Los Angeles Rideshare DUI Lawyers
Defending Rideshare Drivers Against Los Angeles DUI Charges
Rideshare apps, such as Uber and Lyft, are becoming increasingly popular in the Los Angeles area. Rideshare drivers operating their own personal vehicles are not required to have a Class A or Class B license. Under previous DUI laws, they were subject to the same legal limit of .08% for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) as other drivers in California.
With recent changes in state DUI laws, rideshare drivers carrying passengers can be arrested for DUI with a much lower BAC than other drivers. If you are a rideshare driver facing DUI charges in Los Angeles, consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
What Is DUI Under California Law?
It is illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol or any drug that affects driving ability in California. DUI laws were amended by the California legislature in 2017. As of July 1, 2018, it is unlawful for a person with a BAC of .04% or higher to drive a motor vehicle when a passenger for hire is in the vehicle under California Vehicle Code Section 23152(e).
Specific BAC limits apply in different circumstances under state law. It is prohibited to drive with a BAC of:
- .08% or higher for drivers ages 21 and older
- .01% or higher for drivers under the age of 21
- .01% or higher at any age for anyone on DUI probation
- .04% or higher while driving a vehicle that requires a commercial driver's license
- .04% or higher while driving a passenger for hire
What Are the Different Levels of DUI Charges?
California has three different levels of DUI charges – infraction, misdemeanor, and felony. A person arrested for DUI may be charged with an infraction if the prosecutor does not believe there is enough evidence to support a DUI charge. Also, a criminal defense attorney could negotiate a plea agreement in which DUI is charged as an infraction.
Typically, DUI is filed as a misdemeanor or a felony. It may be charged as a misdemeanor for a first, second, or third offense. A fourth DUI is charged as a felony. DUI that results in serious injury to another person is also charged as a felony, punishable by up to three years in state prison or up to six years if the victim suffered great bodily injury.
What Are the Long-Term Consequences of a DUI Conviction for Rideshare Drivers?
New legislation enacted by California legislators requires background checks for rideshare drivers and prevents them from rideshare driving if they have been convicted of certain offenses. Rideshare companies that fail to conduct background checks on all driver applicants can face steep fines and penalties if a driver is found to have committed an offense such as assault, battery, domestic violence, or certain other crimes within the previous seven years.
If you are a rideshare driver charged with DUI, you may be facing jail time, fines, mandatory alcohol education, and suspension of your driver's license. A DUI conviction leaves you with a criminal record that can negatively impact your future prospects. You could lose your current employment and become unemployable as a rideshare driver for at least seven years. Your best chance of obtaining the most favorable outcome is to have an experienced Los Angeles rideshare DUI attorney handling your case.
At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, our Los Angeles DUI defense lawyers have the expertise you need on your side. We do everything we can to protect your rights, your future, and your reputation. Our legal team has experience handling a wide range of DUI cases. Contact us at (213) 688-0460 to find out how we can help.
Contact Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP Today
Phone: (213) 688-0460 
Fax: (213) 624-1942
Recent Case Results
- Complete Dismissal of Molestation Charges
Attorney Mark Werksman’s 29 year old client was falsely accused of molesting two neighborhood children and was subsequently charged with felony child molestation, with a significant prison sentence hanging over his head should he be convicted. Instead, at the preliminary hearing Werksman was able to convince the court to grant his client a complete dismissal of any charges. - Decision Set Aside
Client, a college student in a faulty Title IX case, was awarded $130,000 in attorney fees. - Probation with No Jail Time for Drug Money Laundering Charge
Wilmington man accused in New York federal court of laundering drug money through the sale of laptop computers. Mark was able to get the case transferred to federal court in Los Angeles, where he convinced the United States Attorney to reduce the charges. His client was sentenced to probation with no jail time on a misdemeanor conviction.
