How to Beat a DUI Charge in California

Robin D. Perry

A DUI arrest can throw your life into chaos, making it hard to decide your next steps. Unfortunately, everything you do—or don’t do—during this time can completely change the outcome of your criminal case. For many reasons, it's essential to hire an attorney, especially if this is your first DUI offense. If you’ve been charged with DUI in Southern California, it’s crucial to work with an experienced DUI defense attorney who can help you fight for the best possible outcome. That’s where The Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates comes in.

At The Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates, we understand the challenges you face after a DUI arrest and we know how important it is for you to get back on track. Robin D. Perry, Esq. has spent more than 25 years fighting for clients’ rights in criminal defense, civil, license defense, and personal injury cases. Find out how we can help you with your case by calling our DUI defense law firm at 562-216-2944 or by visiting our law firm at 100 Oceangate, Long Beach, CA.

Be Open to Alternative Solutions

One approach you may consider as you start looking into DUI options is alternatives outside of taking your case to trial. In many cases, if there is a reasonable plea deal or agreement to be had, the prosecutor will at least consider it—this saves them time and money over going to court. A lot depends on the circumstances of your arrest, though. If you have a long list of DUIs behind you or you caused serious bodily harm to someone while impaired, solutions that keep you out of jail are a lot harder to come by. But if it’s your first violation, you may be able to look into reduced charges, alcohol education classes, community service, victim impact panels, rehabilitative programs, or probation.

Explore Legal Defenses

People often skip this step entirely, assuming that the police always operate within the law and do things correctly. This is often not the case—if police execute a traffic stop based on iffy evidence or illegal grounds, the evidence gathered in that traffic stop can often be tossed out. Additionally, if the arresting officers did not follow proper protocols or inform you of your rights, that can seriously damage the prosecution’s case. It’s important not to attempt these defenses without the help of a DUI defense lawyer; they require a thorough understanding of the law and its application, and attempting to use this type of defense on your own is often a poor use of your time.

Dispute Sobriety Test or Breathalyzer Results

One particular defense your DUI defense attorney may choose to explore is disputing test results that may not be accurate. Consider, for example, sobriety tests. When officers ask you to walk in a straight line, touch your finger to your nose, follow a moving object with both eyes, or otherwise “prove” your sobriety, there’s no real scientific basis to those tests. Ten officers could watch the same video of those tests and all have different ideas about whether or not the suspect passed. 

Breathalyzers, the gold standard for blood alcohol content, are even prone to errors. Issues with the calibration or maintenance of these devices can result in incorrect results, which should be thrown out if they harm a suspect’s case. Your attorney knows how to ask for proof of proper calibration and maintenance of machines to verify their accuracy, if that’s a path they would like to pursue.

Choose the Right DUI Defense Lawyer

When your freedom and future are both on the line, choosing the right DUI defense law firm is key. You want an attorney who has handled a wide range of complex DUI cases and who has successfully helped clients get charges dropped or reduced. Look into your chosen attorney’s track record, testimonials, and recommendations from previous clients. It’s especially helpful if your attorney has worked as a prosecutor or district attorney, as their experience on the other side of the aisle can be invaluable.

Contact The Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates Today

The sooner you contact The Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates after your DUI arrest, the sooner we can begin building your defense and advocating for you. Let’s talk about your options and start preparing for what comes next. Call us at 562-216-2944 or fill out our online contact form to get started.