DUI / Drivers License Suspension

Southern California DUI / DWI Defense Attorney

In California, where our entire way of life is based on being able to drive, losing your driver's license to a drunk driving charge is going to have serious effects. You could find it difficult to get to work or school. Daily tasks like shopping will be much more time consuming. Your life will change-and not for the better.

If you've been charged with DUI, you need to fight that charge as aggressively as possible, even if it's a first offense. DUI charges add up. A DWI conviction now will increase the penalties you face if you are convicted of another DUI, even if it's 5 or 10 years from now.

You need immediate help to avoid drivers' license suspension and minimize the impact of a drunk driving charge. Contact me, DUI defense attorney Barney B. Gibbs. I am available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, and I can meet you in jail.

Choosing the Right DUI Defense Lawyer

With more than 25 years of DWI defense experience, I know and use every available defense strategy to protect people facing charges of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Did the police officer have a good reason to pull you over?
• Was the sobriety test done correctly?
• Did you have a medical condition that might have affected the breath test?

There are a variety of valid DUI defenses strategies we can explore. I can explain these at your free initial consultation. I can also handle your bail and bond hearings to get you out of jail. I handle all of my clients' cases personally.

Take Action to Protect Your Driver's License

After a DUI / DWI arrest, you face an automatic suspension of your drivers' license by the DMV. A DMV hearing is your only opportunity to contest your license revocation and to ask for a restricted license so you can still drive to work or school. It is also our first opportunity to see the state's case against you.

We must request a DMV hearing within the first 10 days to prevent or delay that suspension. I have represented clients at more than 1,000 of these hearings.

DUI: The Penalty Could Be Worse Than You Think

Drunk driving is an "enhanceable" offense. That means the more convictions you have, the more severe the penalties become.

First Offense: With a first offense, you will be facing the possibility of license suspension, hundreds of dollars in fines, jail time, probation or community service, and driving school. You may also find your auto insurance rates increasing.

2nd or Additional DWI Charges: With each additional DUI conviction the penalties increase to longer license suspensions or license revocation, more jail time all the way to a prison sentence for felony DUI, and several thousand dollars in fines and fees.

Aggravating Circumstances: The charges against you and the possible penalties increase if:

• You caused an accident while driving drunk, especially if you injured someone
• You had a blood alcohol content over .15
• You were driving drunk with a child under the age of 14 in the car

Whatever your situation, I am prepared to provide the strong defense. Contact my Tustin law office to discuss your DWI charge and your legal options. I can also explain alternative sentencing options, such as alcohol abuse treatment.