10 Tips for Hiring the Best DUI Attorney in Orange County, CA

Drinking Under Influence (DUI) charges in Orange County, California can be costly. From fines and penalties, probation to years of summary probation, this is one of the legal issues you cannot take lightly. It even gets worse if you have caused death or severe injuries or it’s the fourth DUI charge within 10 years. That’s because, under California DUI law, you should be charged with a felony case in these three cases. That means you are likely to spend years in jail or pay hefty fines and penalties. So, you need to hire the best Orange County DUI lawyers to defend you and more so avoid conviction.

There many Best DUI lawyers in Orange County, CA, but finding a good one can be a complicated process. Here are 10 tips for hiring best Orange County DUI attorneys who can help you fight your charges and avoid conviction:

1.DUI Experience

The first thing that you need to check in a DUI lawyer in Orange County is its experience. This is where most people get it wrong and end up being convicted. Experience is all about the number of cases that the lawyer has handled for the period that they have been in practice. It is also important to note that DUI charges are not the same. If you are being charged for the third time in 10 years, your charges are more serious compared to a first-time offender. So go for a lawyer or law firm with vast experience in this field and has handled many DUI cases similar to yours. 

2.First Impressions Matter

The first impression is a crucial factor when hiring a DUI attorney. How easy was it to get an appointment with the lawyer? Did the lawyer give you time to speak? Did the DUI attorney provide the answers to your question? Were you impressed by their customer service? These are some of the questions that will help rate your first impression. If you were happy with your first encounter with the lawyer, hire them. But if you were not impressed, avoid them.

3.Passion for the law

Just like any other profession, passion is very important when it comes to lawyers. There are attorneys who are there for the money and have got no passion for the law. Such lawyers can be identified by the way they represent their argument in the court. We highly recommend that you hire lawyers who love their work. There are so many ways you can identify a passionate lawyer from the start. If they are taking time to listen to you and show interest in your case, then they are good for you.

4. Check Testimonials

If there are is good to tell a good lawyer is by reading testimonials. If the attorney has been in practice in Orange County for a while, then they must have served a number of people. That’s why you need to look for their prior clients’ testimonials to know what people are saying about. Look at their social media profiles and websites to see what people are saying. We also recommend that you look for forums where people are talking about their experience with lawyers in this county. Lastly, you can ask friends about the lawyers you may want to work with.

5.Relationship with The Prosecutor

The relationship of the DUI attorney with the court is an important tip most people forget. You can easily tell a good lawyer based on the relationship he/she has with the court. A lawyer that has a good relationship with the court shows professionalism in their work. They are professionals and have better chances of saving you from a conviction. A lawyer who has a bad standing with the local prosecutor might get you convicted due to prejudiced. So checking the relationship that the DUI attorney has with the local the prosecutor is a crucial factor to consider.

6.Size of the Firm

Before you pick the law firm to represent in court, it is important that you consider their size. What is the number of their lawyers vis-à-vis the number of cases they are handling? If the firm has few lawyers and tons of court cases, then your case might not get the attention it requires. So, you might end up getting a conviction or hefty fines in a DUI case that you could have won. Pick a large firm that has many lawyers and fewer clients, because they will give your cases the attention that it deserves.

7. Communication Is Key

Like all criminal cases, going through the DUI court process can be very stressful. So you need to high a lawyer who will make it easy to communicate with. They should provide you with all the information you need to know about your case. However, you can only know about lawyer’s communication ratings by researching and asking their prior customers. Go for the best-rated attorney. That’s another tip for hiring the best Orange County DUI attorneys.

8.Disciplined DUI Lawyers

Another mistake the people make when hiring Orange County DUI attorney is failing to search if they have been disciplined in their career. If the lawyer has been disciplined by the bar, it means that they have discipline issues, and they lack professionalism in their work. So you should look for a lawyer that has never been disciplined by the bar. It shows professionalism.

9.Is It One Attorney or A Team of Attorneys

There are many benefits that come with working a law firm that has many experienced attorneys. Such firms usually brainstorm a case, and thus the chances of avoiding a conviction are higher. That is not the same when dealing with a single attorney. He could be one of the best Orange County DUI attorneys, but he cannot outperform a group of experienced lawyers. So go for a law firm with many and experienced DUI attorneys.

10.Legal fees

Last but not least is the issue of legal fees. This is one of the questions that most people ask when hiring a DUI attorney. First, work within your budget. Lawyers have different rates depending on their experience, among other factors. However, don’t go cheap because the quality of the service might be poor. However, the best orange county DUI attorneys are affordable. So look around before settling on a DUI attorney.

So, if you want to hire an Orange County DUI lawyer, these are some of the crucial things to look out for. With these 10 tips, there is no doubt that you will get yourself the best Orange County DUI lawyers.

Finding the Best DUI Lawyers in Orange County

If you have been arrested for DUI and are facing charges in the Orange County court at an upcoming court date then you must find the best DUI lawyers in Orange County as soon as possible to help you out of this troublesome situation. In fact, the prosecutors and courts in Orange County are very strict on drunk driving. So, you may have to face serious consequences due to any delay in pleading your case effectively.

Penalties in DUI cases in Orange County

You may not be able to understand at first how worst your situation can be unless you know what maximum criminal penalties you may have to face, even if you do not have any DUI case previously. It can be:

·         Jail for up to 6 months

·         Mandatory education about alcohol

·         Fines, costs and fees up to $5000

However, the minimum penalty for a first-time offender with no aggravating facts can be:

·         Probation for 3 Years

·         Mandatory education alcohol program and classes

·         Fees and fines up to $2200

In fact, the facts of your case are more important to make a decision in your favor. You may not be able to plead your case in the Orange County courts unless you hire the best DUI attorney.

While choosing an Orange County criminal attorney or law firm to support you, there are certain things you should keep in mind, like:

Experience: The law firm you choose for this purpose must have knowledgeable and experienced lawyers who have handled thousands of the cases of criminal defense, including the cases of DUI, in Orange County since many years.

Expertise: The Orange County criminal attorney you shortlist should have worked with various law firms as well as his link with the panel of private bar attorneys so that he can handle even those cases that are not eligible for the public prosecutor. He must be able to handle all types of criminal cases ranging from minor cases of drug possession and shoplifting to serious crimes of all kinds.

Well versed with legal tips and tricks: The DUI attorney you choose in Orange County must know all the tricks and tips to defend a criminal case on the basis of factual as well as legal points of views. He should also know the strategies used by the juries during a criminal trial. The most important thing he must know is the way to present any information to the judges, juries as well as the prosecutors to mold the case in favor of the clients of his law firm. He must have handled several cases of expungement in Orange County court. He should also have knowledge of how to clear the records of one-time convicted people successfully

Favorable reviews of previous clients: The reviews of previous clients of the Orange County DUI attorney you choose should tell his success stories. There should be a number of satisfied clients on his website instead of any dismissal or guilty verdicts at trials.

Reputation: The DUI attorney you hire for your case should be known to follow the best approach, while handling criminal cases of his clients, on the basis of his consistent training and education about the latest laws in this field. He must be well versed with the latest legal technologies and case laws used in legal motions and defenses. He should be able to provide the best services to the client of his firm, on a personal level, by concentrating on the results of their case. He must have reputation earned by the mouth publicity of the clients, who were satisfied with the ways of handling their cases as well as their results.

So, if you have been arrested for drunk driving and have to face charges on an upcoming date then you should call Miller and Associates by phone or email us to fix an appointment to discuss the case and make a final decision about hiring us. We fulfill all the conditions required to be the best DUI lawyers in Orange County. We not only plead the DUI case of our clients in the orange county court but also educate them about the DUI laws and the consequences they have to face in any worst condition. Though we have the track record of successful cases still it is necessary for people to know about it in detail.

Remember, if you or your loved one is facing a DUI case in Orange County then you should call us now as any delay can worsen your position.

The Best DUI Defense Lawyer Orange County

Driving under influence is considered a serious criminal offense according to Orange County procedures and the laws of California. When you are caught driving under the influence, you may face jail time or be forced to pay a hefty fine. In either case, the cost of being charged with DUI offense is very high. For this reason, you need an experienced Orange County criminal lawyer to help you argue your case. With an experienced lawyer, you stand the chance of getting a lesser punishment or even being acquitted of the charges. You can rely on our services if you are facing DUI charges in Orange County. We have over 23 years’ experience in handling Orange County DUI cases. Our team of lawyers is dedicated to ensuring that all our clients get the most favorable ruling possible.

What Can A DUI Lawyer Do For You?

A qualified and experienced DUI lawyer should be able to get you a favorable deal in no time. If you are accused of any offense, our qualified Orange County criminal law layers will help you in several ways:

i) Avoid Jail Time

A DUI offense attracts jail time of up to six months in Orange County. When you are accused of such an offense, you risk being thrown behind bars for several months if you do not get the right representation. With our experienced lawyers, you cannot be sentenced to a jail time. We use our expertise to negotiate your freedom. You can be sure that your penalty will be very favorable to you. If you do not want to serve jail time get in touch with us right away.

ii)Reduced Probation Time

You may also face probation of up to 3 years for the mistake of driving under influence. This will mean that your movements are restricted to one region. You will not be able to travel out of town for business or personal matters. To ensure that you do not find yourself in such a situation, you need a good DUI lawyer. Our Orange County DUI defense attorney can help you avoid serving probation time or at least reduce the probation time. Whether you are a first, second or third offender does not matter. Get in touch with us to talk to a qualified lawyer before making any plea decisions. Let our attorney help you make the right decision concerning your case.

iii) Avoid Hefty Fines

DUI offenses may get you in deep financial trouble. Some offenses may attract a fine of up to$5000. Such a heavy fine may cause you great financial loses. To ensure that you are safe when attending your DUI hearing, you need a good lawyer representing you. Our DUI lawyers will help you get the best ruling on your case. You may even end up paying nothing at all. Please get in touch with us before you talk to the judge. Do not get any advice from other people other than a qualified criminal lawyer. 

iv) Avoid a License Suspension

The danger that all DUI offenders face is license suspension. A first-time offender may have a license suspension of up to six months while a third-time offender may face license suspension up to 5 years. In either case, it is difficult to survive without a driving license. You will be forced to have someone drive you around or use unreliable public transport. Do not risk your license by attending court hearings on your own. Give us a call and let our DUI lawyers handle your case. 

Why Choose Our Services

You need the best representation in order to get a favorable ruling in every case. DUI offenses are treated very seriously in Orange County and that is why you need an experienced lawyer. With over 23 years of experience, we have the best understanding of Orange County law. We have helped many clients get their freedom or acquitted of the DUI charges leveled against them. We have a deep understanding of the justice system and can help you secure a better deal. We have court connections with judges and other court officials that we can use to help you get a fair trial. Do not gamble with your freedom by relying on a public defendant. Most public defendants are overwhelmed with cases and do not pay attention to your needs. You can rely on us no matter how serious the situation is. Please contact us for more information on Orange County DUI defense attorney .

How Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Save You From A Third DUI Conviction

In Orange County, California, getting arrested for the third time on DUI or Driving Under Influence charges will require assistance from an experienced as well as a qualified orange county criminal defense lawyer. This is because no matter where you get your third DUI conviction, be it Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Irvine or any city within the vicinity of Orange County, you may have to face severe consequences in which your freedom, your mobility as well as your livelihood gets taken away. Only a well-reputed criminal defense lawyer orange county can defend you in such a case.

What The Law States:

It is crucial that you begin preserving whatever legal rights you have then and there, and start preparing all your defenses from the moment you are convicted. This is because you will only get ten days from when you are arrested, to place a request for a DMV hearing so that you can fight your license suspension. The California law explicitly states that if an individual has been twice previously convicted within a 10-year span of new arrest (DUI), they will surely be charged the third time.

Criminal Consequences:

When an individual is charged with DUI for the third time, it may amount to anywhere between 120 days and 1 year jail sentence if proven guilty.

It is very common in the Orange County to be sentenced to jail for 8 to 10 months on the basis of:

The circumstances in a new case The duration between the previous cases and the new one Punishment that one receives in case they are on probation (with regard to an old DUI case)It is necessary that you get in touch with a thoroughly professional and experienced criminal lawyer in Orange County so that you can negotiate in case such a sentence is passed, and so that you can avoid jail sentence during the investigation of your ongoing DUI case.

DMV Consequences:

The APS or Administrative Per Se Hearing is undertaken by the DMV will make every possible try to have your driver’s license suspended for as many as 2 years. In order to fight such a suspension, you have to request an APS Hearing within a 10-day time frame from your day of arrest. Again, only a professional lawyer is the only help you can expect, who has proper knowledge about the legalities involved in DMV procedures, so that you can win the fight against the suspension of your driver’s license. Defenses You Can Use In Case Of A Third DUI Conviction: Even if you are charged for the third time, you can still defend yourself.

Here are a few common defenses that will help you in case of a third DUI charge-

Interrogation Challenge-

If an individual is arrested, the officials of law enforcement need to read the Miranda Rights to the arrestee. They also need to convey the Miranda warnings, which states that the individual has the right to remain silent, and that anything that the arrestee says can be used against that person in a court of law, and that the arrestee is entitled to be legally represented. In case the arrestee does not receive the Miranda Rights, or if the officials of law enforcement question the arrestee, any statements that are made by the arrestee during the course of such an interrogation cannot be used against the arrestee for proving the DUI charges.

Traffic Stop and/or Arrest Challenge-

According to the US Constitutionals 4th Amendment, no law enforcement can conduct unreasonable seizures or searches. If a police officer does stop a vehicle, it will be assumed that the driver has been seized under the US law, which will require the government to prove that there was reasonable suspicion of the driver being engaged in a criminal activity, for the police offer to warrant a stop. Also, in case the driver gets arrested, a probable cause must be demonstrated by the government so that the arrest can be supported. A well-experienced orange county criminal defense lawyer can recognize any defective arrest or stop along with the grounds on which that arrest or stop might be challenged. For instance, in case an individual gets stopped by any police officer without the officer observing any traffic violation, it can provide a ground for challenging the stop. However, if the stop is assumed to be valid (which means the individual was weaving, speeding, etc.), there are still other grounds on which the individual can challenge their arrest. Typically, in a DUI arrest, a single indicator suggesting intoxication, like bloodshot eyes or alcohol smell, cannot be considered sufficient to lead to an arrest.

Plea Bargaining-

There are times when the best option for helping a defendant is by negotiating with the attorney (prosecution) so that the penalties or charge is reduced. A plea bargain is considered to be successful if consequently, the defendant enters a guilty plea for a much lesser traffic violation, like reckless operation, which substantially carries lesser penalties as well as the benefit of not being convicted on DUI charges.

Breathalyzer And/or Alcohol Tests Challenge-

The most common ground to contest DUI charges is by challenging the urine, blood or breathalyzer tests that the law enforcement conducts. Several problems can be found with breath, blood or urine tests. In order, the challenge such tests require a strong knowledge about the procedural issues and statutory requirements, which only a well-reputed criminal defense lawyer orange county will know. For example, it is required by the California law that the medical personnel and law enforcement comply with specific conditions in order to ensure that the results of the blood tests are accurate. Such conditions are clearly mentioned in Title 17of California Code of Regulations. According to these Regulations, it is mandatory for the site of blood draw to be sterilized using a product that is non-alcohol based, and that the drawer should maintain a certain level of preservatives and anticoagulants within the sample, as well as store the sample properly. If there is any failure in complying with these or any other condition, the result of the blood test may be invalidated.

Conclusion:

In California, most of the DUI lawyers charges are proved to be wrong when the arrestee steps up to challenge the charges. The above-mentioned defenses are an only a few of the several ways in which an orange county criminal defense lawyer can efficiently challenge a DUI charge. You need to look for the right criminal defense lawyer orange county who has a wealth of knowledge as well as experience in DUI cases so that you donate have to face criminal charges or be sentenced to a jail term on your third DUI conviction.

DUI - What is going to happen to me, what are the penalties?

The laws regarding DUI have changed to slowly become harsher, and easier to prove from prosecutors in court, year by year for decades.  Prosecutors focus on the punishments, to deter others from violating the rules, and to show that those that are accused are being dealt with harshly for a societal ill.

Sentencing and punishment are the threats that we have to face whenever a law is proven to have been broken. Some punishments cost money, for others its time, or work and effort to satisfy the court, and with a DUI, the DMV regarding driving privileges.

Committing the act of DUI has penalties that are meant to equal the offense society takes towards drunk drivers. The majority of the people who are arrested for DUI do not intend to break the law; they are just out to have a good time with their friends.

Orange County courts, and OC prosecutors, through the District Attorney’s office, takes drunk driving very seriously when it comes to enforcing DUI. Once you are convicted of DUI anywhere, it's there for years. A second offense within ten years can be charged as a DUI with a prior, and insurance companies can raise your premiums and rates for three years. 

While you may expunge a conviction at the end of probation, you cannot remove the conviction from your driving record. This can impact your life in multiple ways. Of course, the legal implications of a DUI charge can be a nightmare.

It is very important that you hire an efficient orange county criminal lawyer that can help untangle the legal web and minimize those consequences so that you can put the past behind you and look forward to a sober future behind the wheel.

Here are DUI penalties that most often than not, can result in a long-term negative effect on our lives.

License Suspension

The DMV gives you an opportunity to challenge the automatic license suspension, but only gives you a short ten day time period to request a hearing to avoid that suspension. The amount of any DMV license suspension varies depending on whether or not there was a refusal, or any priors.

For a first offense, with no other factors, if you get convicted of DUI in Orange County, you will have your license suspended for four months. If you are alleged to have refused a chemical test, and if the DMV can prove the refusal, then you can expect a license suspension of 1 year. The DMV will grant a restricted license, which allows driving for work purposes, if you take certain steps.

The Costs of a DUI: Fines and Fees

A drunk driving conviction is expensive, in a number of ways.  Paying large fines to the court (which allows you to pay in payments, or work off the amounts through community service), is only one part of the many penalties. Add in the costs of an alcohol school, the potential loss of employment, insurance increases and ignition interlock devices and other costs and you will find the monetary amounts rise rapidly.

Car Impoundment

Even if you do get to keep your job, how are you going to get there without a vehicle? Having your car impounded is rare, but if you had a suspended license at the time, it can be another inconvenience to you and your family. It will also mean having to spend even more money to get to work, unless you have a friend that can drive you back and forth every single day.

Community Service / CalTrans

This DUI penalty will give you the opportunity to impress friends and family. No, not really, your community service may involve you picking up trash on the highway. Not glamorous, not fun, but undoubtedly humbling and a great opportunity for a person to think about their DUI.

DUI School

You will also probably get another chance to go to school – Alcohol School. The length of the alcohol school usually depends on your alcohol level at the time of your testing or arrest.  The alcohol program for a first-time offender is three months, six months, or nine months for alcohol levels at or above .20% or refusal cases.

Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Installment

An ignition interlock is not normally required for Orange County DUI cases.  To earn this penalty, you either have multiple offenses, or are facing a Los Angeles County DUI. (Although note that starting in 2019, an IID will be required for all DUIs). An interlock device is placed on your car's ignition and will not allow you to start the car unless you are sober.

Probation

Being convicted of a DUI comes with mandatory probation of three years or more. You not have to meet a probation officer, but you are on special status – you cannot get another misdemeanor or felony, and you cannot drive with any alcohol in your system until you are off probation.

Jail Time

Nobody wants to end up in jail, but depending on the circumstances of your DUI, jail time could be a possibility. This is one of the worst DUI penalties in my opinion, and one that most want to avoid.  Jail time is only mandatory for a second time (or higher) DUI, but with accidents, a hit and run, multiple suspended license violations, jail could be a possibility.  There are alternative sentencing options that will keep you out of jail, however.

Other Issues with a DUI

Not only will you pay fines, lose your DUI license, go to DUI school, etc., but a DUI will impact your life in many other ways as well. You will carry around the DUI stigma. You may lose your job. Your car insurance will go up. Your credit may be hurt and depending on the circumstances of your case; you may lose the right to own a firearm.

Driving Under the Influence Orange County Attorneys

DUI, or driving under the influence, is often referred as drunk driving. It is a crime, and any person found guilty of DUI can be charged with various penalties ranging from monetary charges up to imprisonment depending upon the facts involved in the case, and if there are any priors. California law has a minimum and maximum for DUI cases, but among counties, the procedures and punishment varies.  Among the harshest for DUI punishment is Orange County. If you are facing a DUI in any Orange County court, having an attorney who can help in offering legal assistance and support can greatly help you to come out of your case with minimal punishment.

As a criminal offense, a DUI conviction could put you behind bars for a prolonged period of time, although that is rare for first time offenders. As a criminal act,even a first time DUI can cause you to face up to six months in jail maximum. DUI Attorneys who specialize in handling DUI cases in Orange County can help, and the experience handling similar cases can cause you to be way ahead of others in terms of punishment or even avoiding a conviction.

Lawyers and attorneys specializing in DUI cases do not encourage the act of driving while under the influence of liquor or other drugs, but are experienced in analyzing whether the prosecution can even prove the case. In Orange County, almost every day, numerous drivers are found guilty of driving under the influence. Most of the cases that are dismissed, or reduced, from a DUI conviction, did so with the assistance of an Orange County DUI attorney.

Police officers have no right to arrest you if you are driving without any violation of the law. The requirement of probable cause means that they must have a solid basis before they stop you and interrogate you. At first, if they notice that you are driving carelessly on a public road, or violate any traffic laws, they could investigate further. Once they have probable cause to arrest, they may test your breath or blood alcohol level to determine the amount of alcohol in your body.

Just to be clear, driving alone will not make you a violator of the law, unless if you havespecific traffic violations that lead to a suspicion of DUI. Most often, police officers are given a tip via phone call that you are driving under the influence, and the probable cause may be what the independent witness saw as far as driving.

Even with probable cause, a blood test, or breath test, is required for evidence showing DUI. Before any test, the arresting police officer will interrogate you and if he or she detects any signs of intoxication, such as an odor of alcohol, slurred speech, or red watery eyes, he or she will ask you to take a specific breath or blood test. Blood tests, and breath tests, are not always accurate, and are required to be strictly calibrated, and maintained, or the test cannot be used in court.

You know already that drunk driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to severe consequences. As I mentioned earlier, this considered by Orange County courts and Orange County prosecutors as a serious crime, for which they have zero tolerance. That is why you need legal counsel who is able to defend you in the court, educate you, and guide you through what can be done, and how to get out of this with no punishment, reduced punishment, or minimal punishment. Participating in your defense requires you to have an understanding of some basics of this field of law, as it is likely that you have never faced a DUI before now.

Always remember that you have a right to defend yourself in the court.Being arrested without any probable cause, being forced to perform field sobriety tests without a clear indication that you had been drinking and having tests without a properly maintained or calibrated breath or blood measuring device is improper in all cases.

Today, a DUI is not considered something worth simply dismissing without legal reasons – it is a criminal offense punishable by possible jail time. Drivers can refuse to take any testing if they are pulled over for DUI, but, in most states, they lose their license for a year if they refuse to submit to an penitentiary test for alcohol. In Orange County, those who have been convicted of a DUI for the first time do not have to install a device in their car that they must blow into before starting the car. But they do have fairly strict probation terms for all DUI cases in Orange County.

Drivers who are under the influence and cause a fatal accident are charged with a felony, sometimes up to murder, and run the risk of being charged and carry a massive prison term. No longer does someone get away with "sleeping it off" and paying a small fine when they are found guilty of drinking and driving in Orange County. To avoid all these penalties and even more harsh long-term consequences, consult a DUI attorney in Orange County.