Riverside DUI Lawyer

Why People Call Us After a DUI Arrest

• California’s pioneer in DUI defense – Founded in 1979 by Lawrence Taylor, a national authority on DUI law, we were the first firm in the state to specialize in DUI defense.
• Scientific advantage – We are the only law firm in California with full-time toxicology and forensic DUI experts on staff.
• Respected nationwide – AV-rated, featured in the ABA Journal, and certified by the State Bar to train other attorneys in DUI defense.
• Local courtroom experience – Decades of appearances before judges and prosecutors at Riverside Superior Court (Hall of Justice) and local DMV offices.

A Legacy of Leadership in DUI Defense

When Lawrence Taylor founded this firm, he changed the landscape of DUI defense in California. His textbook Drunk Driving Defense remains the most cited resource on DUI law in the country, and his advocacy has been recognized by courts across the U.S., including the Supreme Court.

Today, his legacy continues through our team of trial lawyers and scientific experts who bring the same level of skill and innovation to every case. Our firm has become the go-to resource not just for clients, but for other attorneys seeking guidance in this highly technical area of law.

Real Results for Real Clients

Our record speaks for itself. Examples of past outcomes include:

• DUI (.25% BAC) – Reduced to reckless driving
• Felony DUI – Reduced to misdemeanor, no jail
• DUI accident – Charges dismissed after evidence suppressed
• Second DUI – Reduced to wet reckless
• DUI refusal case – License suspension avoided

See more case results

Cases We Handle

Being charged with DUI doesn’t always look the same. Some people are arrested after blowing just over the legal limit at a checkpoint. Others face felony charges after an accident or are accused of refusing a chemical test. Whatever the situation, these cases all have one thing in common: the stakes are high, and the government pushes for conviction.

At The Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor, we specialize in DUI defense. Our Riverside DUI attorneys represent clients in every type of DUI matter, including:

• First-time DUI charges
• Repeat and multiple DUIs
• Felony DUI or DUI with injury (VC § 23153)
• DUI involving prescription drugs, marijuana, or other substances
• Underage DUI (zero tolerance)
• Commercial driver DUI
• Refusal cases and implied consent violations
• Cases with enhancements (high BAC, minor passenger, accident involvement)
• BUI

Each of these scenarios carries unique challenges — and unique opportunities for defense. With in-house forensic experts and decades of courtroom experience in Riverside, our team is equipped to handle them all.

DUI Penalties and Consequences in Riverside

The consequences of a DUI conviction reach far beyond the courtroom. A first offense may include probation, fines, DUI school, and a six-month license suspension. But the impact doesn’t stop there. Your insurance premiums can skyrocket. Employers may treat a DUI as grounds for discipline or termination. Professional licenses, immigration status, and security clearances may all be put at risk.

The most common DUI penalties and consequences in Riverside County include:

• Probation – For a first offense, probation may be ordered by the court instead of jail, but any violation can result in harsher penalties.
• Fines and fees – Individuals may face court fines and administrative fees that quickly add up to thousands of dollars.
• License suspension – The DMV or court can suspend your driving privileges, potentially resulting in a loss of transportation and employment issues, especially if you hold a commercial license.
• Mandatory DUI education – Courts may require DUI school, which involves both time and expense.
• Impact on career and insurance – Professional licenses can be affected, insurance rates may increase dramatically, and employers might take disciplinary action after a conviction.
• Possible jail time – Some cases, particularly those with aggravating factors, could result in a jail sentence served at a local Riverside County facility like Robert Presley Detention Center.

The seriousness of the penalties depends on your record and the circumstances of the arrest. Some of the situations that trigger harsher consequences include:

• Prior DUI within 10 years – Brings mandatory jail time and longer license suspensions.
• Accident causing injury – Elevates the case to a felony with possible state prison time.
• High BAC (0.15% or above) – Triggers sentencing enhancements and stricter probation.
• Minor in the vehicle – Adds mandatory penalties and potential child endangerment charges.
• Refusal to submit to chemical testing – Results in automatic license suspension, even if you are ultimately acquitted.

Even if this is your first arrest, prosecutors in Riverside County rarely treat DUI charges lightly. The sooner you involve an attorney, the more options you have to reduce or avoid penalties.

If you are searching for a first offense DUI attorney Riverside residents trust, you should know that Riverside County enforces strict policies for DUI, even for those without a previous record. The Riverside Superior Court routinely handles large numbers of DUI cases each week, and judges take these offenses seriously. Working with a team that has experience in the local courts increases the chances of identifying alternatives to the standard consequences, like jail time or long-term license suspension. Our understanding of the unique procedures and tendencies within the Riverside legal system serves as a significant benefit for clients facing a first DUI allegation in this region.

How We Build a Defense

Every DUI case is unique, and we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we look closely at both the legal and scientific sides of the arrest.

Questions we ask include:

• Did the officer have a valid reason to stop you?
• Were field sobriety tests explained and administered correctly?
• Was the breathalyzer calibrated, maintained, and operated properly?
• Was your blood sample stored and tested under strict laboratory protocols?
• Could a medical issue — such as GERD, diabetes, or fatigue — have created “false positives” for impairment?

We also explore advanced defenses that many firms overlook, such as rising BAC, which occurs when your blood alcohol level increases between the time you were driving and the time you were tested.

Our firm is the only one in California with full-time forensic experts in toxicology and breath/blood analysis. That means we don’t just review lab reports — we dig into the raw data, re-test blood samples at independent labs, and bring expert testimony directly into your case. This scientific advantage has led to countless dismissals, charge reductions, and favorable outcomes for our clients.

Protecting Your Driver’s License

A DUI arrest in Riverside automatically triggers action from the DMV, separate from the criminal case. 

Unless you request a hearing within 10 days, your license will be suspended.

We treat DMV hearings as more than a formality. They provide an early opportunity to cross-examine the arresting officer under oath and subpoena critical documents — steps that can later strengthen your court defense. In many cases, we’ve used DMV proceedings to expose weaknesses in the government’s case before it even reaches trial.

For clients who cannot avoid suspension, we also fight for restricted licenses and IID options to keep you on the road legally.

Why Experience Matters in Riverside DUI Cases

Riverside prosecutors see DUI cases every day, and they know which attorneys show up with real defenses and which don’t. At The Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor, DUI defense is what we do, and we bring the full weight of our history, training, and resources into every case.

Here’s how we put that experience to work for our clients:

• Early intervention – We immediately demand police reports, video footage, and maintenance records to identify weaknesses in the state’s case before it gains traction.
• Forensic review – Our in-house toxicology experts analyze breath and blood testing data, often uncovering errors in lab procedures that can lead to suppressed evidence.
• Courtroom strategy – With decades in Riverside County courts, we know the tendencies of local prosecutors and judges, which allows us to craft strategies that anticipate how the case will be handled.
• Negotiation power – Our reputation for trial readiness often creates leverage to secure charge reductions or alternatives to jail.
• DMV defense – We treat administrative hearings as opportunities to cross-examine officers and gather testimony under oath that can later be used in court.
• Client protection – We advise on collateral consequences like employment, immigration, and licensing issues, helping clients safeguard their futures beyond the courtroom.

This combination of legal strategy, scientific insight, and local knowledge has made The Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor the firm that judges, colleagues, and clients respect when it comes to DUI defense.

Understanding First Offense DUI Cases in Riverside County

If you have recently been charged with a first offense DUI in Riverside, it can be difficult to understand what to expect or how your case may be handled locally. Many people worry about whether they will have to go to jail, lose their license, or face other life-changing penalties. This concern is especially valid in Riverside County, where the District Attorney's Office and local police departments have a reputation for strictly prosecuting even first-time offenses. Choosing the right representation is crucial to navigating these challenges.

Working with a first offense DUI lawyer Riverside trusts means having someone who not only understands California law but also stays up to date on how those laws are enforced right here in Riverside. Each courthouse—including the Riverside Hall of Justice—has its own procedures, and a legal team familiar with those specifics can make the difference when it comes to fighting for reduced charges or alternative sentencing. In addition to the criminal process, first-time DUI cases in Riverside commonly require hearings at the local DMV office, where quick action is essential to protect your ability to drive.

If you are facing a first-time or drunk driving charge in Riverside County, here are a few key considerations:

• Early legal intervention can provide more defense opportunities, such as challenging test results or negotiating for diversion programs where available.
• Local relationships with Riverside County prosecutors can sometimes facilitate more productive plea negotiations.
• Urgency of DMV action is critical, as you may only have a short window after arrest to request a hearing and contest a proposed license suspension.
• Mitigating consequences is possible—sometimes even for first offenders—if you have a skilled legal advocate familiar with local practices and options.

Navigating the Riverside County DUI courts requires both a strong legal strategy and a keen understanding of how local judges evaluate first offense cases. With the right advocacy, it's possible to pursue options that help you move forward after a challenging experience.