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Criminal and DUI Lawyers in Orange County and San Diego
Criminal and DUI Defense in Southern California
Whether you are a first-time offender or have a criminal history already, DUI charges have the potential to impact your life in many ways. Drunk driving convictions can lead to fines, mandatory DUI school, suspension of your driving privileges, and even jail time. If you would like to avoid these penalties and get back to your normal life as soon as possible, consulting a criminal defense attorney on our team is essential.
At the RNS LAW GROUP, our team of criminal law attorneys has years of experience defending clients from DUI charges. We know exactly what it takes to win a criminal case, and we are confident that we can assist you in reducing or removing the penalties you are facing. Don’t let your future be ruined by a simple mistake. Contact a DUI defense lawyer on our team for a free consultation by calling 424-401-0122
Why is Criminal and DUI Defense so Important?
Driving under the influence is illegal in California and all other states. However, the DUI lawyers on our team believe that your life shouldn’t be ruined just because you made a mistake. Even misdemeanor charges can disqualify you from certain job opportunities and educational institutions. Your California driver’s license and driving privileges may be suspended, making it hard to get to and from work or school. The punishments for a DUI are severe and can derail your path toward success.
The DUI lawyers on our team are committed to standing between you and these harsh criminal penalties. We understand just how detrimental a DUI conviction can be to your life, and we want to help you avoid consequences for a DUI offense as much as possible.
What Qualities Should I Look for in a Criminal and DUI Defense Attorney?
When searching for a DUI attorney to defend your case, always look for a legal team with plenty of experience. An inexperienced DUI defense attorney will not understand exactly how the prosecution is building their case or what kind of penalties you will be facing. With our years of experience in criminal law, our team knows the ins and outs of the criminal justice system, which we will use for your benefit.
You should also look for a law firm that focuses on DUI defense cases. Other law firms spread themselves thin, taking on any legal case they can find. Our team focuses solely on DUI cases and other traffic-related charges, meaning we are always up to date with drunk driving laws and how they could impact your case.
My name is Rob Samudrala and I am the founder and Senior Attorney for the DUI Defense Group. As a former prosecutor for many years, I have a tremendous amount of experience in the DUI court system in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura and Orange Counties. Since 2008 I have dedicated my entire career to DUI defense, and have successfully handled hundreds of DUI cases for folks like you. I have been selected numerous times to train new police officers and Deputy District Attorneys on DUI laws, procedures, and tactics. I’ve also given numerous lectures on DUI throughout Southern California. You can call our office and speak with me directly, anytime.
Denise Yaniv is not your typical L.A. lawyer. She was born and raised on a horse and cattle ranch in North Dakota, the oldest child of Darryl and Donna Blessum. She has always had determination, and her compassion for all creatures led to her sneaking any kind of domestic or wild animal into her bedroom to care for as a pet when a girl, to pursuing a career as a paramedic, and ultimately becoming a compassionate, aggressive, dedicated criminal defense attorney.
Denise’s goal to be a paramedic led her to become a police officer (a prerequisite set by her employer, despite her disinclination), ultimately graduating as “The Honor Graduate” of her police academy. However, Denise’s law enforcement service became instrumental in shaping her determination to become the very best criminal defense attorney she could be.
During the time Denise was a police officer/paramedic, she witnessed frequent injustices perpetrated by her peers, especially towards minorities, while the system turned a blind eye. She experienced this behavior first hand as a woman. But, being a fighter, Denise stood up to the injustice and beat the department.
In 2000 Denise became a first-generation college student, moving to Southern California with two small children and tons of determination. In 2003 she graduated Magna Cum Laude from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. In 2005, Ms. Yaniv obtained her J.D. at Southwestern University School of Law after completing the accelerated SCALE program.
Since then Denise has made it her life’s mission to passionately fight for those who have been wronged by our legal system and to uphold the U.S. Constitution. Ms. Yaniv surrounds herself with teammates, other professionals who have displayed dedication and integrity to assist in the defense of her clients. Different Defense Team takes the process a step further, and helps to facilitate rehabilitation and life redirection after the criminal process is complete.
Denise and her teammates make up the Different Defense Team, and will be in your corner to tirelessly fight for you and your Constitutional rights!
What Kinds of Cases Can the RNS LAW GROUP Help With?
A Criminal and DUI lawyer on our team can assist you with any Criminal and DUI case you are facing. Whether you have multiple prior Criminal or DUI convictions on record or these are your first drunk driving charges, we can help you.
Below are just some of the kinds of cases our team can assist with:
- Felony DUI
- CDL DUI
- Hit & Run Defense
- Military DUI
- Prescription Drug DUI
- Reckless Driving Defense
- Underage DUI
- First Offense DUI
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Domestic Violence
- Petty Crimes & Misdemeanors
- Sex Offenses
- DUI & reckless driving
- Drug possession
- Three-strikes Law
And more. Even if you do not see your Criminal and DUI case on this list, we are confident we can assist you.
In many cases, individuals feel they must admit guilt or take the first plea bargain offered by the prosecution in a Criminal and DUI case. Unfortunately, this is unlikely to get you the outcome you deserve. By working with our team of attorneys, we can negotiate with the prosecution to determine if a plea deal is in your best interest. If it is not, we will begin preparing you for the court to defend you before a judge.
Criminal charges carry criminal penalties, which can be incredibly detrimental to your life. No matter what Criminal and DUI charges you are facing, a Criminal and DUI lawyer on our team can help.
What Makes the RNS LAW GROUP Stand Out?
At the RNS LAW GROUP, our DUI lawyers are former prosecutors and judges who understand the ins and outs of DUI cases. Our team knows exactly what the prosecution is looking for to secure a DUI conviction, and we are confident that with our personalized defense strategies, we can protect any of our clients from these severe criminal penalties.
When building your criminal defense case, our team will consult with blood alcohol experts to determine the validity of your chemical tests. Blood tests, urine tests, and breath tests can be faulty, and even scientific evidence can be disproven. We are committed to exploring every angle of your criminal case to reduce or remove the charges you are facing.
Is the RNS LAW GROUP Right for Me?
We understand that after a DUI arrest, you are likely feeling overwhelmed and frightened. Unlike other traffic violations, DUI charges are criminal charges that carry severe penalties. DUI convictions on your record can prevent you from certain jobs and career paths, limiting your ability to find success.
Our team at the RNS LAW GROUP focuses solely on DUI and other traffic-related cases. We are committed to representing our clients and creating personalized defense strategies that are unique to their circumstances. If you are facing DUI charges, we are confident that we can help. Contact our office today for a free case review by calling 424-401-0122
Can I Refuse to Take a Field Sobriety Test?
Officers may ask you to participate in a field sobriety test if you are pulled over for suspected drunk driving. These tests often involve balancing or walking to test your level of intoxication, like the one-leg stand or the walk-and-turn. While police officers may make it seem like a field sobriety test is required, the truth is that you have the right to deny a request for a field sobriety test if asked. The field sobriety test results will likely be used against you in a DUI case, so in many instances, it is advisable to refuse a sobriety test.
What Happens if I Have Multiple DUI Convictions on My Record?
Multiple DUI offenders are often labeled as habitual motor vehicle offenders. Many states implement laws that impose more severe penalties for habitual offenders. If you have multiple DUI convictions on your record and you are arrested for a DUI again, you will likely face maximum penalties, including jail time or a state prison sentence. In California, having more than three DUI convictions on your record within the past ten years can automatically increase your next DUI charge to a felony.
Do Minors Have Different BAC Limits Than Adults?
In most states, it is illegal to drink alcohol unless you are 21 years or older. It is unlawful for minors to drink and drive under the influence, but there are stricter blood alcohol content (BAC) limits for minors due to their ages. California has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving, meaning that if anyone over the age of 21 is found with a BAC of 0.01% or higher, they can be charged. In most cases, an underage DUI carries less severe penalties than an adult DUI but can still involve fines, DUI school, and a driver’s license suspension.
What is Implied Consent?
Implied consent is a concept that virtually all states use. When a driver is pulled over for suspected drunk driving, officers will likely ask them to participate in a breathalyzer test or a field sobriety test to check for intoxication. Under implied consent laws, any individual who receives a driver’s license is consenting to be stopped on public roads if they are suspected of driving under the influence. Implied consent also states that drivers consent to any field sobriety tests they are asked to take. Drivers who refuse these tests can be subject to penalties like a suspended license.
Are Breath Tests Results Always Accurate?
Breath test results are often received via a breathalyzer test. Breathalyzers measure blood alcohol content (BAC) in percentages. If any driver is found to be driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, they can be charged with a DUI. However, breathalyzers are machines that must be calibrated and administered correctly to give accurate results. In some DUI cases, breath test results can be challenged, especially if other chemical tests (like blood and urine tests) have different results. If the breath test results are found to be inaccurate, they will likely be inadmissible in court.
Can I Get Auto Insurance After a DUI Conviction?
Many people worry about their ability to continue driving after receiving a drunk driving conviction. Fortunately, many auto insurance companies will still allow you to get car insurance even with a DUI conviction on your record. You may face higher costs and pay higher premiums, especially if your DUI involves property damage or bodily injury of another person. You can potentially lower your insurance rates over time by keeping a clean driving record and obeying traffic laws after your DUI conviction.
Can I Drive to Work With a Suspended License?
When you are arrested for driving under the influence, your driver’s license will likely be suspended automatically. Without a driver’s license, you are not legally allowed to drive anywhere, including to and from work or school. You must rely on public transportation or rides from friends and family until your license is reinstated. You may also be able to apply for a restricted hardship license that allows you to drive to and from work and school.
Is Jail Time Mandatory for a DUI Conviction?
DUI convictions are criminal charges with criminal penalties. However, most first-time DUI offenders are not required to serve jail time. First-time offenders often see penalties like DUI school, a license suspension, fines, and probation. If you are convicted of a second DUI within ten years, you may face a mandatory jail sentence. For any subsequent DUI convictions within the next ten years, you will likely be required to serve a jail or prison sentence.