La Palma DUI Lawyer

La Palma DUI Attorney

A DUI arrest in La Palma isn’t just a traffic offense. It can be a life-altering experience. From the moment you are pulled over, your driver’s license, criminal record, reputation, and even your employment may be on the line. However, you don’t have to handle this alone. A La Palma DUI lawyer can help you fight for your future.

If you were arrested in or near La Palma, your case will likely be processed at the North Justice Center in Fullerton, the local courthouse that handles misdemeanor and felony DUIs for Northern Orange County.

Why Choose Us?

When you choose Gibbons & Gibbons, you are gaining an advocate who is committed to advocating for you and treating your case with respect and care.

With over 60 years of combined experience, we bring authentic empathy, sharp legal insight, and courtroom-tested courage to every matter, including DUI defense in La Palma. We’re respected not just by our clients, but by peers and local courts, too. Our seasoned legal team can offer you clear communication and transparency. We can build a defense that is tailored to your specific situation.

Whether you are dealing with your first DUI or facing more serious charges, we’re here, ready to fight for your rights and secure your future.

Understanding California DUI

In California, it is illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08% or above if you are over 21 and 0.01% or above if you are under 21. Additionally, even lower BACs may lead to an arrest if the officer believes your ability to drive was impaired. DUI penalties vary depending on prior offenses, BAC level, and whether injury or damage occurred.

California’s DUI laws apply not only to car drivers but also to cyclists, e-scooter users, and even electric skateboarders. Navigating a DUI charge in La Palma doesn’t just mean going to court. You may also need to enroll in court-approved DUI education programs, attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, or complete community service.

The California DMV Orange County office handles administrative license suspensions and hearings. It’s vital that your attorney coordinates with the DMV independently of the court process to preserve your driving privileges.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that 34 people die every day in the country due to drunk driving accidents. In 2023, 12,429 people died in traffic accidents that were related to drunk driving. Unfortunately, 2,117 of these people died as a result of a driver with a BAC below 0.08% but still above 0.

California DUI Penalties

While a 0.08% BAC level is the legal limit for driving, even lower limits can result in an arrest or other penalties if the officer believes your ability to drive is impaired. A first-time DUI can result in the following penalties:

• Monetary fines
• License suspension
• Mandatory attendance at DUI school
• Potential jail time (although this is waived in some instances)
• Installation of an interlock ignition device

Repeat offenders face harsher penalties. Additionally, if aggravating factors are present, the penalties can increase. Aggravating factors include:

• A significantly high BAC (such as twice the legal limit or above)
• Having minors in the car
• Causing a serious accident, resulting in injury or death
• Excessive speeding
• Multiple DUI convictions within the last ten years

Defending a DUI Charge

An experienced DUI lawyer can make a significant difference in how your case is handled and resolved. Defense strategies often include challenging the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of the field sobriety tests, and the calibration and maintenance records of breathalyzer or blood testing equipment.

In many cases, procedural missteps can lead to the suppression of evidence or even dismissal. For example, if a chemical test was improperly administered or your Miranda rights were not read at the appropriate time, the prosecution’s case may be weakened substantially.

Defense also includes negotiation. Your attorney may be able to reduce your charge to a “wet reckless” or help you enter a DUI Court program, especially if this is not your first offense. In Orange County, the court system offers rehabilitative options where offenders may be able to participate in alternative options instead of jail time.

FAQs

How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in California?

The cost of a DUI lawyer in California will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. First-time DUIs will likely result in smaller fees than repeat DUIs. Simpler cases will usually be less costly than those that are more complex. Additionally, if your DUI involves additional charges, such as reckless driving or even vehicular manslaughter, this will likely result in increased costs.

Is It Worth Getting a DUI Lawyer in California?

Yes, it is worth it, and it is highly recommended that you get a DUI lawyer in California. The law in California can be confusing and comes with serious penalties, including fines, jail time, and license suspension. An attorney can help reduce your charges, avoid jail time, and even fight to have the charges dismissed. An attorney can also help you with DMV hearings.

What Is the 3-Hour Rule for DUI in California?

The “3-hour rule” is the assumption that a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of testing (if taken within three hours of driving) was the same as while they were driving. This is used by prosecutors to strengthen DUI allegations, but defense lawyers can contest it by raising concerns about the test’s reliability, precision, or timing.

How Do You Get a DUI Dismissed in California?

A DUI can be dismissed in California if there are legal faults in the case, such as an illegal traffic stop, incorrect testing processes, or a lack of reasonable cause. BAC findings or field sobriety tests can also be contested by a strong defense. Pre-trial motions or plea agreements can often result in charges being lowered or dropped.

Contact Gibbons & Gibbons, A Law Corporation Today

If you have been arrested for a DUI, you can still fight for your future. Gibbons & Gibbons, A Law Corporation, can help. Contact us today to learn more.