Torrance DUI Lawyer

Experienced Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys Serving Los Angeles County, California

If you have been charged with a DUI in Torrance, California, you need dedicated legal representation right away. An experienced DUI attorney in Torrance can assess all the details of your case and develop a defense strategy to fight the charges and protect your rights.

Our DUI defense lawyer will explain California DUI laws and help you navigate the court process. Throughout your case, we offer reliable advice, assess your options, and provide committed defense to seek the best possible outcome.

We take time to review all evidence against you, including breathalyzer and blood test results, police reports, and witness statements. Our approach is to uncover procedural errors or violations of your rights that could strengthen your defense.

To speak with an experienced Torrance DUI attorney, give us a call at (310) 695-1118 or contact us online today.

What Constitutes a DUI in California?

California law prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits are: 0.08% or higher for drivers aged 21 and over, 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers, and 0.01% or higher for drivers under 21.

An officer can arrest a driver for DUI even if the BAC is below the legal limit if the officer believes the driver shows impairment.

Our Specialty: Driving Under the Influence & Related Crimes

• Underage DUI
• Multiple DUI
• Driving with 0.08% or Greater BAC - CVC 23152(B)
• Wet Reckless
• Reckless Driving
• Exhibition of Speed
• Felony Gross Vehicular Manslaughter
• Misdemeanor Vehicular Manslaughter
• Watson Murder

Greater BAC (§ 23152)

California’s DUI laws commonly result in at least two separate charges: 

• VC 23152(a) for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs 
• VC 23152(b) for driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. 

Even if a breathalyzer shows less than 0.08%, drivers can still face charges under the “a” count, making DUI cases highly complex and challenging to navigate.

'Wet Reckless'

A “Wet Reckless” is not an original charge but rather a plea bargain that reduces a DUI offense to reckless driving involving alcohol under VC 23103 per 23103.5. Prosecutors rarely grant this reduction without strong legal advocacy.

“In my 8 years as a prosecutor, I never once saw someone representing themselves earn a reduction to a Wet Reckless.”
– Pat Carey, former Deputy District Attorney who handled thousands of DUI cases.

To earn this reduction, an attorney reviews the facts to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case or mistakes by law enforcement during the arrest and investigation.

DUI with Injury

When a DUI arrest involves a crash that causes injury, prosecutors may file charges under Vehicle Code Section 23153. These cases fall into two main categories:

1. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs causing bodily injury, under California Vehicle Code 23153(a)
2. Driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher causing bodily injury, under California Vehicle Code 23153(b)

DUI with injury is a “wobbler,” meaning the prosecutor can charge it as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the facts. A felony DUI with injury can include additional charges for serious or “great bodily injury,” which carries long prison terms.

As a former Deputy District Attorney, Pat Carey trained both law enforcement officers and new prosecutors, bringing a well-informed perspective to every case. This pedigree helps us pursue case reductions that may lower your court fines and penalties.

What are the DUI Penalties in California?

A DUI conviction in California brings serious penalties, including fines, loss of driving privileges, and possible jail time. Understanding the potential consequences of a conviction is essential, and our DUI defense attorney in Torrance can help minimize the impact on your life.

For a first offense, classified as a misdemeanor, penalties may include:

• Jail Time: Up to 6 months in jail, though this is often reduced or served as community service.
• Fines: $390 to $1,000, plus court costs and fees that can bring the total to over $2,000.

The penalties for a DUI can be enhanced if there are aggravating factors, such as a high BAC (0.15% or higher), reckless driving, or having a minor in the car. Additionally, a DUI can be charged as a felony if it is your fourth DUI within 10 years or if anyone was injured or killed as a result of the incident.

Other DUI consequences in California include:

• License suspension or revocation
• Ignition interlock device installation
• Probation
• Community service
• Alcohol education programs
• Fines and court fees

A DUI conviction can include travel restrictions, higher insurance premiums, and impacts on professional licenses or employment. Many of these collateral issues are not explained fully at the beginning of a DUI case, but they affect your future in important ways.

In Los Angeles County, courts typically require DUI program attendance and ongoing reporting to the local probation office. If you are convicted in Torrance, you may need to complete counseling programs in the South Bay and appear at the Torrance Courthouse for updates. 

Showing responsibility this way can sometimes reduce the severity of sentencing. We review these steps with you to help you take action that could make a difference in your case’s outcome.

What to Do if You’ve Been Arrested for a DUI

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Torrance, time is critical. The DMV will automatically suspend your license just 10 days after your arrest unless you take immediate action. Because DUI laws in California are complex, it’s essential to have an experienced Torrance DUI attorney—especially one who knows how prosecutors and the DMV operate—on your side to protect your rights and your ability to drive.

• Request a DMV hearing within 10 days – Acting quickly allows you to contest the automatic suspension and keep your driving privileges while your case moves forward. Hearings are often handled at the Torrance Driver Safety Office for South Bay cases.
• Gather and document details of your arrest – Write down everything you remember, including times, dates, and what law enforcement said. These notes can be valuable in building a strong defense.
• Know your rights and seek legal help – You have the right to an attorney, and early legal guidance can prevent costly mistakes. Avoid making statements or decisions that could harm your case.

Pat Carey has successfully negotiated hundreds of cases and has tried 65 jury trials, using this background to advocate for clients at both the DMV and in Los Angeles courts.

Why Choosing the Right DUI Defense Attorney Matters

Choosing the right DUI attorney in Torrance can shape the outcome of your case. At the Law Offices of J. Patrick Carey, we focus on the unique facts and needs of every case. Our track record shows how experience in DUI defense and prosecution makes a difference when your rights and your license are on the line.

Here are some key reasons why selecting an experienced DUI attorney matters:

• Expertise in Local Laws: Our attorneys know California DUI law and local Torrance court procedures, which offers clients a real advantage.
• Personalized Defense Strategies: We study each case, from the circumstances of the arrest to the evidence involved, to build a legal strategy tailored to you.
• Negotiation Skills: Our years in prosecution and defense allow us to pursue reduced charges or penalties.
• Emotional Support: Facing a DUI charge is stressful, and our approachable team supports you and helps you make informed decisions at every stage.
• Proven Track Record: We have delivered successful results for clients, reflecting our commitment to defending your rights and future.

Attorneys serving Torrance develop working relationships with judges, prosecutors, and police, which can influence court proceedings and hearing outcomes. Familiarity with court schedules and South Bay DMV requirements means we keep your case moving efficiently. 

Choosing a DUI lawyer in Torrance with this background ensures you know what to expect and helps you avoid common pitfalls in the local process.

Our Former Prosecutor Can Handle Your DUI Case

Our Torrance DUI lawyer, Pat Carey, prosecuted hundreds of DUI cases during his 8+ years with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. He developed strategies for handling DUIs and now uses his background defending DUI cases. 

Pat has trained officers in local police departments on DUI investigations and helped create forms used in Torrance DUI stops.

We take a hands-on approach to every case. Our team revisits incident scenes, interviews witnesses, and consults with forensic professionals when appropriate to strengthen your defense. We leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of the best results for you.

To speak with an experienced Torrance DUI attorney, give us a call at (310) 695-1118 or contact us online today.

Common Questions About DUI Charges

If a DUI Incident Results in a Collision and Death, What Options Does the Prosecutor Have?

When a DUI crash in Torrance or the South Bay region results in a death, prosecutors have several charging options depending on whether intoxication can be proven and the level of negligence involved:

• Murder (“Watson Murder”) – Felony
  • Charge: Penal Code § 187(a), second-degree murder, with separate counts for each victim
  • Punishment: 15 years to life per count
• Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated – Felony
  • Charge: Penal Code § 191.5(a)
  • Punishment: 4, 6, or 10 years per count
• Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated – Felony
  • Charge: Penal Code § 191.5(b)
  • Punishment: 16 months, 2 years, or 4 years per count

If authorities cannot prove intoxication but someone has died, prosecutors still have several ways to charge the case:

• Vehicular Manslaughter (No Proof of Intoxication – Felony)
  • Charge: Penal Code § 191(c)(1)
  • Punishment: 2, 4, or 6 years per count
• Vehicular Manslaughter (No Proof of Intoxication – Misdemeanor)
  • Charge: Penal Code § 191(c)(2)
  • Punishment: Up to 1 year in county jail per victim

What Should I Do Immediately After a DUI Arrest in Torrance?

The time after a DUI arrest can feel overwhelming. Stay calm and protect your rights by avoiding statements to police until you consult a DUI defense attorney. Collect and write down all the details about your arrest, including time, place, and officer interactions, as this information can help your lawyer prepare your defense.

Your driving privileges are at risk; the DMV can suspend your license if you do not request a hearing within ten days of arrest. Contact Law Offices of J. Patrick Carey quickly to make sure the right legal steps are taken and to prevent automatic license suspension. Be prepared for your court date, since appearing is required and can affect your case’s trajectory.

How Do DUI Checkpoints Work in Torrance?

DUI checkpoints are roadside stops where law enforcement in Torrance checks drivers for signs of impairment. In California, these checkpoints must follow strict rules, including advance public notice, visible officer presence, and use of neutral criteria for stopping vehicles.

Torrance law enforcement schedules these checkpoints to reduce drunk driving incidents, especially on weekends or holidays. Being stopped at a checkpoint does not mean guilt. Refusing a sobriety test can trigger immediate license suspension under state implied consent laws, so know your rights if you are pulled over.

What Are the Penalties for Refusing a Chemical Test in Torrance?

Refusing a chemical test after arrest in Torrance has immediate and long-term consequences. California’s implied consent law requires drivers to submit to these tests if suspected of DUI. Refusal results in a one-year license suspension for a first offense, with longer suspensions for repeat refusals within a decade.

The DMV can also require extra fines and classes. The prosecution may argue that the refusal shows consciousness of guilt. At Law Offices of J. Patrick Carey, we check that law enforcement followed all proper procedures when making a DUI arrest, as protocol mistakes can sometimes be used to contest the charge.

Is It Possible to Expunge a DUI Conviction in Torrance?

Expungement means sealing or dismissing a DUI conviction from California’s state record. The conviction will no longer be reported as a conviction for employment purposes, but DUI convictions remain for DMV purposes and count as prior offenses if you are charged again.

For expungement, you must complete probation with no new charges and not have current criminal proceedings. Expunged DUI offenses are usually marked as “dismissed” on your record, but can still appear on private background checks.

How Can Local Laws Impact My DUI Defense in Torrance?

Torrance has local rules and prosecution practices that influence DUI defense. State law requires ignition interlock installation for repeat offenders. Different Los Angeles-area courts, including Torrance, have their own approaches to plea bargains and sentencing, which shape what to expect if charged with DUI.

Knowing how judges and prosecutors in Torrance approach DUI cases helps in preparation and negotiations. Being aware of city- and county-specific traffic and court rules can give your case an important edge.

To speak with an experienced Torrance DUI attorney, give us a call at (310) 695-1118 or contact us online today.