Item: Los Angeles DUI Lawyers Hoffman and Associates
Rating: 5
Author: Micaiah Botts

Child Endangerment and DUI

California DUI and Child Endangerment Defense Attorney

A DUI charge is serious, but when a child is involved the severity of the crime increases in the eyes of the law. One of the enhancements to a conviction of driving under the influence under the California Vehicle Code 23572 VC is the presence of a child under 14 years of age in the vehicle. A California DUI with a minor in the car is considered child endangerment and can result in increased penalties over and above those of a typical DUI case. Depending on the circumstances, these enhanced penalties may include:

Jail time ranging from 48 hours to 90 days Fines Suspension of driver’s license

For example, you may be driving your 12-year old daughter and get pulled over for speeding. If the officer suspects you are driving under the influence, a DUI investigation may take place. If you are ultimately charged with DUI, the fact that your minor daughter was in the car with you will trigger the child endangerment enhancement.

Separate Child Endangerment Charges Above a DUI

Depending on the facts of the case, the prosecutor also has the option of filing separate child endangerment charges under California Penal Code 237(a) PC if you are convicted of a DUI and had a minor in the vehicle. In general, a child endangerment crime occurs when a child is placed in a dangerous situation or someone allows the child to be placed in a dangerous situation without taking steps to protect the child. In terms of a DUI, separate charges of child endangerment may be filed if these or other circumstances occur: You have prior DUI convictions You have a high blood alcohol level The child was injured in a DUI accident

If you face a separate charge of child endangerment in California, the penalties range from up to 1 year in county jail to up to 6 years in state prison

Contact a DUI Attorney About Child Endangerment

In order to achieve the best possible results, the skilled DUI defense attorneys at Hoffman & Associates will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your case. We may be able to identify police missteps or prosecutorial mistakes that can lead to a reduction in charges or the elimination of a child endangerment enhancement.

We have over 30 years of daily courtroom experience in courts throughout California and our attorneys will fight to protect your rights and good reputation. Our knowledgeable DUI lawyers have successfully defended all types of DUI cases, including those involving child endangerment. For a office or phone consultation to discuss the facts of your case with a California DUI expert, call 323-655-3900.

Hoffman & Associates Los Angeles
5900 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 2600
Los Angeles, California 90036
Phone: (323) 655-3900
Fax: (323) 315-2412

Hoffman & Associates San Diego
12707 High Bluff Drive, Suite 200
San Diego, California 92130
Phone: (760) 942-0069
Fax: (760) 942-1067

★★★★★

I can't begin to thank Mr. Hoffman enough for his extensive efforts throughout the entire case. He went absolutely above and beyond throughout the entire process. From day one he was immediately actively pursuing ways to prevent my case from ever going to court and once that was no longer an option, actively began working on getting the case ultimately dismissed. His communication was consistent and reassuring, despite my frantic worries all the time... Micaiah Botts

My family and I simply owe our life and future to Ron Hoffman. If you are looking for a lawyer that goes above and beyond the call of duty you can't find a better lawyer than Ron. He took my case head on from the moment I called his office. I was involved in an accidental hit and run where I was unaware of the injury. Every step of the way, Ron guided me through an almost two year long investigation and court settlement process and was constantly by my side through out every crossroad... Bill Martin

Ron Hoffman and his staff were Fantastic when dealing with such a serious issue of DUI. When I first Called Ron I was very nervous and worried for my daughter and her freedom. She had a failure to appear on top of her DUI and I knew just how bad this could be. Ron was able to immediately put me at ease and gave me the confidence that there was hope and a light at the end of the tunnel. Ron was able to get the failure to appear dismissed and also no jail time for my daughter... Claude Brown

I have been working with Mr. Hoffman for over 11 years. I have seen first hand his genuine dedication to his clients, and how his experience, knowledge and passion have gotten clients fantastic results. He treats each of his clients as his only client, and takes the time to develop detailed strategies and defenses for each individual case. I have never hesitated to refer Mr. Hoffman to anyone who has asked me for a good Criminal Defense attorney. He is a fantastic attorney!... Neeta P.

I had a DUI issue recently. I have never had a problem with the law as serious as this one. I did panic a bit after and knew I had to get a lawyer to help my future. I researched the Web and read the reviews for awesome DUI Lawyers. Hiring a lawyer can be intimidating. Ron's 30 years experience and step by step guidance helped me with my case. Jonie was amazing with keeping me calm. Ron Hoffman is a great lawyer and I would refer any friends or family to him... Manuel Gomez

Ron was so accommodating and professional. With a Firm like his you wouldn't expect him to be as accessible, but he immediately returned phone calls, was easy to communicate with and was very sympathetic to my situation. He went above and beyond and was able to get a better result than I'd hoped or expected. I highly recommend Ron Hoffman and his firm. He made a difficult and anxiety fueled process bearable and made me feel safe. He is a lovely man. One does not wish to need a criminal attorney, but if you do need one, Ron's the guy to call... Teri A.

Ron and his team were the perfect pairing for what I needed taken care of. Every step of the way he was extremely helpful and informative (not his first rodeo). His work ethic and attitude were exemplary and it showed with the results of using his services. I would recommend anyone I know to give Ron a call if they need help in his realm of expertise. Many thanks Ron and associates!... Donald N.

I didn't hire a lawyer for my first DUI... What a mistake! Ronald goes above and beyond with his art and knowledge of custom strategy according to your case. lawyer of the year (every year)... Adam R.

I hate lawyers. They are hard to get a hold of, greedy and unreliable. Ron is the opposite of all these things. He deserves 6 stars, and I very much recommend him. He helped me through my case with nothing but kindness, understanding, and knowledge and eventually got it dropped. Thanks for everything Ron!... Avi Z.

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