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DUI

Summary: This page covers Orange County DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer, What are the California DUI laws?, I. Driving Under the Influence.

Orange County DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer

Have you or a family member recently been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, also known as a DUI, in the state of California? If so, contact our Orange County DUI lawyers now for a consultation to protect your legal rights. Our attorney can immediately advise you on how to communicate with investigators, insurance companies, and the various legal consequences following a conviction or a voluntary plea agreement.

Many people looking for a defense lawyer near me after a DUI arrest don’t know where to turn. Our experienced DUI attorneys defend clients throughout Orange County with personalized and effective representation.

DUI convictions in California can carry harsh penalties and steep fines. Besides dealing with legal charges, the DMV’s regulations can be extremely difficult to navigate alone. By calling to speak with an experienced Orange County DUI lawyer today, we may be able to keep you driving despite regardless of the charges pending. What’s more, our DUI lawyer know how to navigate both the Orange County Courts as well as the DMV to help you get your desired outcome.

Our attorneys recognize that being arrested for a DUI is a stressful, sometimes embarrassing experience. However, you do not have to face the situation alone. Our attorneys are experienced in representing those facing a DUI conviction, and we have a proven track record of effectively defending driving under the influence related charges. Depending on the circumstances, with a proper defense you may have your charges dismissed or reduced, avoiding the most severe legal consequences of a conviction.

What are the California DUI laws?

Essentially, a person is usually charged for DUI related offenses under two California laws. First, under the California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a), a person could be convicted of a DUI if the state can prove that the defendant at the time of the arrest was under the influence of alcohol or drugs such that their mental faculties were impaired and affected their ability to operate a motor vehicle.

There is not one single test that must be used by the officers involved under this statute to prove your intoxication. Often a field sobriety test at or above the legal threshold could strengthen the prosecutor’s case against you, but other evidence is permissible—such as the horizontal gaze nystagmus test (eye test). In other words, absent proof of a blood or breath test, you could still be convicted of a DUI, which is why it is important to contact a California DUI attorney to potentially prevent this type of evidence being used against you in court, depending on your arresting circumstances.

In addition, under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (b), a person whose blood alcohol content level (B.A.C.) from the result of breathalyzer or blood test measures .08 percent or higher, could be convicted for driving with an excessive B.A.C.. However, our attorney recognizes that there have been several cases in which the defendant was able to escape a conviction because of errors such as faulty equipment or medical issues that caused the test to produce inaccurate results.

I. Driving Under the Influence

  1. Applicable Laws

    The following sections of the California Vehicle Code define the offense of Driving Under the Influence:

    1. California Vehicle Code §23152(a)
    2. California Vehicle Code §23152(b)
  2. Summary of § 23152(a), (b)

    California Vehicle Code §23152 provides that a person, who drives a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, commits the crime of driving under the influence. Section 23152 provides two separate ways by which the State may prove a misdemeanor DUI case and the State may charge a defendant with the offense of driving under the influence under either or both sections.

    To prevail on a charge of DUI under subsection (a), the State must prove the following beyond all reasonable doubt:

    1. The defendant drove a motor vehicle and
    2. At the time of driving, the defendant was under the influence of alcohol

    To prevail on a charge of DUI under subsection (b), the State must prove the following beyond all reasonable doubt:

    1. The defendant drove a motor vehicle and
    2. At the time of driving, the defendant had a blood alcohol concentration level of 0.08 or higher

The Orange County DUI Lawyer at the Johnson Criminal Law Group is proud to represent all those who have been charged with a DUI offenses. We understand that a DUI conviction can carry life-altering results. If you or a family member has been arrested for driving under the influence, get in touch with our staff as soon as possible after the arrest to ensure that your rights are protected. We can be reached by phone at (949) 622-5522, or you can send us a message online today.

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Criminal Defense Case Results

Mr. R was charged with embezzling close to $100,000 as a utility salesperson using a scheme to steal customers’ identities. Client avoided any jail time and received probation.

Mr. P was charged with embezzling equipment from John Wayne Airport while working as a contractor. Our office negotiated a civil compromise, resulting in the dismissal of felony charges and sealing his arrest record.

Mr. W. was charged with eight counts, including domestic violence, child endangerment, and criminal threats. Our office negotiated an offer of one year in therapy and then a dismissal of all charges.

Mr. H. was found by police passed out in his vehicle with drugs out in the open. Our office was successful in obtaining a diversion out of the criminal justice system and ultimately a dismissal.

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Refreshing & Life-Changing Experience

I really appreciate everything she has done for me; I cannot thank her enough! Ms. Johnson-Norris did an absolutely thorough job by answering any and all questions that I had. She called me with updates and preferences on how I should be handling the case, which made the whole process very reassuring. The staff was very up to date with all of the follow-up information that was involved with my case that was also extremely beneficial. Ms. Johnson-Norris had a very reassuring aspect about her that made it very easy to let her handle the case. If anything were to go wrong with anyone I am associated with, she will be the lawyer of choice. I really appreciate everything that she has done for me, I can not thank her enough!

Mr. D., a criminal defense client

Ms. Johnson-Norris was recommended to me by many sources. She was the perfect fit, financially and professionally. I did what she told me to do to get the best possible resolution and it definitely paid off. I would recommend Lauren Johnson-Norris to anyone and am truly grateful for her services. She gave me peace of mind in some bad times. Thanks, Ms. Johnson-Norris!

A client charged with an alcohol-related misdemeanor

Thank you so much for all your help with our case. It was a pleasure meeting you and I appreciate all you’ve done for my family. You are the best attorney that we could have and we are so grateful that we met you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

A juvenile delinquency client’s parent

Ms. Johnson-Norris always made me feel comfortable and confident. I was able to trust her and feel at ease very quickly. I felt like she was always on top of things and she left no questions unanswered and made that stressful time much easier for me.

E.K.

Ms. Johnson-Norris is the absolute definition of an attorney. She not only helped me with my petty theft case, but she also gave me peace of mind during these difficult times. The reason I would recommend Ms. Johnson-Norris is much more than just ‘she gets the job done.’ Rather, she works for you and gets results by taking the burden off you! I want to thank her for her time and encourage anyone who needs help to look to her for answers.

Nicole

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Criminal Defense FaQ

What immediate steps will you take to protect my rights?

We provide immediate crisis command by reviewing the allegations against you and intervening with law enforcement to prevent further exposure. From the moment you retain the Firm, we act as your shield, managing all communications and executing a decisive strategy to protect your liberty and reputation.

We prioritize discretion and exposure management. We understand that a public allegation can be as damaging as a conviction; therefore, our strategy focuses on minimizing the visibility of your case while challenging the prosecution’s narrative to preserve your standing in the community.

We begin by meticulously reviewing the allegations to determine if the conduct even constitutes a crime under the law. We then scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence against the highest standard — proof beyond a reasonable doubt. By analyzing the “who, what, when, where, and how,” we identify the natural questions a jury will have, allowing us to build an expert strategy that derails the prosecutor’s narrative.

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Yes, our firm offers comprehensive legal services in Orange County with a unique focus on “crossover” cases where criminal and juvenile law intersect. Johnson Criminal Law Group provides the specialized expertise necessary to navigate investigations that threaten parental rights and family stability.

When you partner with Johnson Criminal Law Group, you receive 24/7 responsiveness and a clear, strategic plan designed to resolve your legal emergency decisively. We balance aggressive defense strategies with genuine human connection, ensuring you are treated with the respect and transparency you deserve during a crisis

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