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Beverly Hills DUI With Child In The Vehicle

Beverly Hills DUI Attorney

Several aggravating factors can increase the punishments assessed on a Beverly Hills DUI conviction. These penalty enhancements can tack on additional jail time to whatever penalty is imposed for the underlying DUI crime. One penalty enhancement enacted by the legislature is the enhancement for having a minor child in the vehicle at the time of the DUI incident pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 23572 VC. Those convicted of a Beverly Hills DUI offense who are also found to have had a minor in their vehicle may face extensive jail sentences. Prosecutors may also charge these drivers with child endangerment in violation of California Penal Code Section 273(a) PC.

Under California Vehicle Code Section 23572 VC, additional jail time will be imposed if the following elements are present:

  1. The defendant was convicted in court of a DUI offense in violation of California Vehicle Code Section 23152 VC.

  2. When the defendant was arrested for the Beverly Hills DUI offense, he or she was driving with a child under the age of 14.

Only a Beverly Hills DUI conviction can trigger additional liability for having a child in the vehicle. If the defendant was initially charged with DUI but pleaded to a lesser charge such as exhibition of speed per California Vehicle Code Section 23109(c) VC or wet reckless in violation of California Vehicle Code Section 23103/23103.5 VC the penalty enhancement would be inapplicable.

Those who are convicted of a Beverly Hills DUI offense and who also are found to be in violation of California Vehicle Code Section 23572 VC will have the following penalties added to their sentences:

  1. An additional 48 hours in jail for a defendant’s first DUI offense.

  2. An additional ten days in jail for a defendant’s second DUI within a ten year period.

  3. An additional thirty days in jail for a defendant’s third DUI within a ten year period.

  4. An additional 90 days in jail for a defendant’s fourth or subsequent DUI within a ten year period. If a defendant’s fourth (or subsequent) DUI charge is filed as a felony, the California Vehicle Code Section 23572 VC penalty enhancement would not be applicable. The underlying penalties for a Beverly Hills felony DUI conviction are much more extensive than those on a misdemeanor.

When the facts of the case are particularly egregious, the Beverly Hills DUI driver may be charged with child endangerment in violation of California Penal Code Section 273(a) PC. This offense is a potential felony that can be charged when the minor involved is under the age of 18. With the California Vehicle Code Section 23572 VC penalty enhancement, the minor must be under 14.

Child endangerment under California Penal Code Section 273(a) PC is a “wobbler” that can be charged by prosecutors as either a felony or a misdemeanor. When making a filing decision, the prosecutor and/or investigator assigned to the case will consider the severity of the defendant’s impaired driving conduct and the criminal history of the defendant, among other factors. If filed as a misdemeanor, a defendant can be sent to jail for a maximum of six months. If felony charges are filed, the defendant can be sentenced to serve up to four years in prison. When a Beverly Hills DUI driver is caught with a minor in the vehicle at the time of arrest, child endangerment charges will usually only be filed in the most egregious cases. This would include where the defendant’s BAC was particularly high, where the driving conduct was unusually dangerous or where the driver has multiple prior DUI convictions. If the driver is charged with child endangerment, he or she can also be prosecuted for the DUI offense. However, if convicted of both offenses, the California Vehicle Code Section 23572 VC enhancement would be inapplicable.

If you have been arrested for DUI and it is further alleged that there was a child in the vehicle, it is critical that you discuss your situation with a knowledgeable and experienced Beverly Hills DUI Attorney right away. As a former Deputy District Attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience, Beverly Hills DUI Lawyer Michael Kraut is a highly skilled litigator who knows how best to fight DUI allegations.

For more information about the Beverly Hills DUI with a child in the vehicle enhancement, and to schedule your free consultation, contact Beverly Hills DUI Attorney Michael Kraut at the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers located at 8484 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 660B, Beverly Hills, CA 90211-3220. Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at 310-550-6935.


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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.
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