Orange County DUI Attorney
We proudly represent numerous individuals in Southern California who have been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (“DUI”), many of whom had good intentions but mistakenly got behind the wheel after consuming too much alcohol.
Unlike other offenses that require intent, DUI cases involve complexities related to the legal system, scientific variables, and potential defenses to choose from.
Our team at HJP Legal possesses the necessary knowledge and expertise to navigate through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”) and court procedures in California, even in cases where law enforcement has followed proper protocols. Our goal is to minimize the damage and guide our clients to the other side with our skilled legal representation.
Driving Under the Influence (“DUI”) misdemeanors and felonies are prevalent offenses in Southern California, and due to the alarming rate of alcohol-related traffic collisions, the State of California has increased its efforts to combat drunk driving. It is crucial to understand that there are no easy solutions when facing a DUI charge. Drunk driving is a severe offense with severe penalties upon conviction.
Choosing the right defense attorney is the most critical decision you will make after a DUI arrest.
Successfully defending a drunk driving case in Southern California requires firsthand knowledge of the court system and the DMV.
A common mistake people make is attempting to handle their DMV hearings and court cases without legal representation. Without the assistance of a skilled DUI Defense Attorney in Orange County CA, you may be at risk for additional penalties.
Our team at HJP Legal possesses the necessary knowledge and expertise to navigate through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”) and court procedures in California, even in cases where law enforcement has followed proper protocols. Our goal is to minimize the damage and guide our clients to the other side with our skilled legal representation.
Driving Under the Influence (“DUI”) misdemeanors and felonies are prevalent offenses in Southern California, and due to the alarming rate of alcohol-related traffic collisions, the State of California has increased its efforts to combat drunk driving. It is crucial to understand that there are no easy solutions when facing a DUI charge. Drunk driving is a severe offense with severe penalties upon conviction.
Choosing the right defense attorney is the most critical decision you will make after a DUI arrest.
Successfully defending a drunk driving case in Southern California requires firsthand knowledge of the court system and the DMV.
A common mistake people make is attempting to handle their DMV hearings and court cases without legal representation. Without the assistance of a skilled DUI Defense Attorney in Orange County CA, you may be at risk for additional penalties.
Learn what HJP Legal can do for you. Please call us 24/7 at (949) 519-4955 for a complimentary consultation.
Why Choose HJP LEgal?
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Strategic Advice & RepresentationAttorney Halley J. Peters is well-versed in ensuring your legal rights are protected throughout the legal process. They will ensure that the evidence being used against you is obtained legally and within legal boundaries.
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Minimize PenaltiesCriminal charges can have severe consequences, including losing certain rights, massive fines and penalty fees, and potential incarceration. A skilled criminal defense attorney like Halley J. Peters can help to minimize these penalties or even fight to get the charges dismissed entirely.
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Clear Communication & TransparencyHalley is here for you every step of the way. She keeps her clients informed and up to date on important developments in their cases, and is readily available to answer any questions or address any concerns that may arise.
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Legal ExpertiseHalley is an experienced criminal defense attorney with the knowledge, skills, and resources to handle your criminal case. She understands the legal procedures and tactics of the prosecution, allowing her to provide you with the best defense.
Hire The Best for DUI Defense in California
Fighting a DUI charge in Orange County and Southern California is a complex process that requires many years of experience and study. Hire an attorney familiar with the local system in order to protect your freedom and civil rights and avoid harsh, unnecessary penalties.
You need the experience of attorney Halley J. Peters at HJP Legal in your corner. Her 10+ years of experience practicing criminal defense law in California and Florida means she can spot deficiencies and weaknesses in many Southern California DUI cases. It also allows her to negotiate effectively with prosecutors because she speaks their language and knows the inner workings of the judicial system concerning DUI offenses.
Remember that with Halley, no concern is too small.
Complete the form or for faster response, please call us at: (949) 519-4955
DUI – Criminal Charges
For your convenience, we’ve listed the California vehicle code statutes and penalties pertaining to DUI offenses below.
Driving Under the Influence is codified into law as a violation of Vehicle Code 23152. Subsections (a) and (b) of this Vehicle Code apply specifically to alcohol and are stated as follows:
Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) states: “It is unlawful for a person to drive under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle.”
Source: California Code, Vehicle Code – VEH § 23152 | FindLaw. https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/vehicle-code/veh-sect-23152/
Vehicle Code Section 23152(b) states: “It is unlawful for a person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.”
Source: California Code, Vehicle Code – VEH § 23152 | FindLaw. https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/vehicle-code/veh-sect-23152/
Under V.C. 23152(a), a person may be charged with a DUI even if they have a blood alcohol level under 0.08 percent.
Penalties for Violation of VC 23152 (a) or (b)
If you are found guilty of driving under the influence in California, you could face up to six (6) months in jail on a first offense and a fine of $390 to $1000 plus penalty assessments.
Depending on the circumstances of the case, you may also be required to:
- Enroll in and complete an alcohol education program
- Install an ignition interlock device
- Make restitution if there was an accident
- Attend AA Meetings
- Submit to alcohol monitoring
- Complete a MADD Victim Impact Panel
- License suspension or revocation
A second DUI conviction generally carries 96 hours to one year in jail, and $390 to $1,000 in fines.
Sometimes and with proper representation, jail time can be converted to house arrest or work service. It’s also important to note that various fees and “penalty assessments” will significantly increase the amount the offender actually pays for a DUI conviction.
If you are arrested for a 4th DUI in California, you can face serious penalties. You can face one year in jail with a 120-day minimum sentence, around $2,000 in fees, driver’s license suspension, an ignition interlock device (“IID”) and DUI courses for 18 months.
Ignition Interlock Device (“IID”) Considerations
In January 2019, a new law went into effect, allowing individuals whose license was suspended for driving under the influence immediate eligibility of a restricted license with the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID). Senate Bill 1046 extended the IID Pilot Program in effect from July 1, 2010, to July 1, 2017, for the counties of Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Tulare.
An Ignition Interlock Device is a portable breathalyzer that is wired to the ignition on your vehicle. To start your car, you must provide a breath sample. If the device detects a measurable amount of alcohol, your engine will not start. In addition, you are required to provide periodic breath samples while you operate the vehicle.