Orange County Drunk Driving Defense Lawyers

DUI Defenses

Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in California is serious and can be an intimidating experience. In some situations, a person can get scared into admitting guilt before they have even had a chance to contact an attorney. In a lot of circumstances, a person may not even be aware of the possible DUI defenses that may apply to their specific case.

A person who is accused of causing an accident while allegedly operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol can be charged with multiple offenses in California. Not only can they be charged and held responsible for all vehicle and medical damages that result from the accident, they can also be given tickets for any traffic violations and be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Across the nation, states have been implementing more strict DUI penalties for both first- and second-time offenders. Unfortunately, the number of alcohol-related accidents and deaths are high, which in turn has caused laws to be created, and are currently still being created, to do anything possible to attempt to lower these numbers and keep offenders off the road. At Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP, our drunk driving defense attorneys are watching new legislation closely to insure that our clients do not suffer from any unforeseen consequences, so that we can best serve our clients who have been charged with these kinds of offenses.

These harsher drunk driving penalties across the country are trying to send drivers a message that getting behind the wheel after drinking is not worth any of the risks. The consequences are much too great; taking the life of someone else and/or yourself and being faced with thousands of dollars in fines and legal fees, as well as jail time, is not worth it. Fines and penalties for first-time offenders are becoming higher and more strict as well, with increased fees and even the potential for jail time and an IID (ignition interlock device) installed in a driver's vehicle after just one DUI charge. A second- or third-time offense can keep a driver off the roads for a long time, and it is likely they will spend a significant amount of time behind bars. In addition, the penalties of a DUI conviction in Orange County will stay on a person's driving and criminal record can follow them forever. Such a stigma can be a major deterrent when applying for a new job or other situations.

Some of the most common California DUI defenses have to do with proving unlawful arrests, police mistakes, law enforcement failing to advise a person of their rights, and inaccurate breath or blood tests. Other factors that can play a role in building a strong DUI defense have to do with a person's health, pre-existing injuries, other medical conditions that could influence drunk driving test results or performance during field sobriety tests. If it is proven by a defense lawyer that an officer did not have probable cause to pull a person over and arrest them for DUI, this could result in a dismissal of a person's case.

It is important for anyone facing DUI charges in California to remember that they have legal rights. At Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP, our Orange County DUI attorneys can help you understand your rights and build a strong defensive case on your behalf. With experience as former DUI prosecutors and prior experience as DUI arrest and prosecution procedure instructors to local law enforcement, our attorneys have a unique understanding of DUI law. Contact our law offices immediately if you have been charged with a DUI so we can get started on defending your rights. Call 866-299-4111.