The #1 Ranked DUI LAWYER in Los Angeles
"The Gold Standard in Los Angeles DUI Defense"
Facing DUI charges? Connect with the Law Offices of Hart J. Levin to speak with a top Los Angeles DUI lawyer. Our dedicated team, specializing in DUI defense, is the gold standard in the field. With thousands of successful DUI cases under our belt, our award-winning DUI attorneys are specialists in navigating the complexities of DUI defense, ensuring the best possible outcome for every client.
Give us a call today at 310-935-3100 to experience our aggressive,
highly successful DUI defense strategy.
Hire The Best Los Angeles DUI Attorney.
I’m Hart Levin, a former Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney, and I’m proud to be recognized as one of the premier choices for individuals facing DUI charges in Los Angeles. Throughout my career, I’ve achieved remarkable results, with over 500 cases dismissed and an impressive 94% of clients avoiding jail time. My reputation as a Super Lawyer and as the highest rated DUI defense attorney is a testament to my commitment to your defense. At my firm, we take pride in our 10/10 SuperLawyer and Avvo ratings, and we’re well-versed in handling both the DMV and criminal court aspects of DUI cases. When you choose my team, you gain a dedicated group of professionals who handle every aspect of your case. From demanding DMV hearings to in-depth analysis of evidence and the development of a robust defense strategy, we leave no stone unturned. Our primary focus is on preserving your driving privileges and minimizing the potential consequences of your DUI charge. We’re dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t hesitate to reach out today at 310-935-3100 and experience our aggressive and highly successful DUI defense strategy firsthand.Proven Expertise In Every Case Of DUI Defense
DUI With Bodily Injury
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- That you drove a motor vehicle
- Physical or mental abilities were impaired or your BAC was at or above 0.08
- You committed an unlawful act, causing an injury to another person
DMV Hearing Defense
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When defending you in a DMV hearing, our team will challenge evidence such as:
- Legal grounds to conduct a traffic stop
- Were there other conditions that interfered with the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests?
- Was the driver given the required legal warnings?
Hit & Run DUI
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Prescription Drug DUI
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I Got A DUI in LA County — What Happens Next?
Upon being released from jail, the police will provide you with a pink temporary license known as the Admin Per Se Temporary Drivers License, as well as a notice to appear in court and oftentimes a booking slip which includes a mugshot. The police give no instruction on how to navigate the incredibly difficult court and DMV process. Seeking the best legal defense right away is crucial to your livelihood.
Within 24-48 hours upon your release, you will want to consult with a DUI specialist so the DMV hearing process can be done on time, without missing crucial deadlines that will lead to an automatic suspension of your driver’s license. When you contact our firm, you will speak directly with a DUI specialist who has incredible experience and knowledge in successfully defending DUIs in Los Angeles. We can begin the process over the phone or in person. We will explain the process to you and tell you what needs to be done immediately to start your successful DUI defense.
Many people do not realize that with a DUI case, there are actually two separate cases that occur after a DUI arrest:
- a DMV case
- a criminal court case
Each case operates independently of the other which we will begin to prepare for. Learn more about what to expect after getting a Los Angeles DUI in our full guide or ask us directly at 310-935-3100.
The 2 Parts of California DUI Cases
1. The DMV Case: The DMV case is extremely time sensitive, and if not fixed immediately, will result in an automatic suspension of your driver’s license.
The most urgent task after the arrest is for us to contact the DMV to demand an APS (Admin Per Se) Hearing, request all reports, video/audio, dashcam footage, bodycam footage, calibration logs (“discovery”), and to set a DMV hearing date.
When you hire us, we handle it all for you. We contact the DMV immediately and protect your ability to drive. We let the DMV know that we will be fighting the case and challenging all aspects of the DUI. We conduct the hearing on behalf of our clients.
We ensure that the DMV sends you a new temporary license right away so you can continue driving with full driving privileges, even after the DUI arrest. Once we receive the police reports and discovery from the DMV, we carefully analyze the specific evidence in your case to determine your best defense strategy. The DMV is incredibly difficult and they try to suspend one’s driver’s license in nearly all DUI related cases. We have a tremendous record of success with winning at the DMV level to preserve your ability to continue driving.
If the hearing results in a suspension, we guide our clients in getting a restricted license and help them each step of the way. License suspensions can be anywhere from 30 days to many years; drivers may also be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for years at a time.
2. The Court Case: The second part of a DUI is the court case, or “criminal case.” This is where you face punishment ranging from classes and fines, all the way up to jail or prison.
This is the main case and the main focus of our defense since the consequences can be devastating if the case is not defended properly. In many cases, you do not need to appear in court for the criminal case since we appear on your behalf. There are typically several hearings while we fight the DUI charge and the process can take several months. It is critical to get all of the evidence so we can build a successful defense.
Avoiding Serious Consequences
Many people believe that a DUI stays on your record forever but thankfully, this is untrue. A DUI conviction can be expunged in Los Angeles or removed in nearly all cases, once all court obligations have been completed. Having a clean record without a DUI is critical to finding new employment, housing, loans, etc.
What About Jail Time?
We can typically eliminate jail time on first offense DUI cases. On second offenses where jail is required by law, we can often get house arrest instead of jail in many cases, depending on the court and circumstances of your case.
At the Law Offices of Hart J. Levin, our Los Angeles DUI lawyers specialize in successfully defending DUI cases and criminal charges in all Southern California courts. We understand what is on the line when you are facing DUI or criminal charges.
You risk losing your job, career, driver’s license, your ability to travel and the ability to provide for your family; not to mention a massive amount of punishment that the court and district attorney typically seek, which can be financially crushing and humiliating.
As a former prosecutor and deputy district attorney, I have experienced the system from the inside. I know the inner workings of the prosecutor’s office, their undisclosed policies, and how they try to rack up as many convictions as possible.
I began my own law firm to utilize that insider expertise and experience to even the playing field for those stuck in a criminal justice system. As I often say, the best way to beat the prosecutor is to hire a better one.
The Best Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys in LA
Expertise in DUI
Having been formally trained by the District Attorney’s Office, we know exactly how the DA will attack the case and seek a conviction. We use our inside knowledge of their weaknesses and vulnerabilities to get the best results that would otherwise be impossible to achieve.
We are results-oriented and client-focused. In our industry, winning counts. And no one has a higher win rate than we do. Some clients ask why a case takes so long and my answer is always the same – the case is not over until we have reached the absolute best possible result.
Protect your Right to Drive
We protect your ability to drive. DUI charges can result in long driver’s license suspensions, even on a first DUI. We have the ability to extend your driver’s license and keep you on the road. We aggressively fight the DMV case to protect your license.
To fight and prevent the DMV suspension, it is critical to act fast so you do not miss the deadline to demand the hearing. Once it is missed, the DMV will automatically suspend your license. It’s about who you know.
Court Relationships
Relationships are critical to getting things done in a criminal court room. Knowing the judges, prosecutors and supervisors in the DA’s office is an incredible tool we utilize to get the results our clients deserve.
Having earned their respect and trust, they understand that we mean what we say and will back it up with action to defend our clients. When we point out flaws in the evidence, they often fold their cards, knowing full well we will vigorously fight the case in the courtroom to publicly display how the case was mishandled by law enforcement.
Dedicated Representation
We handle the entire case for you. In misdemeanor cases, we typically appear in court on behalf of our clients, who never have to come to court. Not having to go to court means our clients can focus on what matters most to them.
We update our clients right after court concludes and tell them what to expect next. On felony DUI cases where the client is ordered to appear, we are by your side, answering the court’s questions and taking the pressure off of our client.
Immigration consequences have become very severe. A criminal conviction, even for a first time DUI offense, can trigger deportation requirements and other immigration difficulties. We are in a complicated political environment where immigrants live in daily fear of being deported.
Winning your case instead of being convicted can often mean staying in the United States instead of being deported. It has never been more important than it is today to win your case if you are not a United States citizen. Experience counts.
60+ Years of Defending DUI Cases
At our firm, we have over 60 years of combined experience and expertise in defending DUI and criminal charges. I personally oversee every case and don’t believe in handing the case off to someone with entry-level experience or skill, like many other law firms.
We have been honored to have been chosen to represent fellow lawyers in the community, law enforcement officers (including LAPD, CHP, sheriff deputies, DEA and FBI – yes, they get arrested too), local judges, politicians, and even hall of fame athletes and celebrities.
No matter who our clients or, or their background, we treat all of them the same, with personalized attention, compassion, respect and a desire to
get the very best result.
In a sea of attorneys making false promises to desperately get your business, it can be difficult to choose the best DUI attorney for you. We do not make promises about outcomes. Our results speak for themselves.
- Being ranked #1 among 500 law firms in the Law Firm 500, a national law firm ranking system
- We have also received the Avvo Clients’ Choice Award every year since we began
- Been named a Super Lawyer and Rising Star for the past 4 years in a row
- Maintain an attorney rating of 10 out of 10 (the highest rating an attorney can achieve)
- Selected as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association
- Awarded the 10 Best in Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
- We have also been named Top DUI Lawyer by Avvo every year since the firm began
- Free case review and consultations. We offer flexible payment plans with no interest and accept all major credit cards. Se habla español.
We attend court on behalf of our clients so they do not need to attend in many cases, and we let the court and prosecutor know that we intend to fight the case. The punishment for DUIs has increased as California has taken a more punitive stance towards driving under the influence.
Los Angeles is now requiring a breathalyzer in your car after even a first offense DUI. The court and prosecutor will seek punishment that often includes probation, heavy fines, lengthy and expensive classes, working at the Hospital and Morgue, Mothers Against Drunk Driving classes, extra AA meetings, community service, community labor, and jail time. It is critical to fight and negotiate each part of the punishment to ensure a fair result.
Our goal in these cases is first to seek a dismissal. If that does not work, we seek to reduce charges and all punishment. We provide top-notch DUI defense for our clients due to our expertise and experience in DUI cases.
Our winning record is second to none because we never lose sight of what matters most – our clients’ success and freedom. There are plenty of so called “DUI defense attorneys” who are desperate for business and make false promises to get your case dropped just to earn your business.
Here at this firm we do not offer promises, we offer results. When your freedom is on the line, do not hire a “good” DUI defense attorney. Only hire the best.
Criminal Defense Specialists
We have earned a reputation for winning high profile criminal defense cases in many southern California courts. We have the experience and expertise needed to fight and win difficult criminal cases.
Our clients come to us for help with cases ranging from very serious felonies all the way down to minor misdemeanors. We have successfully defended cases including domestic violence, drug sales, drug possession, theft and robbery crimes, hit and run cases, weapons crimes, probation violations, assault and battery charges, gun cases, forgery and fraud charges, terrorist/criminal threat allegations, felony DUI, manslaughter, illegal street racing and all other serious felonies and misdemeanors.
Most recently we have defended large marijuana dispensary cases as the industry continues to grow. We use our own private investigators to gather valuable evidence that makes the difference between winning and
losing a case.
Our Promise to Every Client Facing a DUI
We carefully review all evidence and require that the prosecutor turn over every piece of evidence available. Our team of DUI lawyers begin working immediately to find and preserve sensitive evidence that will be used in your defense. We consult with our clients to come up with a winning defense strategy.
We keep our clients updated regularly and are always here to answer your questions. As a deputy district attorney, I handled every type of criminal charge and grew an insider’s understanding of how the DA prosecutes each type of crime. I have utilized this to help my clients avoid jail and prison hundreds of times. When the stress is high and our clients are worried about their future, we listen compassionately and let them know exactly what our strategy is to fix the problem.
We fight tirelessly to protect your record and to show the prosecutor that you are not just another number on the court’s schedule. The prosecutor and court will often try to scare or intimidate clients to plead guilty on the first court date and threaten greater punishment if they do not.
We encourage you to utilize our proven strategies for winning to protect your freedom today. We provide free consultations, generous payment plans, and a commitment to give you the absolute best representation money can buy. But don’t take our word for it.
All Los Angeles County Courts We Serve:
- Pasadena
- Downey
- Hollywood
- Redondo Beach
- Santa Monica
- Manhattan Beach
- Hermosa Beach
Additional Service Areas of California:
Request a Consultation
- Pasadena
- Downey
- Hollywood
- Redondo Beach
- Santa Monica
- Manhattan Beach
- Hermosa Beach
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