Finding the Best DUI Lawyer in Orange County: Key Factors to Consider

When facing the legal penalties of a criminal conviction, you’re likely thinking about finding the best DUI lawyer in Orange County. There are various elements to keep in mind when seeking strong representation. At the Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC, our team of defense lawyers has years of practical experience counseling clients facing DUI charges under a variety of circumstances.

What to Know When Facing DUI Charges in CA

According to the Los Angeles Times, Orange County saw over 11,000 DUI-related arrests in 2019, as reported by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Additionally, the police department in Laguna Beach reported the top three reasons for arrests in the city during 2022 were driving under the influence, disorderly conduct, and drug-related charges. This Orange County city is considered to have the highest rate of DUI arrests per capita in all of California.

It is prohibited by law to drive while under the influence (DUI) or intoxicated by alcohol or other controlled substances. You can be arrested for DUI if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08 percent or above, which is the legal limit. You may also be arrested for intoxicated driving if the arresting officer believes you to be showing symptoms of drug-influenced behavior, such as delayed reaction times, slurred speech, or dilated pupils.

How to Find the DUI Lawyer for Your Situation

While it’s incredibly important to find the right DUI defense lawyer for you sooner rather than later, it’s also recommended that you take the time to conduct proper research and find the representation you feel confident in. Be sure to look for an attorney with the qualifications, experience, skills, and resources needed to effectively represent your case, which you could expect from a seasoned defense lawyer.

Don’t hesitate to ask potential attorneys questions about their qualifications, in addition to how they view your case as a legal professional and how they expect the case to unfold. You can also inquire about how many cases your attorney usually oversees at once to determine how much of their personal attention you can expect to receive for your case. Be sure to find out how you can get in touch with them for updates on the proceedings of your case.

It’s important that you feel good about your legal counsel as you’re entrusting them with your future. Feel free to ask whether they’ve handled cases like yours in the past and, if they have, what the outcomes of those cases were.

Where Are DUI Cases Handled in Orange County?

For DUI cases in Orange County, there are multiple courthouses where criminal proceedings may take place, depending on the city in which the arrest took place. Most DUIs in Orange County are likely to be processed in one of the following venues:

• Central Justice Center, located at 700 Civic Center Drive West in Santa Ana, CA 92701. This courthouse handles DUI arrests for the cities of Santa Ana, Villa Park, Tustin, and Orange.
• North Justice Center, located at 1275 North Berkeley Avenue in Fullerton, CA 92832. DUI cases from Yorba Linda, Fullerton, Anaheim, and other northern Orange County cities are processed here.
• Harbor Justice Center, located at 4601 Jamboree Road in Newport Beach, CA 92660, is responsible for DUI cases from Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, and Irvine.
• West Justice Center, located at 8141 13th Street in Westminster, CA 92683, for the cities of Westminster, Huntington Beach, and other areas in western Orange County.

FAQs

Q: What Counts as a DUI in Orange County, California?

A: In Orange County, a DUI refers to any instance where a driver is suspected of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the degree that they’re considered too intoxicated to operate a vehicle safely. A driver can be arrested for DUI if their blood alcohol content is above the legal limit, 0.08 percent or above. Drivers may also be arrested if an officer believes they’re displaying symptoms of drug abuse, including prescription medications.

Q: Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer for a DUI in California?

A: Yes, it’s worth hiring a defense lawyer if you have been arrested or are facing charges of driving under the influence in California. It’s highly advised that you seek qualified legal representation as opposed to representing yourself in court or simply accepting the charges against you.

Whether or not you believe your case is impossible to win, a defense attorney has a deep understanding of criminal law and knows how to effectively defend against the prosecution’s claims against you.

Q: What Questions Should I Ask My DUI Attorney?

A: When searching for a DUI defense attorney, there are various questions you should consider asking. You can ask attorneys about their qualifications, experience, skills, and caseload. You want to ensure your lawyer has experience with cases like yours and can even inquire about the outcomes of their previous cases. It’s also a good idea to ask your attorney how many cases they usually handle at once, so you know how much of their attention your case is likely to receive.

Q: Can You Fight a DUI Charge in Orange County, CA?

A: Yes, it’s certainly possible to fight a DUI charge in Orange County, CA. It’s never guaranteed that the charges will be dropped, but your strongest chances of minimizing the charges or avoiding a conviction are with the help of a defense attorney.

Your lawyer can review the details of your case and build a strong defense on your behalf, utilizing various strategic approaches that are most appropriate given the situation. It’s worth fighting a DUI, as sustaining a conviction has multiple negative repercussions.

Strong DUI Counsel in Orange County, CA

Our team at the Law Offices of Christopher J. McCann, APC, is well-equipped to handle your DUI case, no matter how simple or complex the circumstances may appear. We have experience with first-time and underage DUIs, felony DUIs, college DUI and repeat DUI offenses and more. Reach out to us today to schedule a meeting with a competent DUI defense lawyer.