At the Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry, Inc., you can expect to receive the guidance and representation that you need in the face of your DUI charges. We offer skilled legal counsel both in criminal court and at our clients' administrative DMV hearings with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. We have found that by representing clients in both of these actions, we are able to build more effective cases that result in more positive case outcomes.
Your initial consultation with Orange County DUI attorney Virginia L. Landry is free. We welcome you to call us toll free at (877) 384-7833 or to contact us online for a FREE case evaluation. Don't accept a plea bargain or submit to questioning without at least first consulting with a lawyer.
The Anatomy of an Orange County DUI Arrest
Although specific circumstances will vary on a case by case basis, a DUI arrest in Orange County may proceed as follows:
- A police officer patrolling the roads notices a driver who is driving erratically or who is violating a traffic law. The driver may be swerving, driving too slowly, speeding, driving recklessly or otherwise displaying behavior which may indicate intoxication or a person driving under the influence of drugs.
- The officer will pull the driver over to the side of the road.
- Upon pulling over the driver, the officer will ask to see license and registration information. At this time, the officer may also look for outward signs that indicate a driver may be DUI, such as bloodshot eyes or slurred speech. The officer may also ask the driver if he or she has been drinking, where he or she is going, etc.
- Depending on behavior observed at the initial police stop, the officer may ask the driver to step outside of the vehicle to perform field sobriety tests. These are used to gauge a driver's mental and physical abilities and may include the Walk and Turn, One Leg Stand or Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus.
- The driver's performance on field sobriety tests as well as what he or she says or does will typically determine whether the police officer makes an arrest for DUI.
After an arrest is when Orange County law enforcement may ask a driver to submit to a breath test or blood testin order to determine his or her blood alcohol concentration, and criminal charges will follow.
What is DUI (Driving Under the Influence)?
DUI is most often a misdemeanor offense in California and involves a driver operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. To be considered "under the influence" under California drunk driving law, the driver must have a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or greater or must have physical/mental abilities that are impaired due to alcohol and/or drugs. To prove that a driver was operating a motor vehicle under the influence, law enforcement and the District Attorney will use performance on field sobriety tests and the outcome of a breathalyzer test or blood test that was administered after the driver's arrest.
Interested in viewing helpful videos about DUI in Orange County, California? Please click on the links provided below:
- Video - DUI Defense in Orange County
- Video - Enhanced Penalties for DUI
- Video - Orange County DMV Hearings & DUI
- Video - About Field Sobriety Tests and DUI
- Video - First DUI Offenses
Why hire an Orange County DUI defense lawyer?
If you've been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Orange County, you may wonder whether you should involve an attorney. This is an important issue to consider. We cannot stress enough how important it is to involve an Orange County DUI attorney as early in the process as possible. When you are arrested for DUI, the arresting officer will confiscate your driver's license and give you a "notice of suspension" that will serve as a temporary license. Upon your failure or refusal of a breath test or blood test, the DMV will automatically begin suspension proceedings. You must contact the Drivers Safety Office of the DMV within 10 calendar days of your arrest in order to challenge the suspension of your driver's license - or it will be suspended regardless of the outcome of your case.
The DMV hearing and your criminal case are two entirely separate parts to your DUI charges. Even if you are not found guilty of DUI, you could still lose your license depending upon how the DMV hearing goes. Your lawyer will be able to represent your interests in your DMV hearing to help ensure that you have the best chance at keeping your driving privileges. Many people in Orange County need a license to keep a job and care for themselves and their families. If keeping your license is important to you, you should speak immediately with an experienced DUI lawyer to discuss your options and to learn how your right to drive can be protected in the DMV hearing.
That is just one benefit of working with a lawyer. Additionally, you will be facing criminal charges in court. This means that you may face imprisonment as well as heavy fines, community service, counseling, or mandatory drug/alcohol treatment or rehabilitation. This is a legal process, and law enforcement and the prosecution will be working hard to try to secure a conviction against you. Your Orange County DUI lawyer will be the only person on your side, standing in the way of a potential conviction, DUI penalties, a criminal record, and a limited future.
Contact an Orange County DUI defense attorney today!
Any criminal conviction on your record can result in problems in your future. It is very important that you speak with a knowledgeable lawyer who knows how to protect your rights and help ensure that you do not have to suffer due to overzealous punishment or experience harsh consequences. Drunk driving and DUI-related crimes carry very serious consequences and are also treated very strictly by law enforcement agencies. Even if this is your first brush with the law, you cannot expect that you will be treated leniently.
It does not matter if this is your first DUI-related charge or if you have prior convictions on your record, you deserve to have a powerful and aggressive defense lawyer on your side to help defend your constitutional rights. The fact of the matter is that everyone has a right to legal counsel and you could greatly benefit from exercising that right. If you are worried about your future after a DUI conviction, please don't hesitate to contact the firm to speak with someone who can help answer your questions and help get your case on the right track.
For the experienced help you need and deserve, contact the Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry today. We are here to defend you against your DUI charges and will offer you the level of legal counsel you rightfully deserve.
Contact Orange County DUI lawyer Virginia Landry today
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Source: http://docphy.com/business-industry/personal-finance/insurance/defending-drunk-driving-charges-orange-county-ca.html
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