Los Angeles DUI Speed Enhancement

California DUI Speed Enhancement

Section 23582 of the California Vehicle Code is commonly known as the “speed enhancement” and is a sentencing enhancement that may apply to certain DUI charges. The enhancement may be assessed when someone violates Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) (driving under the influence), Vehicle Code Section 23152(b) (driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher) or Vehicle Code Section 23153 (DUI with injury) AND drove 20 to 30 miles per hour over the speed limit in a reckless fashion. If convicted of the DUI with the enhancement, there is a mandatory 60 jail sentence that is required. Not even a judge can drop the jail requirement if the enhancement is charged and proven.

On the freeway, driving in excess of 30 mph over the speed limit would trigger the speed enhancement, while on public surface streets a driver need only be travelling 20 mph over the limit to risk implicating the speed enhancement. It is important to remember that speeding on its own is not enough to support the sentencing enhancement. The prosecutor must be able to establish both the excessive speed and “reckless driving.”

California Vehicle Code Section 23103 defines reckless driving as driving a vehicle “in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” This occurs when a person is consciously aware of his or her conduct and its likelihood to cause harm or damage, and that person intentionally ignores this risk. California courts have found that this is a very high standard that requires more than a mere possibility that the conduct in question could cause harm, but in fact harm or damage must be “probable.” Courts have further held that speeding and driving drunk by themselves are not enough to classify driving conduct as “reckless,” and some intentional act or omission is additionally required.

Because the speed enhancement automatically requires 60 days in jail if sentenced, it is critical that you have a lawyer on your side to fight your case. Attorney Michael Kraut was a deputy district attorney for over 14 years who will aggressively defend your DUI and sped enhancement charges. He will explore every angle and argument to ensure you have the best defense possible. Contact Michael Kraut at the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers at (323) 464-6453 24/7 today to set up a free consultation.

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Michael Kraut is outstanding! He genuinely cared about my case and instructed my mom and I throughout the entire process. He was very clear on what he needed in order to receive the best results. He kept us updated until the end. I thank him so much for getting my charges rejected. I highly recommend him to anyone with legal needs! Shaquan
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I contacted Michael with concern for my personal and business reputation. He was very reassuring and confident the entire time. After about 3 weeks it was determined that no charges were being filed by any agency and I was in the clear of any investigation. One thing that is amazing is just how FAST Michael is at replying to phone calls, texts, and even emails! We are talking under 30 minutes in most cases. That is unheard of for most attorneys! Michael is incredible and not your typical run of the mill attorney. For best results hire him if you feel like you might be under investigation or could face charges. Even if you know you are innocent it is best to take care of the smoke before it becomes a fire. Brad
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Michael Kraut is-hands down-the best criminal defense attorney and I can't begin to thank him for all that he did for me and my family. I reached out to him in the middle of the night and less than a couple hours later, he had gotten back to me and scheduled a meeting. He's a no-nonsense attorney who knows how to get the job done! From the second we retained him, I had peace of mind in knowing that we were in the best hands possible. If Michael Kraut couldn't get it done, I knew that it couldn't be done at all. You can't put a price tag on your freedom. He was worth every single penny. Lida
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Michael Kraut is an outstanding attorney. He was extremely professional, and straightforward, yet sensitive with my case. I am confident I made the right choice by hiring Michael. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a truly experienced lawyer. Daniel
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Michael Kraut - I cannot thank you enough for all that you did for ​my son. When I came to you I read that you used to be a district attorney but I never knew how much that meant until I watch you in court. I knew it took 3 months but the final day when I heard the judge say that all charges were dismissed it was all worth it! I will always be grateful for all that you did for us. A.N.