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

DUI Enhancements

Enhancement Penalties for California DUI Charges

Enhancements to a DUI charge are aggravating circumstances that take the charge over and above a basic DUI charge. When an enhancement situation exists, the law provides prosecutors with the opportunity to ask for increased penalties or sanctions for those convicted of driving under the influence.

For example, if you are arrested for a DUI and found driving 20 mph over the speed limit on a city street, or 30 mph over the speed limit on a highway, the penalty enhancement is a mandatory 60-day jail sentence. This jail time is in addition to any other DUI penalties that are imposed, which may include a fine or an alcohol treatment program.

Examples of DUI Enhancements

In California, the penalties for DUI are complex and influenced by special factors (enhancements). Some of the most common enhancements to a DUI charge are:

High blood alcohol level (0.14 or above) Accident with injury Prior DUI conviction within the last 10 years Child endangerment Being under the influence of both drugs and alcohol

While the basic blood alcohol level to be charged with a DUI is 0.08%, California Vehicle Code Section 23578 allows for enhanced punishment levels if you are found to have a blood alcohol level of .15% or higher.

“…the court shall consider a concentration of alcohol in the person’s blood of 0.15 percent or more, by weight, or the refusal of the person to take a chemical test, as a special factor that may justify enhancing the penalties in sentencing, in determining whether to grant probation, and, if probation is granted, in determining additional or enhanced terms and conditions of probation.”

Being proactive in your defense by identifying these types of circumstances early after a DUI arrest allows a knowledgeable DUI attorney to mitigate the risk of a DUI enhancement.

How We Help Our DUI Clients

Our experience as skilled DUI defense attorneys helps us figure out creative alternatives to jail time for our clients. We can show the prosecutor that a client is taking steps to get help early by entering an inpatient or outpatient alcohol treatment program, attending AA meetings, or even getting psychological counseling. These are powerful solutions to help our clients mitigate the damages of a DUI enhancement in the eyes of the judge and prosecutor.

We may also try to show that the DUI is out of character for the client. For example, if there are no priors but the client is dealing with specific personal issues, such as a divorce or death in the family, we can make the case that the behavior is not typical.

If you are charged with a DUI, and facing an enhancement of the charge, it is important to speak with an experienced DUI lawyer right away. At Hoffman & Associates, we have over 30 years of experience in successfully defending DUI cases for our clients. We offer a phone or office consultation to discuss your case, so contact us at 323-655-3900 and put our DUI expertise to work for you.

★★★★★

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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