Santa Ana DUI Attorney

A DUI Arrest in Santa Ana Moves Fast. So Should You.

The moment you’re arrested and charged with driving under the influence, a clock starts. Jail time, fines, license suspension, probation, community service, and insurance consequences are all on the table, and your case will begin moving through the system whether or not you have an attorney. Team up with a Santa Ana DUI lawyer at Moises Aguilar, Esq. to protect your freedom and your future.

After any DUI stop, we strongly advise you to exercise your right to remain silent and ask for an attorney immediately. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Admitting that you had a drink or two, even casually, gives the prosecution exactly what it needs to build a case against you. Don’t hand them that advantage.

At Moises Aguilar, Esq., Moises Aguilar, Esq. is fully prepared to defend you against drunk driving charges, even if you have failed a field sobriety test, breath test, or blood test. He also handles the administrative side of your case, including your DMV hearing.

Arrested for driving under the influence? Contact a DUI lawyer in Santa Ana at Moises Aguilar, Esq. via online form or call (714) 408-1249. Se habla Español.

Two Cases at Once: Criminal Court & the DMV Hearing

A DUI arrest in Santa Ana opens two separate proceedings at the same time. The criminal case is heard at the Central Justice Center, Orange County’s primary criminal courthouse, which handles both misdemeanor DUI charges under California Vehicle Code 23152 and DUI causing injury charges under California Vehicle Code 23153, which can be filed as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances. Simultaneously, the California DMV initiates an Administrative Per Se (APS) action that can result in automatic suspension of your driving privileges.

The 10-day deadline is one of the most consequential details in any DUI case. From the date of your arrest, you have just 10 days to request a DMV hearing. Miss that window and your license is automatically suspended, regardless of how your criminal case proceeds. Because both tracks run simultaneously and early decisions in one can affect the other, having a drunk driving defense attorney in Santa Ana working both proceedings from day one is important. Moises Aguilar, Esq. handles both the criminal case and the DMV hearing, so nothing falls through the gap.

Felony vs. Misdemeanor DUI in California

In California, a DUI isn’t automatically a felony. Whether it’s charged as a felony or a misdemeanor depends on the circumstances of the offense and the defendant’s prior criminal history.

Is DUI a Felony in California?

A first or second DUI offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor in California. If the DUI resulted in injury or death to another person, or if the defendant has prior felony DUI convictions, it can be charged as a felony.

If you’re facing a second DUI charge in California, enhanced penalties may apply, including longer jail time, higher fines, and a longer license suspension. Our Santa Ana DUI lawyers can help you build a strong defense and fight to protect your rights.

Even a misdemeanor DUI can result in fines, probation, community service, and jail time, depending on the circumstances and your prior history. Our attorneys have experience defending clients against misdemeanor DUI charges.

How Much Is a DUI Fine in California?

A first-time DUI conviction in California can result in fines of up to $1,000, not including court fees and other associated costs. The total amount varies based on your prior criminal history and the specific circumstances of the offense. A DUI involving injury or property damage may also require you to compensate the affected parties.

How We Challenge the Evidence in Your Santa Ana DUI Case

A DUI charge isn’t a conviction. As your drunk driving defense attorney in Santa Ana, Moises Aguilar, Esq. examines every element of the case: whether law enforcement had a legal basis for the initial traffic stop, whether breath testing devices were properly calibrated and administered, whether blood draw evidence was handled with an intact chain of custody, and whether field sobriety test results are as reliable as the prosecution will claim. California’s implied consent law requires drivers to submit to chemical testing following a lawful DUI arrest, but the results of those tests can be challenged on multiple grounds, including medical conditions and improper calibration of equipment.

In some Santa Ana DUI cases, negotiating a reduction to a wet reckless charge under California Vehicle Code 23103.5 may be possible, which typically carries lighter penalties than a DUI conviction. A conviction can also affect employment, professional licenses, and housing applications, and in cases involving drugs, injury, or repeat offenses, it can affect immigration status as well. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office pursues DUI cases at the Central Justice Center aggressively, including first-time offenses. That’s why having a drunk driving attorney in Santa Ana who is detail-oriented and committed to identifying available defenses matters from the start. Moises Aguilar, Esq. leaves no stone unturned.

Tenacious Santa Ana Lawyer for DUI Defense

We understand how frightening and disorienting a DUI charge can be. Criminal defense attorney Moises Aguilar, Esq. is dedicated to providing a strong defense, no matter what your drunk driving charges involve. He knows what’s at stake. Would you be able to keep your job without a license? Could you keep your home if a jail sentence forced you out of work? These aren’t hypothetical concerns, and they’re exactly why acting now matters.

At Moises Aguilar, Esq., we have extensive experience defending clients charged with DUI in California and are committed to pursuing the best possible outcome in every case. Our services are available in Spanish. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced Santa Ana DUI attorneys.

Need a lawyer for your DUI case in Santa Ana? Contact Santa Ana DUI Lawyer Moises Aguilar at (714) 408-1249 if you were charged with drunk driving.