Encino DUI Attorney: Protect Your Future with Proven Legal Defense
If you’ve recently been arrested for DUI in Encino, CA, the stakes are high—and time is not on your side. DUI charges can carry serious consequences, from license suspensions and huge fines to mandatory alcohol education programs, community labor and community service, and even jail time. With DUI enforcement aggressively pursued in the San Fernando Valley, including Encino, you need an experienced DUI expert in your corner who knows the local courts and judges and can build an expert level defense.
At the Law Offices of Hart J. Levin, we offer around-the-clock support for anyone facing DUI charges in Encino and throughout the greater Los Angeles area. As a former Deputy District Attorney, Hart Levin has a deep understanding of how prosecutors think and how to fight DUI cases effectively and successfully.
What to Expect After a DUI Arrest in Encino
DUI cases in Encino typically begin with a night or two in custody, even for first-time offenders. Although the stated reason is to ensure the driver’s sobriety, most people sober up within a few hours—making the full 48-hour hold feel more like punishment than protection.
Once released, you’ll receive a notice to appear in court with a court date—usually at the Van Nuys Courthouse. This first court date, known as the initial arraignment, can set the tone for your entire case. It’s critical to have a defense attorney represent you during this phase to potentially avoid cash bail and protect your rights from the outset. Some judges are very particular about how they like to seek punishment and protect public safety by ordering extremely harsh conditions at the first court hearing. Knowing the judge allows us to predict exactly what the judge will want so that we can maneuver in advance to put you in the best position.
Don’t delay—your ability to drive, work, and protect your record depends on acting quickly and hiring the right DUI attorney.
Van Nuys Courthouse (Serving Encino Residents)
Van Nuys Courthouse West
14400 Erwin Street Mall
Van Nuys, CA 91401
This is the primary courthouse for DUI cases originating in Encino. Parking can be challenging, and traffic along Van Nuys Boulevard is typically congested—plan accordingly and leave early. Our team is well-versed in the workings of this court and regularly defends clients here.
Act Fast: DMV License Suspension Hearings
A DUI arrest in Encino triggers two separate proceedings: one with the criminal court and one with the DMV. Unless you request a hearing within 10 days of your arrest, the DMV will automatically suspend your license after 30 days.
This DMV hearing is your first opportunity to challenge the case against you—even before the criminal court case begins. Our team has successfully handled thousands of administrative hearings (known as APS hearings) by:
- Disputing the lawfulness of the traffic stop
- Challenging chemical test results or procedural errors
- Identifying gaps in the arresting officer’s observations
Don’t try to take on the DMV alone. We often find technical errors that allow us to overturn the suspension or prevent it altogether.
Comprehensive DUI Defense in Encino
At our firm, we analyze every angle of your case. No two DUI arrests are the same—and our approach reflects that. From how the initial stop was made to whether breath tests were properly administered, we scrutinize every detail to fortify your DUI defense.
Some of the factors we investigate:
- Did the officer have valid legal cause to initiate the traffic stop of your vehicle?
- Were sobriety tests conducted under proper conditions?
- If there was a car accident, can the officer prove the time of driving?
- Is there video evidence that contradicts the police report?
- Were you observed for the legally required time before a breath test?
- Was the breathalyzer machine properly calibrated and certified?
Every detail counts. We’ve had cases dismissed due to faulty testing procedures, unlawful stops, or improper documentation. Our goal is not just to reduce charges—but to fight for full and outright dismissals whenever possible.
DUI Penalties in California
First-Time DUI (Misdemeanor)
For a first-time misdemeanor DUI, the court may impose up to six months in county jail, along with fines and fees that can reach $20,000 once everything is factored in. Your driver’s license could be suspended for anywhere between four and twelve months, although you may be eligible to drive immediately with an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed for six months, or with a restricted license (work-related driving only). DUI education is also mandatory, usually ranging from three to nine months.
Second DUI Offense
If you are arrested for a second DUI, the penalties increase significantly. Some jail is mandatory. Jail time may range from 96 hours to one full year, and your license can be suspended for two years. In many cases, you may qualify for immediate restricted driving with an IID for one year. You’ll also be required to complete 18 or 30 months of DUI education.
Third DUI Offense
A third DUI offense brings even harsher consequences. You’ll be facing at least 120 days in jail, with the possibility of a full year in custody. Your license could be suspended for three years or revoked altogether, and you’ll be required to install an IID for two years. DUI school will also be required for up to 30 months.
DUI with Injury or Felony DUI
In cases where a DUI results in injury but is still charged as a misdemeanor, penalties include a minimum of five days in jail up to one year in county jail. Fines may again reach $20,000, and the court may order you to pay restitution to injured parties. License suspension typically ranges from one to three years, and the DMV will try to give you a “hard” suspension, meaning you won’t be able to drive even with a breathalyzer. DUI school length can vary from three to 30 months, depending on the severity.
A felony DUI involving injury on a first offense can result in a prison sentence ranging from 16 months to over 10 years, particularly if the injuries are severe. Fines can exceed $20,000, and license suspension with a minimum of one year. The court will also require DUI school—anywhere from three to 30 months.
A fourth DUI offense within ten years is charged as a felony and may result in either county jail up to 364 days with probation or a lengthy state prison sentence of 10 or more years. Your driver’s license could be suspended or revoked for up to a decade, and you’ll be required to complete an extended DUI education program lasting 18 or 30 months.
Real-World Impact of a DUI Conviction in Encino
Beyond the courtroom, a DUI conviction can disrupt nearly every aspect of your public and private life. You may face:
- Loss of employment, especially if your job involves driving
- Huge spikes in auto insurance premiums in an inability to find coverage
- Travel restrictions (especially to countries like Canada)
- Reputational damage within your community
- Challenges with loans, housing, and job applications
With the right representation, many of these consequences can be avoided or reduced. We aim not just to defend you legally—but to help you preserve your livelihood and reputation.
DUI and Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) in California
The legal BAC limit in California depends on several factors:
0.08% – Standard for adult drivers age 21 and over
0.04% – Commercial drivers or those with paying passengers
0.01% – Drivers under 21 or on DUI probation
Importantly, you can still be charged—even without a specific BAC—if the officer believes your mental or physical abilities were impaired by alcohol or drugs (i.e. no alcohol but marijuana). Refusing to take a breath or blood test can also result in automatic penalties.
Will You Lose Your License?
Most DUI convictions result in some form of license suspension. However, you may be eligible for a restricted license or be able to continue driving with an IID installed in your car.
An experienced DUI lawyer can help:
- Shorten the length of your suspension or prevent the suspension altogether
- Apply for a restricted license
- Challenge the DMV’s administrative action
- Represent you in both criminal and DMV hearings
License suspension laws in California are tricky, and your eligibility for alternatives depends on how your case is handled from day one.
Can You Expunge a DUI from Your Record?
Yes—if you meet certain conditions. You are generally eligible for DUI expungement if:
- You completed probation and all terms of your sentence
- You did not serve time in state prison
- You can demonstrate rehabilitation to the judge and prosecutor
Expungement can help clean up your public record and make it easier to pass background checks for employment, housing, allow foreign travel and for professional license eligibility.
Why Choose Our DUI Defense Team in Encino?
Attorney Hart J. Levin and his expert team of attorneys have handled over 6,000 DUI cases with a reputation built on expertise, integrity, courtroom skill, and client-focused defense strategies. From first-time offenses to serious felony DUIs, our legal team knows what it takes to achieve the best results in Encino and the greater San Fernando Valley.
We’re available 365 days a year to defend your rights. If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Encino, call us immediately for a free consultation. Let us help you protect your future and fight back with confidence.