Santa Ana DUI Lawyers

A Firm That Changed DUI Law in California

When Lawrence Taylor founded this firm more than four decades ago, he revolutionized how DUI cases are defended — introducing scientific scrutiny, expert testimony, and individualized advocacy to a field that once relied on guesswork. That approach continues to define how we practice today.

Every DUI case our team takes is guided by the same principles that have set our firm apart for decades:

• Personal Attention – Every client receives direct communication, individual case planning, and ongoing access to their attorney.
• Immediate Action – We move quickly to challenge license suspensions and preserve critical evidence.
• Comprehensive Support – From DMV hearings to court appearances, we handle the entire process so clients rarely need to appear in person.
• Scientific Precision – Borderline blood samples are independently re-tested at no cost, and every breath-testing device or procedure is reviewed for error.
• Proven Advocacy – Our attorneys are backed by in-house experts and a national reputation for technical excellence.
• Flexible Arrangements – We accept major credit cards and offer payment plans to make top-tier defense accessible.

This client-centered foundation, combined with the scientific rigor introduced by our founder, remains the cornerstone of every case we handle today.

Our Record of Results

Over the past four decades, our firm has secured countless wins for clients throughout Southern California. Here’s what our track record means in real terms:

• Hundreds of DUI Cases Dismissed — from procedural violations to flawed chemical tests.
• Thousands of Charges Reduced — to reckless driving or infractions with no jail time.
• Licenses Protected and Reinstated — through strategic DMV defense and early intervention.
• Jail Time Avoided for Countless Clients — via probation, treatment alternatives, and suppressed evidence.
• Consistent Favorable Verdicts in OC Courts — earned through decades of focused practice.

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Types of DUI Cases & Legal Issues We Handle

At The Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor, we handle every type of DUI allegation — from first-time arrests to complex felony cases involving accidents, injuries, or high BAC readings. Each case is unique, but every client receives the same level of care, preparation, and scientific attention our firm is known for.

We represent clients facing:

• First-Time DUI Charges
• Felony DUI / DUI with Injury (VC § 23153)
• Repeat or Multiple DUI Offenses
• Underage / Zero-Tolerance DUI
• DUI Involving Drugs or Prescription Medication
• Commercial Driver & Professional License DUI
• Out-of-State DUI Arrests
• Chemical Test Refusals
• DUI with Enhancements (child passenger, high BAC, or accident)

We also assist with post-conviction matters such as probation violations, warrant recalls, and DUI expungements.

How DUI Enforcement Works in Santa Ana

DUI arrests in Santa Ana most often involve stops made by the Santa Ana Police Department, California Highway Patrol (CHP), or Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Enforcement is heavy on major arteries like Bristol Street, Edinger Avenue, and Harbor Boulevard, and checkpoints are common near nightlife areas, Downtown Santa Ana, and the 5 and 55 Freeways.

Most cases are filed and prosecuted at the Central Justice Center, where our attorneys have spent decades defending clients before the same judges and prosecutors who handle hundreds of these cases every month. 

Knowing local law enforcement procedure, from how checkpoints are set up to how reports are written, allows us to anticipate weaknesses in the state’s case from the start.

DUI Penalties & Consequences

A DUI conviction in Santa Ana can result in jail, fines, mandatory classes, and loss of driving privileges. But the real damage often comes later — higher insurance premiums, professional licensing issues, and lasting effects on employment or immigration status.

Typical penalties include:

• Up to 6 months in jail for a first offense
• Fines and assessments exceeding $2,000
• 3 to 5 years of informal probation
• License suspension (plus possible IID installation)
• Mandatory DUI school
• Community service or work program

Penalties increase sharply for prior convictions, refusals, or aggravating factors like accidents, injuries, or minors in the vehicle. Our attorneys evaluate every detail to minimize exposure and often negotiate outcomes that avoid jail, reduce charges, or preserve your driving privileges.

How We Build a Strong DUI Defense

Our firm is unique in that we don’t just defend DUI cases — we dismantle them scientifically and procedurally. Every case starts with a forensic review of the evidence to identify flaws the prosecution may hope you’ll overlook.

Our defense approach focuses on:

• The Stop: Determining whether there was probable cause or a legal checkpoint.
• The Arrest: Reviewing bodycam footage, reports, and Miranda compliance.
• Testing Procedures: Examining calibration records, chain of custody, and lab protocols.
• Medical and Metabolic Factors: Identifying false positives caused by diabetes, acid reflux, or body chemistry.
• Rising BAC Defenses: Showing that your BAC increased after driving but before testing.

Our in-house toxicology and law enforcement experts work directly with our attorneys to develop these defenses — something few firms can offer.

DMV Hearings & Protecting Your License

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Santa Ana, you only have 10 days to request a DMV hearing to contest the automatic suspension of your license. This administrative process is separate from your criminal case, but just as critical.

At The Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor, we represent clients in every phase of the DMV hearing process, from scheduling the hearing and reviewing discovery to cross-examining the arresting officer under oath. These hearings often reveal inconsistencies that later help us win in court. 
In many cases, we’ve successfully preserved driving privileges or secured restricted licenses so clients can continue working while their case is pending.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens at my first court appearance?

Your first appearance (arraignment) is when you’ll hear the formal charges and enter a plea. We can often appear on your behalf so you don’t have to attend in person, especially for misdemeanor cases.

Can I drive after my DUI arrest in Santa Ana?

You can usually continue driving for 30 days after the arrest using the pink temporary license you received. To avoid an automatic suspension, you must request a DMV hearing within 10 days — we handle that for you.

Do I really need a lawyer for a first-time DUI?

Yes. Even first offenses carry serious penalties, and the evidence against you isn’t always as strong as it appears. A skilled DUI defense attorney can often negotiate charge reductions or identify scientific flaws that lead to dismissal.

Call For a FREE Consultation: (562) 330-4173

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Santa Ana, don’t face the system alone. The Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor has been defending California drivers for over four decades, combining legal skill, scientific analysis, and deep local experience to achieve the best possible results.

Call (562) 330-4173 or contact us online to schedule your free and confidential consultation today.