New Year's tally: 25 killed, 1,270 DUI arrests across state

Four people were killed and and 274 suspected drunken drivers were arrested in Los Angeles County over the New Year's holiday, according to figures from the California Highway Patrol.

Across California, 25 people were killed in traffic collisions and 1,270 people were arrested by CHP on suspicion of drunken driving.

The figures were from a 78-hour span from Friday through Monday.

Last year, four people were killed in Los Angeles County while 24 people died in collisions statewide.

In Los Angeles County last year there were 228 drunk-driving arrests while statewide, 961 people were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Because New Year's Day fell on Sunday this year, the reporting period included one extra day over 2011, and officials said increase from last year could be attributed to the extended measuring period.

If you have been charged with drunk driving or a related DUI charge in the Los Angeles area, Criminal Defense Attorney Robert Helfend can provide an aggressive and effective defense. Contact his offices right away to discuss the circumstances of your arrest and DUI charges. He's been practicing exclusively in the area of DUI and criminal defense since 1984, and he will use every minute of that experience to help you get the best possible outcome for your charges.