You Need Experienced Legal Help - Call a DUI Lawyer!
Properly defending a DUI case is complicated and requires an attorney who is very experienced in that specific area of law. I am an aggressive DUI attorney in Pasadena with over 25 years of experience. I have successfully represented people accused of DUI throughout Los Angeles County and many other parts of California. My practice is devoted to defending people just like you.
I am very experienced in all aspects of DUI defense including:
You need to know that you will probably be prosecuted by a well-trained city or district attorney who will vigorously work to convict you. The more serious your case, the harder the prosecutor will work to convict you. Shouldn’t you have an experienced DUI defender on your side? Shouldn’t you have an attorney who will fight hard to defend you? If I represent you, you will be entrusting your case to a skilled Pasadena DUI lawyer who will aggressively fight to get the result that you want.
The court and DMV process can be just as traumatic and stressful as the arrest. I realize this and work to minimize the burden on you so that you can get on with your life. I will take charge of every aspect of your case so that you may not have to miss time from work, school, family or other responsibilities. In many cases, I can make all of the court appearances without you ever having to go to court!
"Can I Win My DUI Case?"
Each case is different. However, there are issues common to most cases that if properly attacked may help to win your case.
Some of those issues are:
- Probable cause to stop and arrest,
- Miranda and other constitutional violations,
- Improper investigation procedures,
- Improper collection, storage or analysis of blood, breath or urine tests,
- Problems with the breath test machines;
- Medical and dental conditions of the client and/or
- Reasonable doubt.
Read more about DUIs on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
DUI Arrests: The Officer Isn't Always Right
A conviction cannot be made solely because you were not demonstrating perfect driving at the time of your arrest; many people speed or make an unsafe lane change without being intoxicated. Officers will often look at outward appearances or other signs that could be evidence of intoxication, but can also be signs of something else entirely.
For example, a police officer may believe that you are intoxicated if you demonstrate any of the following appearances:
- Red/watery eyes
- Slurred speech
- Flushed face
- An unsteady gate
- Smell of alcohol on your breath
What the officer may not know is that you could have allergies, be exhausted, suffer from eye irritation, feel embarrassed, or feel anxious about being pulled over. You may have had trouble speaking because you were nervous, and honestly, who would not be nervous when they are undergoing a police interrogation? Nerves may have prevented you from walking in a straight line during the Walk and Turn test and, although you may have had one drink prior to leaving your destination, you may not be intoxicated. It is not illegal to drive after having a glass of wine or a beer—it only becomes illegal if you are over the limit or alcohol influences your ability to drive.
The bottom line is that you don’t know if your case can be won until you talk with an experienced DUI attorney.
Can I Fight a DUI Breath Test?
A breathalyzer test is one of the leading ways in which law enforcement officials can obtain probable cause to make an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI). If the breathalyzer test shows a result of a 0.08% BAC level or higher, you will have failed the test and will likely be arrested.
Penalties for a DUI can be steep and may include:
- Hefty fines
- Loss of license
- Community service
- Mandatory attendance of a drug and alcohol education program,
- Jail time
- And a permanent mark on your record
If you have been arrested for a DUI because of the results of a breathalyzer test, and you think that the results were incorrect, you may be wondering if you can fight the test. In a word: Yes.
You can fight the results of a breath test. Though these tests are the primary tool used for determining DUI, they are often inaccurate. The results can be marred because of an improperly calibrated machine, improper use and maintenance, equipment malfunction, as well as other reasons. If any of these apply to the breath test you were given, you can fight the results of the test and those results can be found to be inadmissible in a court of law. As such, your case could very well be dismissed.
If you believe that your breath test was inaccurate and you want to fight it, you are going to need to have an experienced Pasadena DUI lawyer defend you.
Want to Discuss Your DUI Case? We Offer a Free Consultation
When you contact our firm for a consultation, you will speak directly with Matthew Cargal and not an associate attorney, legal assistant, or paralegal. I believe it is critical that you meet, interview, and feel comfortable with the person who will be representing you! During the consultation, we will discuss all aspects of your case and I will answer any questions that you may have. I will explain what is going to happen in court and with the DMV. If possible, I will also tell you my plan for defending your case.
Appointments are available during the day, in the evening, on weekends, by telephone and online consultations. I know this is an unpleasant situation. However, delaying getting the experienced legal help that you need could jeopardize your court and DMV cases.
Los Angeles County DUI Resources
There are several local resources available in Los Angeles County for DUI offenders to seek recovery and support. Here are some options:
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): AA is a free support group for people struggling with alcohol addiction. There are many AA meetings held in Los Angeles County, and attending these meetings can be a helpful resource for DUI offenders who want to recover.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA): NA is a free support group for people struggling with drug addiction. Similar to AA, there are many NA meetings held in Los Angeles County that can provide support and guidance to DUI offenders.
MADD Victim Impact Panel: Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) hosts a Victim Impact Panel for DUI offenders. This panel features speakers who have been affected by drunk driving and can provide a powerful reminder of the consequences of driving under the influence.
DUI Schools: There are several DUI schools in Los Angeles County that offer educational courses and counseling services to DUI offenders. These schools can help offenders understand the dangers of drunk driving and provide tools for avoiding future incidents.
Treatment Centers: There are also several treatment centers in Los Angeles County that offer programs specifically designed for DUI offenders. These programs can include individual counseling, group therapy, and other support services to help offenders recover and avoid future incidents.
It's important to note that the specific resources available may vary depending on the location within Los Angeles County, and that this list is not exhaustive. It's recommended that individuals seek guidance from legal and healthcare professionals to find the most appropriate resources for their individual needs.
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.
