda, contact Reseda DUI Attorney office immediately. We will evaluate your case and fight for your rights.
West Valley LAPD Station
19020 Vanowen St,
Reseda, CA 91335
Tel: (818) 374-7611
California Highway Patrol (CHP) & DUI Enforcement in Reseda
In addition to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), DUI enforcement in Reseda is also handled by the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Role of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in DUI Enforcement
The CHP primarily focuses on:
✔ Maintaining safety on California’s highways
✔ Identifying and removing impaired drivers from the road
✔ Assisting with DUI investigations beyond highways when necessary
As a state police agency, CHP officers receive extensive training in DUI investigations, making them highly skilled in DUI enforcement. Due to their expertise, CHP often takes over DUI investigations from local law enforcement agencies.
California Highway Patrol
West Valley Area
5825 De Soto Ave
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Tel: (818) 888-0980
Reseda DUI Attorney Explains DUI Prosecution Process
After a DUI arrest in Reseda, the police prepare a report and submit it to the prosecutor’s office for review. The type of prosecutor assigned depends on whether the charge is classified as a misdemeanor or felony DUI.
Who Prosecutes DUI Cases in Reseda?
✅ Misdemeanor DUI cases → Handled by the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office
✅ Felony DUI cases → Handled by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
Felony DUI Charges & Consequences
A felony DUI is far more serious than a misdemeanor DUI and can result in:
✔ Felony probation
✔ State prison time
✔ A permanent felony criminal record
Some felony DUI cases are so severe that they trigger California’s Three Strikes Law, leading to enhanced sentencing and long-term consequences. The most serious DUI cases involve great bodily injury (GBI) resulting from an accident. These cases may include sentencing enhancements under California Penal Code section 12022.7.
if you are facing a felony DUI charge with a “GBI” allegation, you need an experienced DUI attorney to fight for your defense.
Prosecutor’s Review Process
Once the prosecutor’s office receives the police report, a filing deputy will:
- Review the report and determine whether to file charges
- Request additional investigation if necessary
- Reject the case if there is insufficient evidence
Arraignment & Court Process
If charges are filed, you must appear for an arraignment in Superior Court. However, for misdemeanor DUI cases, your attorney can appear on your behalf in most situations, as allowed under California Penal Code Section 977(a).
Location of Reseda Prosecutorial Offices
Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office
6262 Van Nuys Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91401
and
Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
6230 Sylmar Ave., Room 201 Van Nuys, CA 91401
Reseda DUI Attorney Explains DUI Court Process
Once the prosecutor decides to file a DUI case in Reseda, the police report is submitted to the Superior Court clerk, who:
✔ Assigns a case number
✔ Schedules the first court hearing based on the date listed on your citation, bond, or a mailed notice to appear
Where Will Your DUI Case Be Heard?
- Felony DUI cases → Heard in Department 100 of the Van Nuys Branch of Los Angeles Superior Court
- Misdemeanor DUI cases → Heard in Department 103 of the Van Nuys Branch of Los Angeles Superior Court
Mandatory Court Appearance
- Felony DUIs → Mandatory appearance required
- Misdemeanor DUIs → Your attorney can appear on your behalf under California Penal Code Section 977(a)
Understanding the Arraignment Process
The first court appearance in a criminal case is called an arraignment, during which:
✔ The criminal charges are read in court
✔ The defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
✔ If the defendant pleads not guilty, the court sets a trial or pretrial date
The Importance of Bail at Arraignment
Bail is a key issue at arraignment and is often overlooked by defendants.
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Many defendants are released on their own recognizance (OR), meaning they promise to appear in court without posting bail.
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Conditions of OR release often include:
✔ No driving within 8 hours of consuming alcohol
✔ Attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or other self-help substance abuse meetings -
More serious DUI offenses require bail, which can be a major factor in a defendant’s decision to accept a plea deal early.
- Example: A fourth DUI offense has a $100,000 bail according to the Los Angeles County Bail Schedule.
How a Reseda DUI Attorney Can Help
A Reseda DUI attorney can:
✔ Argue for a reduced bail
✔ Ensure you are not unnecessarily detained
✔ Fight for your rights throughout the court process
Reseda DUI Attorney Explains the DMV Hearing Process
After a DUI arrest, the arresting officer will confiscate your California driver’s license. However, if you are driving with an out-of-state license, the police are not supposed to seize it.
Once your license is taken, it is forwarded to the DMV, and the officer will issue a DS-367 form.
What is a DS-367 Form?
✔ A temporary driver’s license valid for 30 days
✔ Serves as a notice of suspension
You Only Have 10 Days to Request a DMV Hearing
Once you receive the DS-367 form, you must request a DMV hearing within 10 days—otherwise, your license will automatically be suspended after the 30-day temporary license expires.
How a Reseda DUI Attorney Can Help at a DMV Hearing
A Reseda DUI attorney can:
✔ Request the DMV hearing on your behalf
✔ Argue to have your license returned
✔ Challenge the evidence used against you
If the DMV is convinced that your license should not be suspended, they will:
✅ Mail you a “set-aside” letter
✅ Return your driver’s license
You have the right to be represented by an attorney at your DMV hearing.
A DMV hearing from a Reseda DUI arrest will be held at a driver’s safety office located at:
Driver Safety Office
6150 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 205, Van Nuys, CA 91401-3333
Reseda DUI attorney has 22 years of experience and is available to talk to you on the weekends and after hours.
CALL (818) 921 7744 to talk directly to a Reseda DUI attorney or come to the Los Angeles DUI Attorney office for a free consultation!
Address: 6355 Topanga Canyon, Suite 411, Woodland Hills, California 91367 (by appointment only)
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