DUI / DWI Defense

A DUI arrest can have serious consequences for your driver's license, your record, your employment, and your future. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, obtaining experienced legal representation as early as possible can help you understand your rights and the options available to you.

California Law Centers, APC. is focused on DUI and criminal defense. With over 30 years of legal experience, Attorney James Hairgrove represents clients facing DUI charges and related DMV administrative proceedings throughout Southern California.

We carefully examine every stage of a DUI case, including the reason for the traffic stop, the investigation, field sobriety tests, breath or blood testing, the arrest, police reports, chemical test results, and other available evidence.

Every DUI case is different. Our goal is to identify potential legal and evidentiary issues, evaluate available defenses, and pursue the best available resolution based upon the individual facts and circumstances of your case.

Understanding a DUI Charge

In California, a person may face DUI charges based on allegations involving alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. A DUI case may involve allegations concerning impairment, blood alcohol concentration (BAC), or both.

A DUI arrest can also create two separate proceedings: the criminal case in court and an administrative proceeding involving your driving privilege before the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

DMV — Act Within 10 Days

If you have been arrested for DUI, you may have only 10 days to request a DMV administrative hearing to challenge the suspension or revocation of your driving privilege.

The DMV proceeding is separate from your criminal court case. California Law Centers can represent clients in both the criminal DUI case and the related DMV administrative proceeding.

Protect your license. Protect your future.

Defending a DUI Charge

An arrest is not a conviction. DUI cases can involve complicated factual, scientific, and legal issues, and the evidence should be carefully reviewed before decisions are made about how to proceed.

Depending upon the circumstances of the case, potential issues may include:

• Traffic Stop and Detention: We examine the circumstances surrounding the initial stop or contact with law enforcement and whether the officer had a lawful basis for the detention.
• Field Sobriety Tests: Field sobriety tests can be affected by many circumstances. We review how the tests were administered, the conditions under which they were performed, and how the officer interpreted the results.
• Breath Testing: Breath-testing evidence should be carefully evaluated. Depending upon the case, issues may involve the testing procedure, equipment, maintenance and calibration records, operator procedures, or other factors affecting the reliability of the result.
• Blood Testing: Blood evidence may raise issues involving collection, handling, storage, testing procedures, laboratory analysis, and the integrity of the sample.
• Police Reports and Evidence: We review police reports, chemical test results, body-worn camera or other video when available, witness information, and other evidence relevant to the arrest.
• DMV Administrative Proceedings: The DMV hearing is separate from the criminal court case. We review the evidence supporting the proposed license suspension and determine what challenges may be available.

High BAC and Multiple DUI Cases

A high reported BAC or a prior DUI can significantly increase the potential consequences of a case. California Law Centers has experience handling DUI matters involving high BAC allegations, prior DUI offenses, suspended licenses, probation issues, and other aggravating circumstances.

Even when a case appears difficult, the evidence and circumstances should still be carefully examined.

Military Diversion

California Law Centers has extensive experience representing active-duty servicemembers and veterans in DUI and criminal matters.

Depending upon the circumstances, qualifying servicemembers and veterans may be eligible for Military Diversion. We evaluate each case individually to determine whether Military Diversion or another alternative resolution may be available.

Our Approach

We understand that a DUI arrest can be stressful, particularly for someone who has never been involved in the criminal justice system.

Our office provides personal attention throughout the process. We explain what to expect, review the evidence, discuss available options, and keep our clients informed as their case progresses.

When supported by the facts and law, we pursue dismissal or reduction of charges, reduced penalties, alternatives to custody, and other favorable resolutions that may be available.

Contact Our DUI Hotline

If you have been arrested for DUI in San Diego County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Orange County, or Los Angeles County, contact California Law Centers, APC. to discuss your case.

You may have only 10 days to request a DMV hearing.

888-DMV-2DUI (888-368-2384)
619-667-3743
[email protected]