DUI There's No Alternative

San Diego Dui Lawyer

San Diego is cracking down on DUIs (Driving Under the Influence), so it’s more important than ever to know what you’re up against when it comes time to defend yourself. There’s a wide array of penalties, and having the right attorney on your side can make a world of difference.

The consequences vary, and there are multiple defenses that your lawyer can use to help your situation. Having an experienced lawyer in San Diego, CA will help ensure that you get the best possible defense.

Consequences for San Diego, CA

If you’re convicted, you may face one, or a combination of several penalties. The exact outcome depends heavily on if someone was hurt, and whether it was your first offense. The laws vary by state, but here’s what you can expect to face in San Diego, CA.

  • Jail Time: About half of the states in the US require mandatory jail time for a DUI. In California, you have the option of a 48-hour jail sentence or a 90-day restriction on your license that allows you to drive to and from work only.
  • License Suspension: Plan on having your license suspended. The DMV is known to suspend licenses even when your attorney clears you in court if your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was over 0.08% when you were tested. If you are found guilty, your license will be suspended for between 30 days and 10 months.
  • Fines and Penalties: In California, the fine is $390, plus more than $1,000 in other assessments. On average, you’re looking at about $1,800. Keep in mind; this sum is the minimum amount. The maximum total can be three times this much. Your lawyer will be able to work with you to help minimize this amount.
  • Ignition Interlock Devices: Think of this as a Breathalyzer for your car. It won’t allow your car to start if the device detects any alcohol on your breath. These IIDs cost approximately $800.

If you are facing a repeat charge, someone was injured or killed, or you had a minor in the vehicle with you, these consequences dramatically increase. Having an experienced attorney on your side to navigate your options is critical.

What Defenses are Available for DUI in San Diego, CA?

There are several ways to defend against a DUI, also referred to as a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). Here are three of the most common:

  1. Field Sobriety Tests are Inaccurate: These tests of balance and coordination can be failed easily, even if you’re not intoxicated. If you’re feeling nervous, tired or have a physical impairment, it can be nearly impossible to pass this test.
  2. Bad Driving Doesn’t Equal Drunk Driving: It takes a skilled attorney to argue this one, but it can be done.
  3. The Arresting Officer Didn’t Comply with California’s Title 17 Regulations: There’s a rigid procedure that must be followed, including an observation period, calibration and testing of equipment, proper handling and storage of blood samples, etc. If not strictly adhered to, your lawyer can argue on your behalf that you be found not guilty.

How Our San Diego DUI Attorneys Can Help

If you’re facing a DUI charge, be aware that you have plenty of options. One of our DUI lawyers in San Diego can work with you to determine the best defense. Contact our office for a free consultation today.

WHY WE'RE THE RIGHT CHOICE

  • Over 45 years of Collective Experience
  • Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled
  • Former Deputy District Attorney
  • Impressive Track Record of Results
  • Highly Respected by Peers and Clients
  • Free Initial Consultation

GET DEFENSE FROM AN AWARD-WINNING TEAM OF ATTORNEYS

Over the years our firm has earned numerous awards and accolades for delivering outstanding legal representation. Some of our awards include: Admission to The National Top Trial Lawyers Association since 2014, AVVO Rating 10.0 Superb Rating, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys Award "10 Best Attorney Client Satisfaction" in 2018, Nationally Ranked Top 100 Under 40 in California Attorney Award in 2017, Member of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce since 2018, Martindale-Hubbell Accredited Law Firm, Distinguished in Orange County Metro "Top Attorneys" section, and Featured in Orange Coast Magazine in April 2010 as one of "Orange County's Best Criminal Defense Attorneys".

  • Best Criminal Defense in Irvine - 2022
  • Best DUI Lawyer In Irvine- 2022
  • Best DUI Lawyer in Santa Ana - 2022
  • Best Criminal Defense Lawyer New Port Beach- 2022
  • 10 Best Attorney
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • Under 40
  • avvo 10.0

GETTING STARTED IS EASY

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CLient Reviews

At Law Offices of Randy Collins, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "I am extremley grateful for their help!"
    Randy, Chris, and his team are amazing. Having talked to other offices, this one was the most responsive, caring, and downright most helpful. They are all super knowledgeable in defense and I am extremely grateful for their help. I 100% recommend and suggest you try a consultation.
    John
    "They are such a great team to work with."
    I was new in the US and I didn’t know anything or what to do from Day 1 from presenting my case to Randy. He reassured me that he would help me and that I shouldn’t worry. He was very supportive, responsive to every question no matter how silly it was he was very patient and comforting. He knew exactly how to address the problem and had a plan of action and after a long 2 years, he won my case I appreciate every effort Randy & Chris have done. They are such a great team to work with and I would recommend him in a heartbeat
    Dalia
    "The one attorney you want on your side!"
    He is amazing!! I'm am happy to say that my daughter's charges were dismissed! Randy did an excellent job!!! I couldn't have made a better decision the day I called his office.
    Leslie
    "In life you need a good mechanic, a good Doctor, and a Super Lawyer."

    There’s no words to describe Mr. Collins, not just as an attorney but a Super and Great Human Being. He has been an “Angel” and “Life Saver” for one of my family members.

    By Profession, I’m a Radio and TV Host, and I’ve interviewed and talked to quite a few in this Profession, and trust me when I say, that I’m so impressed with Mr. Collins and in today’s modern times it’s hard to find someone that works so hard, cares, and makes things happen!!!

    In life you need a good mechanic, a good Doctor, and a Super Lawyer. Trust him, believe in him and you become one of the “Winners” by hitting “Jackpot” with your legal needs:)

    Victor
    "An Attorney I Could Trust"
    I called to inquire about a case I was facing, this was one of the many attorneys I was speaking with during a free consult about my next steps. The future was looking more and more alarming as the implications of what I was facing were becoming clear. Halfway through explaining my situation, he interrupted me and asked some basic information, put me on hold for one second and came back telling me he had called around and found out that my case was not proceeding. Four other attorneys I had spoken to did not do this, and in fact had used scare tactics and worst case scenarios to try and hard sell me into signing a retainer. (unfortunately, the evening before I HAD with another attorney signed a retainer but thats for another review) Although I did not need to retain the services of this office, I believe that single action speaks worlds about the integrity, helpfulness, intelligence and capabilities of this office. In a world that is so difficult for the uninitiated, such as the legal system, it seems people are taking advantage of you at every turn. It was a welcome and uplifting experience to see the opposite of that with this law office and I am so grateful I was able to find them and know I could call them if anything were to ever happen to me later in life and know I could trust this team.
    Chris
    "All my friends' cases either dismissed or reduced significantly."
    Randy is a great attorney that has helped me out of a bad situation. I refer all of my friends that get in trouble and he has gotten all of their cases either dismissed or reduced significantly. You definitely get what you pay for when you hire this firm.
    Chris H.
    "Trustworthy, honest, hard working and caring attorney."
    If anyone needs a trustworthy, honest, hard working and caring attorney, it’s without any doubt, Mr. Randy Collins. I have had many contacts throughout my lifetime, and I have never ran into such a professional in the law field. He’s also a very caring individual that listens to the client and shows great respect.
    Mary
    "Randy is the obvious choice!"
    Randy worked tirelessly for over two years to have my case dismissed and I can’t thank him enough for everything that he did for me.
    Ray