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Torrance DUI with Serious Injury Lawyer

Protect Your Future and Freedom by Calling Our DUI Attorney

A person who drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol is acting in a way that can be seen as grossly negligent. It isn’t surprising then that California courts are very tough on DUIs. However, when a DUI results in injury, the stakes can be far higher.

When a DUI accident involves injury to another person, the act will be regarded as a far more serious crime. Therefore, if you are driving under the influence and cause injury to someone as a result of your being intoxicated, you will face serious criminal consequences.

In the South Bay, law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney’s Office devote significant attention to crashes on busy corridors. When officers believe impairment played a role, they often call in specialized traffic investigators and accident reconstruction teams right away. That means the case against you may be built within hours of the incident, long before you have had a chance to explain what happened from your perspective or gather helpful evidence on your own.

Because of this rapid response, we work to secure video from nearby businesses and residences, locate witnesses who may have seen important details such as sudden lane changes or unsafe maneuvers by other drivers, and evaluate road and weather conditions at the time of the collision. These facts can be critical in challenging the claim that alcohol or drugs alone caused the crash. We also review your medical status, including fatigue, existing injuries, or prescription medications, to determine whether there are alternative explanations for your driving and for the results of any field sobriety tests.

Protect your rights after a DUI accident. Schedule a free consultation with a Torrance DUI with serious injury attorney by calling (310) 361-3068 or contacting us online!

Understanding Aggravated & Extreme DUI Charges in Torrance, CA

Aggravated DUI and extreme DUI are serious criminal charges distinct from standard DUIs. In California, an aggravated DUI involves circumstances such as causing injury or death to another person, having a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC)—often above 0.15% or 0.20%—driving with a suspended license, or having prior DUI convictions. Extreme DUI generally refers to cases where the BAC is 0.20% or higher, which leads to additional enhancements and longer jail terms under California Vehicle Code sections 23578 and 23153.

In Torrance, aggravated DUI attorneys and extreme DUI lawyers must be familiar with how local law enforcement and prosecutors handle cases involving serious injuries or high BACs—especially since prosecutors emphasize deterrence and community safety. DUI checkpoints are common during weekends, holidays, and near entertainment venues. If you are arrested for aggravated or extreme DUI in Torrance, your case will likely be prosecuted aggressively, making it even more important to have an extreme DUI attorney in Torrance or an aggravated DUI lawyer in Torrance who understands both the local courts and law enforcement procedures. With strategic defense and in-depth knowledge of Torrance legal processes, your attorney can work to challenge evidence, negotiate charges, and protect your future.

What Constitutes DUI with Serious Injury in California?

For the prosecution to secure a conviction under California Vehicle Code §23153, they must prove the following elements:

  1. You were driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This typically means a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher for most drivers, or 0.04% for commercial drivers. Driving under the influence of drugs, including prescription medications, can also result in charges.
  2. You committed an unlawful act or neglected a legal duty while driving. This may include traffic violations, reckless driving, or other acts of negligence.
  3. Your actions caused serious injury to another person. The injuries must be significant and directly connected to your driving. Examples of serious injuries include broken bones, head trauma, or injuries requiring surgery or long-term medical care.

A Torrance DUI with a serious injury attorney can evaluate the evidence in your case to determine whether the prosecution can meet these legal requirements.

What are the Penalties for DUI with Serious Injury in California?

DUI with serious injury is typically charged as a wobbler offense, meaning it can be prosecuted as a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the circumstances of the case and your criminal history.

Felony Penalties

If charged as a felony, the penalties may include:

  • Imprisonment: 16 months, 2 years, or 4 years in state prison, with an additional 3 to 6 years for causing bodily harm to another person.
  • Fines: Up to $5,000 in court fines, in addition to restitution to the injured party.
  • Driver’s License Suspension: A suspension or revocation of your driver’s license for up to 5 years.
  • DUI School: Mandatory completion of an 18- or 30-month DUI education program.
  • Strike Under California’s Three Strikes Law: A felony DUI with serious injury can count as a strike offense, impacting future sentencing for subsequent convictions.

Misdemeanor Penalties

If charged as a misdemeanor, the potential penalties may include:

  • Up to 1 year in county jail.
  • Fines up to $5,000.
  • Mandatory DUI education programs.
  • Driver’s license suspension or restrictions.

The severity of the penalties will depend on factors such as your BAC level, whether you have prior DUI convictions, and the extent of the injuries sustained by the victim.

Aggravating and Mitigating Factors

When determining sentencing, the court may consider aggravating and mitigating factors to adjust the penalties.

Aggravating Factors

  • A high BAC level (0.15% or higher).
  • Prior DUI convictions.
  • Injuries caused to multiple victims.
  • Driving with a suspended or revoked license.
  • Hit-and-run behavior after the accident.

Mitigating Factors

  • No prior criminal history.
  • The injuries were minor or not directly caused by your actions.
  • Cooperation with law enforcement.
  • Enrollment in a rehabilitation program or counseling.

A Torrance DUI with serious injury lawyer can present mitigating factors to the court to reduce the severity of your sentence.

Beyond the direct criminal penalties, a conviction for DUI with serious injury can affect nearly every part of your life. You may face higher insurance premiums, licensing consequences if you hold a commercial driver’s license, and employment complications if you work in fields that require driving or background checks.

The Role of a Torrance DUI with Serious Injury Attorney

Facing DUI with serious injury charges is a daunting and complex process. Our experienced attorney can provide essential legal representation by:

  • Conducting a Thorough Investigation: Reviewing police reports, accident reconstructions, and medical records to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
  • Negotiating Plea Bargains: Working with the prosecution to potentially reduce your charges to a lesser offense, such as a misdemeanor DUI or reckless driving.
  • Representing You in Court: Advocating on your behalf during pretrial hearings, motions, and, if necessary, trial.
  • Explaining Your Legal Options: Providing clear guidance on the potential outcomes and the best course of action for your situation.

A Torrance DUI with serious injury attorney is dedicated to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible result in your case.

Defenses That May Be Available In A Torrance DUI With Serious Injury Case

No two DUI with serious injury cases are the same, and effective defenses depend on the facts, the quality of the evidence, and how the investigation was handled. We do not treat aggravated DUI or extreme DUI charges as automatic convictions. Instead, we examine whether law enforcement complied with constitutional requirements at every step, from the initial traffic stop to the way blood samples were collected and stored. Problems in these areas can sometimes lead to key evidence being limited or excluded, which may significantly change the strength of the case against you.

We also look closely at whether the prosecution can truly link your level of impairment to the accident and the injuries that occurred. For example, if another driver suddenly changed lanes near Pacific Coast Highway or failed to yield at an intersection, that conduct may have been the primary cause of the collision. In other situations, road design, poor lighting, or sudden mechanical failures can contribute to a crash. By working with investigators and experts familiar with collisions in and around Torrance, we can develop alternative explanations that cast doubt on the claim that your driving alone caused the harm.

In some aggravated DUI matters, it may be appropriate to raise issues related to medical conditions, prescription medications, or other factors that can mimic signs of intoxication. We evaluate whether fatigue, anxiety, inner ear problems, or other health issues could have affected your performance on field sobriety tests or your appearance on body camera footage. When these explanations are supported by medical records or professional opinions, they can be powerful tools for challenging the reliability of the state’s evidence. Even if a complete dismissal is not possible, raising well-founded defenses can support efforts to reduce charges, avoid certain enhancements, or seek alternative sentencing options that limit the long-term impact on your life.

Why Choose Our Firm For Aggravated And Extreme DUI Defense In Torrance

When you are searching for an aggravated DUI attorney in Torrance or guidance on an extreme DUI allegation, you need more than a general understanding of DUI law. Cases involving serious injuries, prior convictions, or very high BAC results require careful attention to detail and familiarity with how local judges and prosecutors view these matters. Our practice is dedicated to criminal defense, and we draw on decades of experience in Los Angeles County courtrooms to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the case against you. Because we have handled many complex felony and misdemeanor matters, we understand how charging decisions are made and how to present information that may influence those decisions.

We also place a strong emphasis on direct communication and accessibility. From your first consultation, you meet with an attorney who will remain involved in your aggravated or extreme DUI case, rather than being passed from one staff member to another. We take time to explain the potential consequences of different choices, answer questions about appearances in the Torrance courthouse, and respond to concerns about work, family, and immigration issues that may arise from a DUI with serious injury charge. This personal approach helps you feel informed and supported while you navigate a stressful process.

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Contact Our Torrance DUI Serious Injury Lawyer

Hiring a highly knowledgeable and experienced Torrance criminal defense attorney who will aggressively challenge a DUI is vital to your future. Our law firm has served those in the area for over 80 years and has built a highly respected reputation.

We are never daunted and are always ready to go to trial to defend our clients when the case requires it. You can have confidence that you will be in highly qualified hands should you choose counsel from our firm to represent you.

Trust a team that has been serving the community for decades. Speak with our lawyers at (310) 361-3068 or fill out this online form today!

  • I cannot thank Robert enough for his efforts, knowledge, and execution in my case. He gave me a second chance.
    - Kevin Q.
  • Michelle has had a profound impact on my life. She not only has a firm grasp of legal matters, but also of human emotions. This dynamic duo worked all hours of the day and night on my case. They exerted effort way beyond the amount that I had paid them.
    - Khadijeh K.
  • If you are in need of a great attorney with an abundance of experience as well as a very professional office staff who constantly will keep you updated, call Ernenwein & Mathes!
    - Jake L.
  • They are the gold standard for defense attorneys. A+
    - Former Client

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can a DUI with Serious Injury Be Reduced to a Lesser Charge?

    Yes, it is possible to negotiate a reduction to a lesser charge, such as reckless driving, depending on the circumstances of the case. A Torrance DUI with serious injury lawyer can evaluate the evidence and work with the prosecution to explore this option.

    Continue Reading Read Less

    Our FAQ

    Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 310-361-3068 today!

    • Should I Hire A Torrance Juvenile Attorney For My Child?

      Absolutely.

      The right counsel can help you avoid pitfalls that may arise in the case, such as the juvenile court’s determination that the case is serious enough (i.e., felony) to justify your child being charged and tried as an adult. If your child is tried as an adult, his or her case is moved to adult criminal court, and if convicted, may go to prison with adult offenders.

      The defense lawyers at Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, have handled over 1,000 juvenile cases over the course of their combined 60 years of experience. We will make every possible effort to allow your child to remain in juvenile court. We can attend your child’s fitness hearing, where the court makes the decision regarding whether to try your child as an adult or a juvenile. Psychiatric reports, probation reports and legal arguments can be arranged to help convince the juvenile court to retain its jurisdiction over the minor.

      As Robert Ernenwein is a former Los Angeles deputy district attorney, the lawyers at Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, know the criminal process inside out, giving them a distinct edge when they represent you in court. They are well-respected and well-known by Los Angeles prosecutors and judges.

      If your child has been charged in a criminal case, contact Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, Los Angeles and Orange County criminal defense lawyers today at (310) 361-3068 for a free case review.

    • What Kind Of Punishment Will My Child Received If She Or He Is Convicted?

      Generally, punishments fall into four different categories. First, your child may be sent home on probation. Second, the juvenile may be sent to a placement facility within the community, such as a boys’ or girls’ home. Third, the juvenile may be sent to a camp facility. The camp may be a short-term camp and last as little as four months or as long as 12 months. Finally, your child may be sent to DJJ, which is a juvenile version of an adult state penitentiary.

    • If My Child Is Convicted, Will The Conviction Remain On His Criminal Record?

      If you hire us, we will try to get your child’s case deviated out of the criminal justice system through deferred entry of judgement or to seek informal probation with dismissal or a dismissal after formal probation. If we can secure these as conviction/sentencing options, the offense will not go on his or her criminal record. If a plea of no contest or conviction occurs in a case, the record can be sealed after the juvenile’s 18th or 21st birthday.

    • My Child Has Been Taken Into Custody. What Can He/She Be Charged With?

      Depending on the seriousness of the charged offense, the prosecutor can file either misdemeanor or felony charges. If a minor is convicted of a misdemeanor, he will be placed on probation, detained in a juvenile facility, such as a boot camp or a ranch, ordered to pay a fine or a combination of these punishments. If the minor is convicted of an infraction, such as a motor vehicle violation, he or she will usually be punished with a fine.

      However, the minor will face much more severe consequences if he is convicted of a felony. The court may sentence to incarceration in a state institution, such as the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), which is the equivalent to a state prison sentence for adults. In addition to or in the alternative, the court may order house arrest (electronic monitoring), commitment in a youth center, probation, parole or undergoing treatment programs.

      There are rules and procedures that are unique to the California Juvenile Court and, therefore, make it very different from adult criminal court. For instance, juveniles are not entitled to jury trials (the theory being that, since juveniles are being rehabilitated rather than punished, they are not entitled to all protections otherwise afforded adult criminals). Juveniles also have no right to bail.

    • If You Were Not Drunk When The Fatal Crash Occurred
      Even if you were not drunk when the accident took place, you could still be charged with vehicular manslaughter. The prosecution will need to show that you committed an unlawful act while driving and were grossly negligent. For example, if you were speeding or driving recklessly, it could be considered an unlawful act. Gross negligence could come into play, too, which basically means you disregarded the safety of others.
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