Glendale DUI Defense Attorneys Serving Los Angeles County

Many people believe that once they have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in California, the case is already lost.  Especially if they have already failed a blood, urine, breath, or other sobriety test, people believe they have no hope of fighting the charges.  That is simply not the case.  If you have been arrested for DUI of alcohol or marijuana in Southern California, you have the right and the ability to fight back.

With the help of a compassionate and effective Southern California DUI lawyer at McReynolds Vardanyan, you may be able to get your charges reduced, dropped, or dismissed.  You may be eligible for a “diversion” program under which you complete certain educational courses and get your criminal case dismissed.  Talk to the experienced criminal defense lawyers at McReynolds Vardanyan after your DUI arrest to discuss your options and start building your defense today.  Do not let a DUI arrest derail your life.

Defending Against DUI Charges

Just because you have been arrested for DUI does not mean you have to plead guilty to the most serious charges offered.  There are many ways to call into question the government’s evidence and reduce their odds of a conviction, raising your chances for reduced charges or even dismissal.  You may have defenses including:

• Breathalyzer inaccuracy. Breathalyzers are notoriously inaccurate.  There are more than 100 different substances, medical conditions, and other equipment malfunctions that can generate false high readings.  Moreover, police officers must subject their devices to regular maintenance and recalibration.  If their devices were not properly maintained, then your breathalyzer results should not be used as evidence against you.
• Blood test inaccuracy. Blood tests, too, can be inaccurate.  The original blood sample may have been contaminated, or there may be a reason to doubt the chain of custody from collection to testing to reporting.  Our DUI defense lawyers can help you find and exploit weaknesses in the government’s case against you.
• Failure in police procedure. If the officers did not have reason to pull you over, if they failed to apprise you of your rights at all steps of their detention and arrest, if they obtained evidence inappropriately and illegally, then you might be able to significantly undermine the prosecution’s case.

These are just a few of the defenses you may have available to you in your Los Angeles DUI case.  Call the Southern California DUI defense legal team at McReynolds Vardanyan after your DUI arrest to learn about the defenses available in your case, and start the process of protecting your driver’s license, your future, and your freedom.

What Do I Do If I am Pulled Over?

If you are pulled over by a California Highway Patrol officer or other law enforcement official, there are a few steps that you should take, and a few you should not.  As a general rule, we recommend the following:

• Pull over. Do not try to flee.  Safely and carefully pull over to the right side of the road, ideally in a location that is safe for you and the officer.
• Remain calm. Do not get upset or angry with the police.  Do not argue, do not fight, do not give attitude.  Be polite and courteous.  If you plan to challenge the reasons for pulling you over, do so later.
• Stay in your car. Do not get out of the vehicle until specifically requested.  Prematurely getting out of the car makes it seem like you have something to hide and can even be perceived as a threat.
• Provide the requested documentation. Police can ask to see your license, registration, and proof of insurance.  Provide these materials.  It helps to ask the officer for permission to reach into your glove compartment to grab your papers so that they know you are not threatening.
• Do not volunteer information. Police are likely to ask questions such as “Why were you speeding?” or “Do you know you were swerving?” Keep your answers to these questions short and polite, but do not admit to any of the violations they are alleging.  Never say, “I was speeding because…” You will almost certainly do more harm than good by trying to justify your behavior; you are simply giving them evidence to use against you.  Generally speaking, avoid giving any more information than absolutely necessary.
• Do not consent to a search. Police can only search your vehicle under certain circumstances, including if you give consent.  Even if you believe you have nothing to hide, you are within your rights to politely say “no” to a request to search.
• Sobriety tests are not mandatory. You do not have to take part in any of the standard field sobriety tests, such as standing on one leg or walking in a straight line.  These tests are not mandatory, and they are more likely to hurt your defense than help you get away without a citation.  Officers often make up their minds about arresting someone before administering the test–passing the test is not likely to help you get off.  While you should use your best judgment, we generally advise drivers to politely refuse to take such tests.
• Chemical tests are another matter. Blood and breath tests are different from field sobriety tests.  Refusing to take a breath or blood test can subject a driver to increased DUI penalties and mandatory license suspension, even if you win your DUI case.  Take extreme caution before deciding to refuse a chemical test.

Effective and Dedicated California DUI Lawyers

If you have been arrested for DUI in Los Angeles or anywhere in Southern California, our seasoned and professional DUI defense lawyers are ready to protect your rights.  Call the criminal defense legal team at McReynolds Vardanyan to start building your case today.  We will fight for your rights and your freedom.