Alcohol consumption is legal in California for adults over the age of 21, but misuse or unlawful activity related to alcohol can quickly result in criminal charges. In Los Angeles, alcohol-related crimes range from misdemeanors to serious felony offenses, many of which carry life-altering consequences. Whether it's a DUI, drunk in public, or furnishing alcohol to a minor, being arrested for an alcohol offense can be overwhelming and stressful. If you or a loved one has been charged with an alcohol-related crime, you must meet with a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney right away.
Led by Michael Kraut, a former Deputy District Attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience, Kraut Law Group Criminal & DUI Lawyers, Inc. brings a uniquely strategic and aggressive approach to criminal defense. If you've been charged with an alcohol offense, it’s critical to understand your rights and begin building a strong defense immediately.
Alcohol crimes often stem from poor decisions made in the moment. However, the consequences can last far longer than the night out. The following are among the most commonly charged alcohol-related offenses in California.
Los Angeles DUI Charges and Legal PenaltiesCalifornia Vehicle Code § 23152(a) & § 23152(b): DUI is one of the most aggressively prosecuted alcohol crimes in Los Angeles. Under California law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher—law enforcement agencies throughout the county conduct routine DUI checkpoints and patrols, especially on weekends and holidays.
A DUI conviction can result in:
Penalties escalate with each subsequent offense or if aggravating factors are present, such as having a child in the car, causing injury, or driving significantly over the legal limit with a BAC.
At Kraut Law Group Criminal & DUI Lawyers, Inc., we thoroughly analyze DUI evidence such as field sobriety tests, breathalyzer accuracy, and officer procedures to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Los Angeles Public Intoxication Charges and Legal PenaltiesCalifornia Penal Code § 647(f): It is not illegal to be drunk in public per se. Still, it becomes a criminal offense when the level of intoxication renders a person unable to care for their safety or interferes with public safety, such as obstructing sidewalks or provoking fights. This charge is often used as a catch-all by law enforcement when they believe someone is a danger to themselves or others due to alcohol.
Public intoxication is a misdemeanor and can lead to:
These charges are often filed after bar fights, disorderly conduct, or public disturbances. Many of these cases are defensible with the right legal strategy, especially if your arrest lacked probable cause or you were arrested based on an officer’s subjective opinion.
Los Angeles Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor Charges and Legal PenaltiesCalifornia Business and Professions Code § 25658(a): Providing or selling alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 is illegal in California. This law applies to individuals, store clerks, bartenders, or even parents at parties. The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) routinely conducts sting operations using underage decoys to enforce this law.
Violations of this section may result in:
A conviction can have serious consequences for business owners and employees. Our legal team has extensive experience defending these cases and challenging the legality of decoy operations, entrapment, and procedural violations.
Los Angeles Minor in Possession of Alcohol Charges and Legal PenaltiesCalifornia Business and Professions Code § 25662(a): It is unlawful for individuals under 21 to possess alcohol in public. If your child or client is a minor who has been cited or arrested under this statute, seeking legal counsel is essential. A conviction can lead to:
Depending on the circumstances, these cases are often eligible for diversion programs or other alternative sentencing options that avoid a criminal conviction altogether.
Los Angeles Disorderly Conduct and Alcohol Charges and Legal PenaltiesAlcohol use frequently leads to other criminal charges beyond those specifically involving alcohol itself. These may include:
In many cases, alcohol plays a role in escalating a minor incident into a criminal charge. While voluntary intoxication is generally not a defense to most crimes, there are exceptions. In some cases, involuntary intoxication or the inability to form specific intent due to impairment may serve as partial or complete defenses.
Los Angeles Alcohol and Vehicle Manslaughter Charges and Legal PenaltiesCalifornia Penal Code § 191.5: Tragically, some DUI cases result in serious injury or death. If a driver causes a fatal crash while under the influence, they may face felony charges, including vehicular manslaughter or even second-degree murder under the Watson murder rule (if they had a prior DUI and received a DUI warning).
These are life-altering charges that can carry:
These cases require a sophisticated, aggressive defense, including expert accident reconstruction and toxicology evidence.
Effective Legal Defenses Against Alcohol-Related Charges in CaliforniaEach alcohol-related case is unique, and a variety of defenses may apply depending on the facts:
At Kraut Law Group Criminal & DUI Lawyers, Inc., we examine the facts of every case to craft the strongest possible defense.
Why Choose Kraut Law Group Criminal & DUI Lawyers, Inc.?Our team combines decades of courtroom experience with a deep understanding of the criminal justice system in Los Angeles. As a former Deputy District Attorney, Michael Kraut knows exactly how the prosecution operates and how to challenge its assumptions, evidence, and tactics. We handle every alcohol-related case with discretion, urgency, and a tireless commitment to results.
We can often get charges reduced or dismissed altogether, or negotiate favorable plea deals that avoid jail time. We are fully prepared to go to trial and fight for your freedom when necessary.
Contact a Los Angeles Alcohol Crimes Attorney TodayIf you or someone you care about has been arrested or is under investigation for an alcohol-related crime, time is of the essence. A criminal charge does not have to define your future. Let us help you protect your rights and build the defense you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation today with Kraut Law Group Criminal & DUI Lawyers, Inc. at 6255 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 1520, Los Angeles, CA 90028. We are available 24/7 to take your call at 888-334-6344 or 323-464-6453 or by using our secure online form.