You Need Experienced Legal Help - Call a DUI Lawyer!
Properly defending a DUI case takes in-depth knowledge of this area of law and extensive experience with drunk driving charges. I am an aggressive DUI attorney in Pasadena with over 25 years of experience. I have successfully represented people accused of drunk driving throughout Los Angeles County and various parts of California. My practice is dedicated to serving people just like you.
Many clients do not realize that Pasadena’s DUI courts have procedures that set them apart from courts in other areas of California. Local judges and prosecutors understand which defense strategies are most effective—another reason why you need guidance from someone who regularly works within the Pasadena Courthouse. I guide clients through each step, from DMV hearings to local court requirements specific to Pasadena.
I am very experienced in all aspects of DUI defense including:
You will probably be prosecuted by a trained city or district attorney determined to secure a conviction. The more serious your case, the more effort the prosecutor puts into it. Shouldn’t you have a DUI defense attorney fighting for your interests? If I represent you, you are entrusting your case to a skilled Pasadena DUI lawyer advocating strongly for your preferred outcome.
The court and DMV process can be just as stressful as the arrest itself. I work to minimize this burden so you can stay focused on your daily life. I handle every aspect of your case so you may not need to miss time from work, school, family, or other commitments. In many cases, I can make all court appearances without you ever setting foot in court.
"Can I Win My DUI Case?"
Every DUI case is unique. However, many cases share common issues that, if challenged the right way, could help your defense.
Here are issues we often see in DUI cases:
- Probable cause to stop and arrest
- Miranda or other constitutional violations
- Improper investigation procedures
- Improper collection, storage, or analysis of blood, breath, or urine tests
- Problems with breath test equipment
- Medical or dental conditions of the client
- Reasonable doubt in the evidence
DUI cases in Pasadena often come with unique challenges because local agencies use advanced roadside testing equipment and prosecutors sometimes rely on evidence from Pasadena’s own forensic labs. Officers undergo field sobriety training tailored for enforcement in this area. When you work with our team, you benefit from up-to-date strategies that fit local enforcement patterns and court processes.
DUI Penalties & Sentencing Factors Unique to Pasadena
Penalties for DUI convictions in Pasadena depend on your case's details, your prior record, and how the Pasadena Courthouse approaches sentencing. First-time DUI offenders may need to attend a county-approved alcohol education program located near downtown. If your arrest involved a high blood alcohol content or resulted from an accident on local roads like Colorado Boulevard or the 210 freeway, the prosecutor may pursue increased penalties. Some drivers could receive an ignition interlock device order for vehicles registered in Los Angeles County. An attorney who understands Pasadena’s sentencing trends can help you anticipate likely consequences and prepare smart responses in advance.
Repeat DUI arrests or aggravating circumstances—such as having a minor in the car or causing injuries—are taken seriously by prosecutors and judges in Pasadena. We walk clients through each stage of the sentencing structure so you are always prepared for what’s next. Our team also explains any local requirements and how to meet them efficiently, letting you move forward as quickly as possible.
Read more about DUIs on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
DUI Arrests: The Officer Isn't Always Right
You do not face a conviction simply because you were not driving perfectly at the time of your arrest. Many people speed or make an unsafe lane change even when sober. Officers often rely on outward signs that might be linked to intoxication—yet these signs could stem from other causes.
For example, a police officer may believe you are intoxicated if you display any of the following signs:
- Red or watery eyes
- Slurred speech
- Flushed face
- An unsteady gait
- Smell of alcohol on your breath
What the officer cannot see is that allergies, fatigue, eye irritation, embarrassment, or nerves might explain those signs. Feeling anxious during a traffic stop is natural, and it's common to struggle with coordination or speech under pressure. Simply having a drink before driving does not mean you are over the legal limit or unable to drive safely. Only proof of impairment or excess blood alcohol matters in court.
The bottom line: talk to an experienced DUI attorney to find out if your case can be won.
How Pasadena DUI Cases Move Through Local Courts
DUI charges in Pasadena go through the Pasadena Courthouse, which covers cases from the city and the San Gabriel Valley. Busy court calendars mean that timing is critical—missing key steps might put your driving privilege at risk. Local procedures require every defendant to attend an arraignment, where the court reads charges and sets hearings. Working with a defense attorney who regularly handles cases in Pasadena can help you avoid delays and make sure you never miss important deadlines unique to this area.
If you face a DUI in Pasadena, your DMV hearing takes place separately from the criminal court process. Often, Pasadena residents must respond quickly to DMV notices that arrive by mail. Requesting a DMV hearing within ten days is crucial if you want to fight the immediate suspension of your license. An attorney who knows Pasadena’s DMV and court processes well can guide you through these steps smoothly. Our team supports you with courthouse appearances, DMV scheduling, and paperwork navigation in Pasadena and throughout Los Angeles County.
Can I Fight a DUI Breath Test?
Law enforcement often relies on breathalyzer tests to establish probable cause for a DUI arrest. If a breathalyzer shows a result of 0.08% BAC or higher, you face likely arrest for DUI.
DUI penalties can be severe. They may include:
- Hefty fines
- Loss of license
- Community service
- Mandatory drug and alcohol education program
- Jail time
- A permanent mark on your record
If you believe your DUI arrest resulted from an incorrect breathalyzer result, you may question whether you can fight those results. You can challenge the test.
You can fight the results of a breath test. Breath testing equipment can deliver inaccurate results for a range of reasons—such as improper calibration, misuse, maintenance issues, or equipment malfunction. If any of these errors apply to your test, that evidence may be challenged in a court of law. In some cases, courts may even find the test inadmissible.
If you want to challenge a breath test result, work with an experienced Pasadena DUI lawyer who can address these issues in your defense.
Local Law Enforcement Agencies & Pasadena DUI Arrests
Most DUI arrests in Pasadena involve the Pasadena Police Department, but the California Highway Patrol also patrols major local roads like the 210 and 134 freeways. During major Pasadena events, such as New Year’s at the Rose Parade or big concerts at the Rose Bowl, law enforcement increases DUI patrols and sets up sobriety checkpoints. These enhanced efforts often result in more arrests and may influence how evidence is collected or used in court. Knowing which agency handled your arrest and where it occurred can affect the court process and which procedures apply. The The Law Offices of Matthew Cargal team stays current on Pasadena’s enforcement patterns, helping you understand each stage of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I refuse a breath or blood test during a DUI stop?
If you refuse to take a breath or blood test after being arrested for DUI in California, the DMV can suspend your driver’s license. Refusing may also lead to additional penalties in court. In Los Angeles County, this often means longer license suspension and enhanced sentences in Pasadena courts.
Do I need to attend all court dates in person at the Pasadena Courthouse?
In many cases, your attorney can appear on your behalf for some Pasadena court dates. However, certain hearings—including trial and sentencing—usually require you to appear. Failing to appear when required could result in a warrant, so follow your defense team’s guidance closely.
How fast do I need to act after a DUI arrest in Pasadena?
You typically have only ten days after your arrest to request a DMV hearing to contest your license suspension. Take quick action—deadlines in Pasadena and throughout Los Angeles County are strict, and delays can limit your ability to fight the charges or save your license.
When you contact our firm for a consultation, you will speak directly with Matthew Cargal, not an associate attorney, legal assistant, or paralegal. I believe you should meet and feel comfortable with the person who will represent you. During the consultation, we discuss all aspects of your case and I answer your questions. I explain what to expect in court and at the DMV. When possible, I also share my plan for handling your case.
Appointments are available during the day, in the evening, on weekends, by telephone and through online consultations. Delaying legal help could jeopardize your court and DMV case.
Los Angeles County DUI Resources
There are several local resources in Los Angeles County for people facing DUI charges who seek support. Here are some options:
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): AA offers free support groups for people working through alcohol addiction. Many AA meetings take place throughout Los Angeles County, and attending could help individuals after a DUI charge.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA): NA provides free group support for people managing drug addiction. NA meetings in Los Angeles County also serve those with DUI cases involving controlled substances.
MADD Victim Impact Panel: Mothers Against Drunk Driving hosts a panel program for DUI offenders. Presenters share the real-life impact of drunk driving and help attendees understand the consequences of impaired driving.
DUI Schools: Several Los Angeles County DUI schools provide mandatory educational courses and counseling to meet court or DMV requirements. These programs help individuals reduce the risk of reoffending and fulfill legal obligations close to home.
Treatment Centers: Local centers across Los Angeles County offer recovery programs with counseling, group therapy, and support services for those arrested for DUI. These services help participants rebuild healthy habits and life skills.
Pasadena residents may also qualify for alternative sentences such as city-placed community service or enrollment in county-approved alcohol programs nearby. The Pasadena Courthouse location makes it easier to manage your obligations and avoid extended travel time. Knowing your options improves your ability to meet legal requirements while staying connected to family and work.
No list covers every possible program. For the best support, consult with trusted legal and health professionals to identify the right path for you in Pasadena or Los Angeles County.
Call The Law Offices of Matthew Cargal today at (888) 717-0139 to schedule a free consultation. You can also contact me online by completing and submitting the form on this website.
Know Your RightsWhat you need to know to protect yourself after being arrested or criminally charged.
