DUI Attorneys in Orange County

OCTLA & OCWLA logos

Being arrested for driving under the influence is a frightening and humiliating experience. After submitting to field sobriety tests and a breath test, you suddenly find yourself in handcuffs and on your way to jail. However, this isn’t the time to panic and give up. A DUI conviction can limit your ability to drive, cost you an enormous amount of money, and keep you out of your chosen career path.

Instead, take action and call a DUI lawyer in Orange County. An experienced DUI lawyer can help you fight your charges and protect your rights. Use our list of Orange County DUI defense attorneys to find the best fit for you.

Helpful Information About Choosing an Orange County DUI Lawyer

  • You can research the Bar license status, suspensions or reprimands of an attorney at the California Bar Association website.
  • A DUI lawyer will work to protect your rights and interests, including challenging the validity of the arrest, the accuracy of the breathalyzer or blood test results, and the admissibility of any evidence against you.
  • A DUI conviction can result in license suspension, which can have a significant impact on your daily life. A DUI lawyer can help you navigate the license suspension process and potentially reduce the length of the suspension.

Blood or Breath Testing in California

What should you do if you get pulled over? To start, the officer may ask you to do a number of field sobriety tests. These may involve touching your finger to your nose, walking a straight line, or balancing on one foot. However, there is no law against refusing these tests in California, and doing these tests could actually hurt your case.

These is a law that requires you to submit to blood or breath testing. The implied consent law means that you consent to testing simply by driving on California roads. Refusing a test could leave you with a longer license suspension period and stiffer penalties.

Orange County DUI Lawyers:

Wais Azami

Wais Azami

Bruce Moore

Bruce Moore

Advertise Here

Advertise Here

Penalties for DUI Convictions

The consequences of a DUI affect multiple areas of your life. A lot depends on how many prior convictions you have.

For a first DUI, penalties include:

  • Fine of $390 to $1,000, as well as penalty assessments
  • Between 48 hours and six months in jail, although a judge can order probation instead
  • Six-month license suspension, which is separate from the administrative license suspension handled by the DMV

On your second DUI, fines are the same. However, you may face up to one year in jail and a two-year license suspension.

For a third DUI, jail sentences range from 120 days to one year. You should expect to lose your license for three years.

In some situations, your misdemeanor DUI may become a felony. Aggravating factors can make your DUI be handled much more severely in a court of law. If you cause an accident that injures someone or kills someone, you could pay significantly more in penalties and spend time in state prison. Furthermore, your fourth DUI within ten years and any subsequent DUIs are considered felonies.

DUI Attorneys Near Me:

Prussak Welch & Avila APC...

175 South C Street, 2nd Floor Tustin, California 92780, USA
175 South C Street, 2nd Floor Tustin, California 92780, USA

Richard T. McGuire...

335 Centennial Way Tustin, CA 92780
335 Centennial Way Tustin, CA 92780

Advertise Here...

12900 Garden Grove Blvd #132, Garden Grove, CA 92843
12900 Garden Grove Blvd #132, Garden Grove, CA 92843

Possible Defenses Your Orange County DUI Attorney Can Help You With

An experienced DUI attorney will have a variety of potential defense options to use in your case. This experience is critical because it allows your attorney to have a deep understanding of the nuance of the laws and legal procedures surrounding DUI charges in Orange County. This knowledge can be used to build a strong defense for you. An experienced DUI lawyer will also have established relationships with local judges, prosecutors, and other legal professionals, which can be beneficial in a local OC courtroom. Additionally, an experienced DUI lawyer will have handled a large number of cases and will be familiar with the common strategies and tactics used by specific prosecutors. This knowledge and experience can help increase the chances of a favorable outcome.

Here are some potential defenses that can be used to challenge DUI charges:

  1. Lack of probable cause for the initial traffic stop: If the officer didn’t have a valid reason for stopping you, any evidence obtained during the stop may be considered inadmissible in court.
  2. Faulty breathalyzer or blood test: If the equipment used to measure blood alcohol content was not properly maintained or calibrated, the results may be inaccurate and can potentially be challenged in court.
  3. Medications or medical conditions: Some medications or medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to alcohol intoxication, such as drowsiness, slurred speech, and poor coordination.
  4. Improper administration of field sobriety tests: Field sobriety tests must be administered correctly in order to be considered valid in court. If the officer did not follow proper procedures, the results may be inadmissible.
  5. Illegal search and seizure: If the officer did not have a warrant or probable cause to search your vehicle or arrest you, any evidence obtained during the search may be considered inadmissible in court.

It’s important to note that these are just examples and the specific defenses will depend on the facts of the charges. Also, it’s important to have a DUI attorney that can evaluate your specific circumstances and help formulate the best defense strategy.

Take control of your future and your freedom by retaining an Orange County DUI attorney. Explore your options on our list of local DUI defense lawyers.

Join Our Newsletter

Stay up to date with our latest news and updates.


    Subscribe to our newsletter

    Join our private Facebook Group and

    ask local lawyers a question