DUI Drivers License Suspension In Orange County
We provide legal representation for many upstanding individuals who find themselves arrested for Driving Under the Influence (“DUI”) in Orange County and Southern California.
Unlike offenses that typically involve intentional criminal behavior, the majority of our clients had no ill intentions and simply made the mistake of getting behind the wheel after consuming too much alcohol.
Successfully defending against DUI charges requires a deep understanding of the legal system – both the courts and the California Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”), the science of the effects of alcohol on human behavior, and the rationale for choosing specific defense strategies.
Even in cases where law enforcement has followed proper procedures, at HJP Legal, we employ our expertise to identify potential flaws in the process. Our team guides clients through the intricate web of DMV and court procedures, minimizing the impact of DUI charges and helping them navigate to a positive outcome.
A DUI is among the most frequently charged offenses in Southern California. Because of the high rate of collisions and accidents attributed to alcohol usage, the State of California is increasingly focused on minimizing risks to safe drivers.
You must realize there is no quick fix if you are facing a charge relating to DUI in Orange County or Southern California. Driving drunk is a serious charge that can warrant significant punishment if you end up convicted. After being arrested for a DUI, the most vital decision you will make is selecting the right defense attorney to represent you.
Attempting to handle both the DMV hearing and court case without legal representation is a common mistake. Successfully defending against a drunk driving charge in Southern California demands an intimate understanding of the court system and the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Without the guidance of a seasoned Southern California DUI Defense Attorney like Halley J. Peters, you may face increased penalties.
Effects on Immediate Family
Halley recognizes that a DUI charge negatively affects not only the person involved, but also their loved ones and members of their household.
Our unwavering focus is on healing families after a stressful legal situation. With over a decade of experience and an intimate awareness of rehabilitative jurisprudence, Halley provides comprehensive guidance through the criminal court process, administrative hearing, and necessary steps outside of court.
When you or a friend/family member are facing a DUI in Southern California, reach out to HJP Legal for a complimentary consultation. Remember, act quickly since you only have ten (10) days from the date of arrest to request an administrative hearing with the DMV. Failing to contact the DMV within this timeframe can lead to an automatic suspension of your driving privileges. With HJP Legal, Halley will begin working on your case as soon as possible – contact her today at (949) 519-4955.
Why Choose HJP LEgal?
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Hiring the Right Dui Defense Lawyer in Southern California
Driving under the influence can happen to just about anyone. It is usually not seasoned criminals that end up facing drunk driving charges. Many DUI offenders are professionals with good standing in their community.
At HJP Legal, we know that getting your life back to normal is essential. We are experienced attorneys, well-respected in the courthouses who fight hard for our clients protecting their rights and preserving their freedoms.
Our firm prides itself on the relationships we have with opposing counsel, with law enforcement and with every client that comes in our door.
Penalties for Violation of VC 23152 (a) or (b)
If you are convicted 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
If you are convicted of a second or subsequent DUI charge, you could face up to one (1) year in jail.
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 fourth 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”) Requirements In California
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 small 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.
Let Us Defend You
Halley J. Peters at HJP Legal is a seasoned defense attorney dedicated to ensuring those detained or alleged to have violated the law receive the very best outcome legally and personally. She has over a decade of experience practicing and is licensed in both California and Florida.
Ms. Peters has rigorously defended individuals, as well as large financial institutions, including UBS, Merrill Lynch, and Wells Fargo. In addition to practicing in the field, Ms. Peters has clerked for Florida Supreme Court Justice E.C. Perry and Appellate Judge Leslie B. Rothenberg at the Third District Court of Appeals for Florida. Ms. Peters graduated magna cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law in 2011 and with distinction from the University of Michigan in 2008.
For Southern California criminal cases related to DUI and Drivers License Suspensions, contact Halley J. Peters at (949) 519-4955.