Beverly Hills DUI Attorney – Experienced Legal Help When It Matters Most
Being arrested for a DUI in Beverly Hills is a serious legal problem—and how you respond can make all the difference in the impact the DUI has on your life. From the moment you’re pulled over, law enforcement (the Beverly Hills Police Department) is building a case against you. Without excellent legal representation, the consequences can be devastating for your life: jail time, a suspended license, freeway work (Cal Trans), community service, hefty fines, and long-term damage to your personal and professional reputation and ability to earn a living.
At the Law Offices of Hart J. Levin, we understand what’s at stake when you are charged with a DUI in Beverly Hills. As a former Deputy District Attorney, Hart Levin and his expert team know both sides of the courtroom and use that unique experience to deliver the best strategic, aggressive DUI defense. We’ve helped many clients in Beverly Hills and throughout Los Angeles County, and we’re ready to help you protect your rights and your future.
Arrested for DUI in Beverly Hills? Here’s What You Can Expect
After a DUI arrest in Beverly Hills, most individuals are held in custody—even first-time offenders, at the Beverly Hills police department. The initial arrest can result in being held for up to 48 hours or more (or longer if a judge isn’t available, i.e. if you are arrested on a holiday or three day weekend). This initial 48-hour detention is presented as a public safety measure, but in reality, it often serves as a type of pretrial punishment. The truth is that most people are sober within just a few hours. A DUI arrestee may be released earlier than 48 hours depending on several factors, including the jail crowding and the person’s level of cooperation with the police. The police will go out of their way to punish people who are disrespectful or rude to them.
Once released, you’ll be given a court date— at the Airport Courthouse. The Beverly Hills court house no longer handles misdemeanors or DUIs – those cases get sent to the LAX or Airport courthouse on La Cienega for the LA district attorney to prosecute. The Beverly Hills court only handles traffic tickets and civil matters for the most part. Appearing before a judge without legal representation at Airport court is risky. Judges may impose strict conditions or set high bail, especially if there are aggravating factors. This is a strict court, generally speaking.
The best time to contact a DUI attorney is right after you are released from jail. The earlier we step in, the better your chances of reducing or avoiding charges, and also protect your drivers license.
Beverly Hills DUI Cases Are Normally Heard At:
Airport Court
11701 S. La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Don't Ignore the DMV Hearing Deadline
Within 10 calendar days of your arrest (including the date of arrest), you must request a hearing with the California DMV to contest the automatic suspension of your driver’s license. Failing to act within that window of time means you’ll automatically lose your driving privileges—regardless of what happens in court. We handle this process for you, taking the guesswork out of the process, ensuring that it’s done right the first time – protecting you ability to drive.
This administrative process is entirely separate from your criminal case in the Airport court. However, it’s still your first chance to push back against the allegations and challenge the evidence on the record. Our expert DUI legal team regularly represents clients in DMV hearings and challenges everything from the legality of the vehicle stop to the accuracy of the testing.
Strategic DUI Defense for Beverly Hills Residents
A DUI charge in Beverly Hills can feel overwhelming—but there are often more defense opportunities than you think. Our legal team thoroughly investigates every angle of your arrest and booking process, including whether the Beverly Hills PD followed correct DUI protocols and whether the evidence is actually admissible in court, or if it should be “suppressed” or excluded from your court case.
Key elements we analyze include:
- Whether the traffic stop was legally justified. Was there adequate and legal probable cause? The law is constantly changing regarding what constitutes probable cause and it’s critical to have a lawyer with the most up to date expertise to challenge your DUI case in Airport court
- How field sobriety tests were conducted (Was the road flat or uneven?)
- If any dashcam or bodycam (known as “body worn” camera) footage supports or contradicts the officer’s report
- Calibration and maintenance history of breath-testing equipment or proper protocol for the blood draw (Was an alcohol swab used? Were two samples obtained?)
- Whether the 15-minute observation period before the breath test was honored (Officer’s typically mark on their report that they completed the 15 minute observation period but we can frequently show that the officer was driving the arrestee to jail during this time, making it highly unlikely that they were observing the person’s face for the entire 15 minute window prior to blowing into the breath machine)
- Weather, lighting, and environmental conditions that could affect test performance and FST results
We’re not just looking to poke holes in the reports—we’re building a full spectrum defense to defend you from DUI charges in Airport court.
Understanding DUI Penalties in California – What They Mean for Beverly Hills Drivers
Even a first offense DUI in Beverly Hills can lead to major consequences and penalties. California law imposes increasingly severe penalties with each additional offense or aggravating circumstance. (Was there an accident? Was there a “refusal” to take the test?)
First-Time Misdemeanor DUI
If you’re charged with a first-time misdemeanor DUI, you may face up to six months in jail, approximately $12,000 in fines, and a license suspension lasting up to one year. You’ll also be required to complete a DUI education program and may be eligible to install an ignition interlock device (IID) to maintain driving privileges. The DA and court often want many additional forms of punishment like CalTrans freeway cleanup, community service, AA meetings, a visit to the hospital and morgue, MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving class) etc.
Second DUI Offense
For a second offense, penalties escalate: a minimum of 96 hours up to one year in county jail, a two-year license suspension, and mandatory 18- or 30-month DUI education. With legal help, you might qualify for restricted driving with an IID. Additional penalties like rehab, intensive outpatient, CalTrans, and house arrest (electronic monitoring) are also possibilities.
Third DUI Offense
A third offense within 10 years brings a minimum of 120 days in the LA county jail, up to a three-year license revocation, and even longer DUI education requirements. An IID will be required if any driving is permitted.
DUI Involving Injury
DUI charges involving an accident that causes injury, even when classified as a misdemeanor, may lead to up to one year in jail, restitution payments to victims, and a license suspension of up to three years (with no ability to drive, not even with a breathalyzer installed). DUI school is required, with durations varying based on the circumstances.
Felony DUI
A felony DUI with injury can mean a state prison sentence of 16 months to more than 10 years, fines exceeding $20,000, and a license suspension ranging from one year to several years. This is the most serious form of DUI in the Airport court.
A fourth DUI within a decade is typically filed as a felony and may carry 10+ years in prison, along with a 10-year license suspension and mandatory long-term DUI education.
The consequences are steep—but they are not automatic. With our expert DUI attorney by your side, there may be opportunities to reduce or even dismiss the charges. We have never had a DUI client receive a ten year prison sentence. We have had tremendous success in this court house, partly because of our longstanding relationships with the judges and prosecutors who know our reputation and partly because of the aggressive defense we put forward.
Other Effects of a DUI Conviction in Beverly Hills
In Beverly Hills, where reputation and professional credibility often carry real weight, the impact of a DUI can extend far beyond the courtroom. If your job involves driving, a conviction could put your career at risk. Many employers conduct routine background checks—and a DUI can raise red flags that derail hiring or promotion opportunities. Getting hired with a DUI on your record in Beverly Hills is exceedingly difficult. There are too many applicants with clean records to complete against. Having a DUI on your record will make it significantly more difficult to get a well paying job, let alone a career.
On a personal level, you may also face social stigma and embarrassment. A conviction can affect relationships, limit travel options, and increase insurance premiums dramatically. Worse still, DUI records are public—which means anyone who looks you up may see the charge. A simple google search can show that you were arrested and often contains an unflattering mugshot of your booking.
We understand these long-term consequences and fight not only to minimize legal penalties—but to protect your ability to move forward with your life.
California’s Legal BAC Limits – Know the Numbers
California, like most states, has clear thresholds for blood alcohol concentration (BAC):
0.08% or higher for drivers 21 and older
0.04% for commercial drivers
0.01% for drivers under 21 or if you are on DUI probation
However, you can still be arrested and charged with DUI even if your BAC is under the limit—if the officer believes your physical or mental ability to drive was impaired (i.e. you didn’t drink but you smoked marijuana). And if you refuse to take a breath or blood test, you’ll likely face an automatic license suspension and enhanced penalties in court including jail time.
Will You Lose Your License?
n many DUI cases, some form of license suspension is likely to happen. Depending on your driving history and the facts of your case, you may qualify for a restricted license or IID installation that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments.
That said, the DMV and the criminal court can each impose their own suspensions. People are often shocked to learn that there are two separate suspensions of your driver’s license! As skilled Beverly Hills DUI lawyers, we at the Law Offices of Hart J. Levin will help you navigate both systems and fight to preserve your driving privileges and get you back on the road.
Can You Get a DUI Off Your Record?
Generally yes—under specific conditions. After successfully completing probation and all sentencing requirements, you are generally eligible to petition for expungement. This removes the conviction from your public criminal record, which can be a major advantage when applying for jobs or housing. The conviction, instead of saying “convicted,” would switch to “dismissed.”
Expungement is not guaranteed, and drivers who served time in state prison are typically not eligible. However, for many misdemeanor DUI convictions, this is a viable option we help clients pursue to clear their record if we cannot get their case reduced or dismissed initially.
Why Beverly Hills Trusts Hart J. Levin
Attorney Hart J. Levin and his small expert team of attorneys has successfully defended over 3,000 DUI cases across Southern California, building a reputation for tough, strategic DUI defense and compassionate client care. Whether you’re facing a first-time misdemeanor or a serious felony DUI charge, our team has the knowledge, courtroom experience, and local insight to even the playing field and fight back.
We’re available 365 days a year. If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Beverly Hills, don’t wait to see what happens next. Call us now for a free, confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future and your freedom.