DUI / Drunk Driving Defense

Riverside Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys

DUI “Driving Under the Influence” or DWI “Driving While Intoxicated” are the very common criminal offenses related to driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Many people are surprised to learn that “drugs” can include legal, prescription drugs.

DUI Attorneys who understand who our clients are…

First, let us share with you… that as embarrassed as you might be right now, wanting to talk to a DUI attorney so you can get all your concerns answered – but somewhat embarrassed to pick up a phone, let us remind you that DUI is a non-discriminatory charge! Fellow lawyers (yes… friends of ours), judges, teachers, substance counselors, great grand mothers, pastors – anyone who has ever consumed an adult beverage while dining with friends and then drove home may find themselves in this awful predicament. Toss in office parties, Superbowl parties, summer Bar-B-Q’s, a Dodger or Angles game, a Saturday wedding – life happens! We’ve heard it. “But for the grace of God, there go….” We get it. Put aside any embarrassment. Chalk this one up to “life lessons learned.” We are not here to judge you. We are experienced and compassionate DUI attorneys here to help. So please – reach out. DUI chargers, the DMV and the criminal courts are not something you want to deal with all alone.

Penalties for DUI – Even First Time Offenders?

While DUI/DWI is often charged as an “infraction,” the consequences are severe. If you have been charged with driving under the influence, you are in danger of losing your driving privileges, having your car impounded, paying significant fines, having a mandatory ignition interlock device installed in your care (you’ll never voluntarily drive folks in your car with that embarrassing device mocking you), and worse: special license plates to identify you as a convicted DUI / DWI offender. Add to that already-daunting list the possibly of jail time and you have an overview of what our society has demanded that the judicial system measure out for even first-time offenders. Frankly, the consequences of a DUI conviction are life-altering and the resulting criminal record will haunt you for a lifetime: costing you thousands of dollars in increased insurance premiums, potential loss of your current job and loss of future job opportunities.

DUI is 2 CASES: (1) DMV Hearing, and (2) Criminal Court Proceedings

Every DUI case is comprised of 2 separate offenses you must deal with:

(1) The DMV administrative action is known legally as the “per se hearing.” This is a hearing where the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can administratively suspend your driving privileges following their review of your recent DUI charges. NOTE: The DMV officer does not care if your life would be drastically altered if you could not drive. The DMV officer doesn’t care if you lose your job if you cannot drive. The DMV officer only cares about his or her job and career – there is NO GOOD reason to risk their job by recommending that you keep your license! Those who try to win over these hearing officers on their own are consistently shot down.

(2) The legal limit for a DUI is .08% Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). If you are found by law enforcement to be driving at or above the authorized BAC limit your driving privileges will be suspended or revoked. If you are a commercial driver, a more conservative blood alcohol content of .04% can result in a DUI conviction. If you or your child-driver is under the age of 21, there is a “zero tolerance limit.” Any measurable amount of alcohol in your blood is sufficient cause for a DUI arrest.

What to do when pulled over for suspected DUI

Here is California you can be stopped by law enforcement if they suspect that you are driving under the influence. If you are pulled over, you are only required to present identification and your vehicle registration. You are not required to answer any of the officer’s questions such as:

• Have you been drinking?
• How many drinks have you had this evening?
• Where are you coming from?
• Where you are going?
• Were you at a bar or restaurant?
• Perform any field sobriety test (roadside testing) such as touching your finger to your nose, walking a straight line, reciting the alphabet).
• Submit to a roadside breathalyzer test.

Field Sobriety Tests – The officers may ask you to submit to a field DUI/DWI sobriety test. You are not required to submit to any testing unless such tests are performed in an authorized testing facility, a police station or a hospital.

Right to Remain Silent – It is in your best interest not to answer any questions before you consult with a criminal defense attorney. If you are charged with a DUI offense, it is often possible to have your charges dismissed later on with the help of an experienced DUI attorney – IF you did not incriminate yourself by answering questions during your stop or at the police station or holding area.

Those defending DUI with an Attorney Have Better Success

A 2007 study available from the California DMV, proves that 70% of those arrested for DUI will be convicted. The judicial system is over-the-top aggressive in prosecuting DUI defendants because of societal pressure and various political action groups such as MADD. Those represented by a skilled DUI defense lawyer have many opportunities to have their cases dismissed or reduced to something other that a DUI conviction. even in those cases where you might have been significantly over the limit and the state’s case is strong and solid, those defendants having legal counsel often have their punishments and monetary penalties reduced too. Pleading guilty (no contest is essentially pleading guilty) is to accept the maximum list of harsh punishment and penalties that the state can throw at you.

Jeffery Williams is intimately familiar with defending those charged with a DUI offense and will explain step-by-step what you are faced with and how we can take these burdens off your shoulders. Once you get legal representation you might actually get a restful night’s sleep. We can request the DMV hearing and take measures to help you keep your driving privilege and may be able to minimize the serious charges hanging over you and possibly even have the charges completely dismissed.

For a free initial consultation with Jeffrey Williams personally, call Mr. Williams at (888) 900-9078 or contact us using the FREE Consultation form on the left. Our offices are open 9 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday, but you can reach us 24/7 by phone.