July is undoubtedly the busiest month for law enforcement when it comes to DUI enforcement, particularly in the South Bay cities of Torrance, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, Manhattan Beach, Gardena and Hermosa.  These municipalities have formed an alliance called the South Bay DUI Task Force and its sole mission is to stop, arrest and prosecute drunk drivers.

So what should you be advised of if you were one of the unfortunate drivers busted by the unit.  First, understand that a DUI is no longer simply a traffic ticket, Los Angeles County has some of the toughest punishments for driving under the influence charges. 

Even a first time DWI can result in mandatory installation of an ignition interlock on every vehicle you own or drive, immediate suspension of your driver’s license for up to one year, ten fold increase in your insurance costs, fines of up to $3000, compulsory DUI school, among many other consequences.  Treat the offense like any other serious crime, hire a local lawyer to assist you. 

Second, a DUI now goes on your credit report, in many cases, for all the world to see, including potential employers.  Third, if you have prior drunk driving arrests you will likely be facing mandatory jail time in Court unless you retain an attorney who can negotiate alternatives to incarceration.  At the end of the day, no one in the system will have any sympathy for you if you are facing a DUI.  Only a lawyer acting as your advocate can help to level the playing field and minimize the consequences of a driving under the influence case.

Matthew Ruff is a DUI Lawyer in Manhattan Beach CA with over 30 years experience defending DWI and drunk driving cases.