Metropolitan Courthouse DUI Defense Attorney
The Los Angeles Metropolitan Courthouse (Metro) is where most misdemeanor California Vehicle Code 23152 VC driving under the influence (DUI) cases are prosecuted. Notably, however, felony DUI cases are not typically prosecuted in the Metro Court.
If you were arrested for drunk driving and the case was assigned to the Metro Court, often called the "DUI court," our highly experienced Los Angeles DUI defense lawyers can help you. We routinely appear in this court and know how to obtain the most favorable results.
The Los Angeles City Attorney's Office prosecutes all the misdemeanor DUI cases at the Metro Courthouse.
They staff each courtroom with a Deputy City Attorney (prosecutor) who appears in each division. Based on the case details, these prosecutors typically make plea offers to the defense lawyer.
The Metropolitan Courthouse is located downtown at 1945 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007, and the phone number is (213) 745-3200.
This court has two arraignment courtrooms, including Division 60, which is for defendants who either posted bail or were released on their own recognizance (OR).
Division 66 is for "in-custody" defendants, meaning they remain in jail after their arrest. Defendants who appear in custody are typically people who were arrested for DUI with aggravating factors, such as a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC), a refusal to submit to a chemical blood or breath test, a serious car accident, driving at excessive speeds or with a suspended license, or they have prior DUI convictions.
Once you're in one of the arraignment courtrooms, the staff will play a recording of your Constitutional rights, including your right to an attorney and a speedy trial. If you're unable to afford a private attorney, rest assured that a public defender will be appointed to you.
What is an "Arraignment Offer?"
At your initial arraignment, a defendant will plead guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere (no contest) to their DUI charge. Arraignment offers at Metro Court are typically considered the best and lowest DUI plea bargain deals that the City Attorney's Office will offer.
Depending on the case, it could be the minimum DUI penalty imposed by law, offering hope for a favorable outcome.
Notably, however, the problem with arraignment offers is that some defendants are not guilty, and everyone is entitled to present a defense. At the arraignment, the defense attorney will receive the police report and “discovery,” which is all evidence that related to the case.
Often, after a DUI lawyer has reviewed all the evidence, they might discover legal defenses and weaknesses that will help fight the DUI and lead to a better plea bargain or a case dismissal. The Metro Court DUI arraignment offers are typically as follows for a first-time DUI with no aggravating factors:
- 36 months of informal DUI probation,
- Complete a three-month California DUI school,
- Six-month driver's license suspension,
- $390 fine.
Suppose this is your second DUI arrest. In that case, the arraignment offer will typically include the following:
- 48 months of informal probation,
- Minimum of 96 hours in a county jail,
- $450 fine,
- Complete an an 18-month DUI school,
- Two-year license suspension, but you can continue driving without restrictions if you agree to get an IID installed.
Suppose there are aggravating factors. In that case, the DUI penalties will be increased as follows:
- 48 hours of county jail for a first offense,
- Ten days of county jail for a second offense,
- Alcoholics Anonymous “AA” meetings,
- County Hospital and Morgue Program,
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving Victim Impact Program.
What is the DUI Pretrial Process?
After the arraignment court, your case will proceed to the pretrial process in Division 63, the primary master calendar court. Your DUI defense lawyer will begin evaluating all the case details closely to identify weaknesses.
Your lawyer will continue to negotiate plea bargains with the prosecutor, typically seeking to get the City Attorney to agree to a reduced DUI charge and sentence or even a dismissal. Suppose your lawyer is unable to obtain the plea bargain you are seeking. In that case, your lawyer will ask the court for a continuance to allow more time.
This strategic move can be beneficial for the defense, as it allows more time for evidence to weaken and memories to fade, potentially strengthening your case.
The most common DUI pretrial motions are the Penal Code 1538.5 PC motion to suppress evidence and the Pitchess Motion, which seeks to discover whether others have complained of police misconduct against the arresting officer.
A motion to suppress evidence means to challenge the validity of the traffic stop by asking if the officer had probable cause to stop you in the first place.
Most DUI cases are settled before trial, but if your case proceeds to a jury trial at the Metropolitan Courthouse, it will typically take between three and five days.
Suppose you are convicted of DUI, and there are no aggravating factors. In that case, the judge will probably sentence you to similar terms and conditions as those offered at the arraignment or during the pretrial process.
Most Metro Court judges will allow convicted defendants to participate in DUI alternative sentencing, such as serving time in a private city jail, electronic monitoring, house arrest, or
performing community labor like CALTRANS roadside work or community service.
For additional information, contact our California DUI defense lawyers, Eisner Gorin LLP, which has offices in Los Angeles, CA.
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