DUI Defense
Challenging the evidence to protect your license, your liberty, and your livelihood.
The Two-Front War
A DUI arrest in California triggers two separate legal battles: the criminal case in the Superior Court and the administrative hearing with the DMV. You have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a DMV hearing to pause the automatic suspension of your license. If this deadline is missed, your license will likely be suspended regardless of what happens in court.
In the criminal court, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving while impaired or with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. For drug-related DUIs (DUID), the standard is impairment, as there is no fixed “legal limit” for most substances.
Penalties & Consequences
Even a first-time misdemeanor DUI carries significant penalties, including fines exceeding $2,000, mandatory DUI education classes (3 to 9 months), probation for up to five years, and potential jail time. Aggravating factors—such as a high BAC (over 0.15%), refusal to submit to a chemical test, or causing an accident—can lead to enhanced mandatory jail sentences and the requirement of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID).
How We Build Your Defense
- The Traffic Stop
We analyze police dashcam footage to determine if the officer had reasonable suspicion to pull you over. If the stop was illegal, the evidence may be suppressed.
- Chemical Testing
Challenging the accuracy of breathalyzer calibration logs and blood sample chain-of-custody procedures.
- Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs)
Exposing the subjective nature of FSTs, which are often failed by sober individuals due to nerves, footwear, or medical conditions.