Irvine DUI Lawyer

Our Irvine DUI attorneys can help if you are facing DUI criminal charges and a license suspension at the Irvine DMV office. The Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor, with Irvine offices near Harbor Court in Newport Beach, is a nationally known firm of DUI lawyers specializing in DUI defense exclusively: no clients but those charged with drunk driving are accepted. 

Call The Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor today at (949) 752-1550 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our DUI defense lawyer in Irvine.

Hire a DUI Firm with the Experience You Need

Our Irvine DUI attorneys average 21 years of experience, and each has the support of the firm’s expert staff: a former DUI Task Force officer, a former Crime Lab alcohol testing supervisor, and a former California DMV license suspension hearing officer.

The firm is guided by the “Dean of DUI Attorneys,” Lawrence Taylor. Mr. Taylor is a UC Berkeley and UCLA Law School graduate, a former Deputy District Attorney, and a Fulbright Professor of Law. He is the author of the standard treatise in the field, Drunk Driving Defense (now in its 7th edition after 30 years of publication). 

He has lectured to DUI defense attorneys at over 200 seminars in 41 states and in 2001, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National College for DUI Defense.

California DUI Laws

In California, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits are designed to ensure road safety. 

For drivers aged 21 and older, the BAC limit is set at 0.08% or higher. Commercial drivers have a stricter limit of 0.04% or higher due to the nature of their job. Drivers under the age of 21 are held to a very low BAC limit of 0.01% or higher, adhering to a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving.

Drivers can also face DUI charges for driving under the influence of drugs. Penalties vary depending on whether it is a first, second, or subsequent offense. 

First Offense

• Fines: $390 to $1,000.
• License Suspension: 6 months.
• Jail Time: Up to 6 months.
• Probation: 3 to 5 years.
• DUI School: 3 months.
• Other: Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) may be required.

Second Offense (within 10 years)

• Fines: $390 to $1,000.
• License Suspension: 2 years.
• Jail Time: 96 hours to 1 year.
• Probation: 3 to 5 years.
• DUI School: 18 to 30 months.
• IID: Mandatory installation for up to 1 year.

Third Offense (within 10 years)

• Fines: $390 to $1,000.
• License Suspension: 3 years.
• Jail Time: 120 days to 1 year.
• Probation: 3 to 5 years.
• DUI School: 30 months.
• IID: Mandatory installation for up to 2 years.

Certain factors can lead to harsher penalties:

• High BAC: 0.15% or higher.
• Refusing a Chemical Test: Enhanced penalties for refusal.
• Driving with a Minor Passenger: Additional penalties for having a child under 14 in the vehicle.
• Causing Injury or Death: DUI causing injury or death is a more serious felony with severe penalties.

Additionally, by driving in California, drivers automatically consent to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) if suspected of DUI.

Refusal can result in:

• First Refusal: 1-year license suspension.
• Second Refusal: 2-year license suspension.
• Third Refusal: 3-year license suspension.

California has been updating its DUI laws to incorporate more technology-based deterrents like the ignition interlock device (IID). As of January 1, 2019, IID installation became mandatory for most DUI offenders.

Effective Defense Strategies

In addressing DUI charges, a thorough evaluation of all evidence is imperative. This includes scrutinizing the arresting officer's conduct and the legitimacy of the BAC results. At The Law Offices Of Taylor & Taylor, we examine whether field sobriety tests were administered correctly and if the breathalyzer device was properly calibrated. The extent and nature of legal defenses in DUI situations rely highly on these minute yet crucial detail checks. Our team leverages its substantial knowledge to challenge the state's evidence, aiming to undermine its validity. The defense strategies often involve questioning the legality of the traffic stop, ensuring all rights have been upheld, and determining whether the arrest was executed lawfully.

Moreover, DUI cases involving drugs—either prescription or illicit—bring additional layers of complexity. Our attorneys are equipped to dissect these cases by consulting with experts in pharmacology to interpret the chemical evidence effectively. We implement strategies to cast doubt on the prosecution’s accusations by pursuing relevant medical records and expert testimony. This multifaceted approach enhances our ability to negotiate effectively, often resulting in charge reductions or dismissals, all aligned to minimize the long-term impact on our clients' lives.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Defense 

What Should I Do Immediately After a DUI Arrest?

Following a DUI arrest, it is essential to remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent, except when providing basic identification information. Contacting a DUI defense attorney as soon as possible can significantly influence the outcome of your case. Early in the process, legal representation allows your DUI lawyer to gather evidence, witness statements, and other key information that may otherwise be lost over time. The days following an arrest are crucial, particularly regarding the DMV hearing, which you must request within 10 days to contest your driver's license suspension.

How Can a DUI Conviction Impact My Employment in Irvine?

If convicted of a DUI, the repercussions can extend beyond the legal penalties to affect your job security. Many employers conduct background checks and may view a DUI conviction unfavorably, potentially hindering job prospects, especially in roles requiring a clean driving record or a required level of trustworthiness. If your current job involves driving, such as delivery or chauffeur services, a suspended license can directly result in job loss. Even outside of driving-specific roles, the stigma attached to a DUI can alter your professional relationships and could affect promotions or job advancement. Therefore, contesting DUI charges aggressively with informed legal strategies is vital to protecting your career.

Can I Refuse a Field Sobriety Test?

In California, drivers may refuse field sobriety tests without legal penalty, as these tests are not required by law. However, law enforcement officers often use these tests as initial assessments. While you have the right to politely refuse these tests, doing so may increase the officer's suspicion, potentially leading to an arrest based on other observed behaviors or evidence. However, refusing a chemical BAC test after an arrest carries significant penalties, including license suspension. Communicating with a DUI attorney can provide further guidance on handling refusals and the implications involved, ensuring that all your rights are effectively preserved.

Contact Our DUI Defense Lawyer in Irvine Today

We invite you to contact us at our Irvine offices for a consultation about your DUI criminal case and DMV driver’s license suspension hearing.

Contact The Law Office Of Taylor & Taylor today to get started with our Irvine DUI defense attorneys.

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