If you have been arrested for DUI in Orange County, California, you need a lawyer who can protect your rights and who will make sure that your rights are not violated. Orange County is considered very strict when it comes to driving under the influence and they take it very seriously.
It is understandable that you are probably feeling afraid, confused and angry about what has happened and what you may be facing as a result of your arrest. The whole process of being arrested, taken to jail, fingerprinted and photographed is embarrassing and scary and we are very sympathetic to that. But, the reality of the situation is that a conviction of DUI can have very serious consequences. However, having an experienced attorney can help to mitigate the severity of those consequences.
There are many possibilities that can be challenged in an arrest and potential conviction for DUI. An aggressive defense attorney will raise those challenges, and look for those challenges to see if they apply to your situation. Closely reviewing the police report, viewing any video and listening to audio can sometimes reveal inconsistencies in the police officer’s report and/or testimony.
Although our goal is always to have the case dismissed without a conviction, as well as preserve your right to drive, when the evidence is overwhelming against you, the next step is to be aggressive and creative with the ultimate outcome. The first thing we always look at is was the stop and arrest legal. Did the arresting officer have cause to pull you over and ultimately arrest you? Were any of your rights violated with regard to the stop and arrest? These are questions that must be addressed immediately to determine what the rest of the case may look like going forward.
Another very important piece to the arrest is, was any equipment used in assisting the officer with his decision to arrest you? If so, was it working properly and was the officer who administered the test certified to do so. If any of these procedures were not followed properly, it may result in your case being dismissed and preserve your right to drive.
There is no guarantee that any attorney will be successful because each case is different and has a different set of circumstances. Each case has to be looked at individually, looking for those errors, mistakes or inconsistencies on the part of the arresting officer. Further, taking a look at your life, your history, your family and just getting to know you will help us when it comes time to talk to the District Attorney. We feel it is extremely important that the prosecution and judge know you as a person, not just as the person who has been arrested for DUI.
So, even if you know that you were in fact over the legal limit when you were stopped and arrested, you should consult with an experienced DUI attorney to determine whether or not you have a chance at preserving your record.