Laguna Beach DUI Lawyers

Our Team: Continuing a Legacy of Excellence

When our founder, Lawrence Taylor, established this firm more than 40 years ago, he transformed how DUI cases were defended. A pioneer in bringing science into the courtroom, he authored Drunk Driving Defense, the most cited treatise on DUI law in the nation, and trained generations of lawyers through the National College for DUI Defense. Though he is no longer with us, his influence continues to shape every case we handle.

Today, his legacy lives on through a team of highly accomplished attorneys who combine legal skill, scientific insight, and a deep commitment to client service.

Understanding the DUI Process in Laguna Beach

A DUI arrest sets two separate cases in motion: one with the criminal court and another with the DMV. Each follows its own timeline and rules, and success often depends on how early your defense begins.

At The Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor, we manage both fronts simultaneously to protect your rights from the start.

Court Process

• Arraignment: Your first court appearance, where charges are formally read and plea options are discussed.
• Pretrial Hearings: We file motions to suppress unlawful evidence, challenge testing procedures, and negotiate with prosecutors.
• Trial or Resolution: Whether through dismissal, reduction, or trial, we pursue the outcome that best protects your future.

DMV Process

• 10-Day Deadline: You have only 10 days after arrest to request a hearing to prevent automatic suspension.
• Hearing Preparation: Our team subpoenas calibration logs, officer reports, and test data to expose flaws in the state’s evidence.
• Outcome: Many clients retain full or restricted driving privileges thanks to proactive DMV representation.

Science at the Core of Every Defense

DUI law is part science, part strategy. Our firm is the only one in California with full-time toxicology and forensic experts who collaborate directly with attorneys on every case.

We independently analyze:

• Breathalyzer Calibration Records to verify proper maintenance and eliminate mechanical error.
• Blood Sample Handling to identify contamination, fermentation, or chain-of-custody violations.
• Rising BAC Patterns to show how alcohol absorption may have increased between the time of driving and testing.
• Medical Conditions (such as diabetes or GERD) that can mimic impairment or cause false positives.

By blending legal insight with scientific precision, we’ve achieved results that other firms can’t replicate.

Common Defenses in DUI Cases

While every case is unique, many successful defenses involve challenging the same core assumptions prosecutors rely on:

• Unlawful Traffic Stop: If the stop lacked reasonable suspicion, the entire case may be suppressed.
• Improperly Administered Field Tests: Officers often deviate from NHTSA protocol, invalidating the results.
• Faulty Breath or Blood Test: Calibration, environmental interference, or sample mishandling can skew readings.
• Improper Officer Training: We expose procedural errors and cross-examine law enforcement effectively.
• Violation of Constitutional Rights: Illegal searches, Miranda violations, or coerced statements can all lead to dismissal.

The Stakes in a Laguna Beach DUI Case

Even a first offense can carry life-changing penalties. Multiple offenses, high BAC levels, or accidents can trigger mandatory jail, license revocation, or felony charges.

Potential Penalties Include:

• Jail sentences ranging from 6 months to 3 years.
• Fines exceeding $2,000 plus court assessments.
• 3- to 30-month DUI education programs.
• Driver’s license suspension or revocation.
• Mandatory ignition interlock device (IID).
• Criminal record impacting employment and insurance.

Aggravating factors such as injury, refusal to test, or minor passengers can elevate misdemeanor charges to felonies.

Traffic and Transportation

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• United States Department of Transportation
• California Department of Transportation
• California Office of Traffic Safety