DUI Defense Attorney in Murrieta

Your Top Advocate for DUI & Drunk Driving Defense in Murrieta

If you have been charged with DUI in Murrieta, you deserve a DUI defense attorney in Murrieta who understands both California law and the strategies that shape Riverside County outcomes. At The Law Office of David E Grande, I bring nearly two decades of exclusive criminal defense experience to help you handle DUI and drunk driving allegations with confidence. 

My unwavering dedication—reflected by my consistent inclusion in The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers since 2013—means you get personal guidance, honest answers, and a reliable plan. Here, you can expect more than just legal representation; you get a partner invested in your future.

Time matters when DUI charges are on the line. The first steps after an arrest will shape your entire defense, especially with strict DMV and court deadlines in Murrieta. Whether you’re a first-time defendant or have faced charges before, I work with you to assess every detail, clearly define your options, and relieve anxiety about what comes next.

The consequences of a DUI conviction are too great to face alone. My firm offers a free consultation, and I am available 24/7. As your Murrieta DUI defense lawyer, I am here to help. Don't delay; contact me today at (951) 221-4331 or reach out online to begin your defense.

Understanding DUI Laws in California

California Vehicle Code §§23152 and 23153 outline the specific laws regarding driving under the influence. A DUI defense attorney in Murrieta must have a comprehensive understanding of these statutes, as well as the administrative regulations from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

The most common DUI charges are:

• Vehicle Code §23152(a): This makes it unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle. The key element here is "under the influence," which means your physical or mental abilities are impaired to the point that you cannot drive with the caution of a sober person.
• Vehicle Code §23152(b): This makes it unlawful for any person who has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or greater to drive a vehicle. This is the "per se" law, where a specific BAC level is enough to prove the crime, regardless of whether your driving was actually impaired.
• Vehicle Code §23152(f): This covers driving under the influence of drugs. It's important to note that this applies to both illegal drugs and prescription medications that impair your ability to drive.

A specialized Murrieta DUI defense lawyer will know how to challenge these charges. For instance, while a BAC of 0.08% may seem like an open-and-shut case, I can challenge the accuracy of the chemical test, the calibration of the equipment, or the procedures used by the arresting officer. The goal of a DUI defense attorney in Murrieta is to find the weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

Penalties of DUI Convictions in California

A DUI conviction carries both direct criminal penalties and long-term collateral consequences that can be more severe than the immediate punishment. A dedicated Murrieta DUI defense lawyer will fight to mitigate these consequences.

Direct Penalties (First Offense):

• Jail Time: Up to six months in county jail.
• Fines: Fines and fees can easily exceed $2,000.
• License Suspension: A four-month suspension of your driver's license, though you may be eligible for a restricted license after 30 days.
• DUI School: Mandatory completion of a three-to-nine-month DUI program.

Collateral Consequences:

• DMV Administrative Penalties: This is separate from the criminal case. You have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing with the DMV to challenge your license suspension. Failure to do so results in an automatic suspension. As your DUI defense attorney in Murrieta, I will handle this for you and attend the hearing on your behalf.
• Increased Insurance Rates: Your auto insurance premiums will skyrocket, often for years after a conviction.
• Employment: A DUI conviction can affect your current job and make it difficult to secure new employment, especially for jobs that require driving or a clean background check.
• Criminal Record: A DUI conviction will remain on your criminal record for 10 years and can be used to enhance penalties in any future DUI case.

I will not only fight the criminal charge but also handle the DMV administrative hearing. A Murrieta DUI defense lawyer must be prepared to defend you on both fronts.

The California Criminal Defense Process for DUI Charges

The DUI defense process can be confusing and overwhelming. I will guide you through each step and ensure you understand your options. The process typically involves two separate but related tracks: the criminal case and the DMV administrative hearing.

1. Step 1: The Arrest and Initial Contact: The process begins with your arrest. The police officer will confiscate your driver's license and give you a temporary one. You have only 10 days to contact the DMV to schedule your Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing. I will make this call for you and represent you at this hearing.
2. Step 2: Arraignment: The arraignment is your first court appearance. I will appear on your behalf, enter a not-guilty plea, and begin the process of discovery, where I will receive all the evidence the prosecution has against you.
3. Step 3: Investigation and Pre-Trial Motions: My firm will conduct a thorough investigation, including reviewing the police report, the officer's body camera footage, and the results of the breath or blood tests. I will file pre-trial motions to challenge the evidence and possibly get the case dismissed.
4. Step 4: DMV Hearing: The DMV hearing is your chance to challenge the automatic suspension of your driver's license. As your DUI defense attorney in Murrieta, I will present evidence and argue that the suspension should be set aside.
5. Step 5: Plea Bargaining: I will negotiate with the prosecutor to see if we can secure a favorable plea deal, such as a reduced charge or a lesser sentence.
6. Step 6: Trial: If a favorable plea deal is not possible, we will take your case to trial. I will present our defense to the judge or jury, challenging the prosecution's case and fighting for an acquittal.

The process is long and filled with potential pitfalls, but with me as your Murrieta DUI defense lawyer, you will have a dedicated advocate by your side.

Our Comprehensive Approach to DUI Defense

I believe that a strong DUI defense requires a comprehensive and strategic approach. My firm's methodology is tailored to the specifics of your case, and I am prepared to challenge the prosecution on multiple fronts. 

My firm's approach includes:

• Challenging the Traffic Stop: Was the traffic stop legal? I will review the police report and bodycam footage to see if the officer had reasonable suspicion to pull you over. If not, the case could be dismissed.
• Scrutinizing the Field Sobriety Tests: These tests are notoriously unreliable. I will challenge the officer's administration of the tests and argue that other factors, such as fatigue or a medical condition, could have impacted your performance. A good DUI defense attorney in Murrieta knows how to highlight these inconsistencies.
• Attacking the Chemical Test Results: Breathalyzer and blood tests are not infallible. I will look for errors in the calibration of the machine, the chain of custody of the blood sample, or the qualifications of the person who administered the test.
• Questioning Officer Testimony: I will cross-examine the arresting officer to highlight any inconsistencies in their testimony or report. The officer's memory and observations can often be challenged effectively.
• Arguing for a Reduced Charge: If a dismissal is not possible, I will negotiate with the prosecutor to have the DUI charge reduced to a lesser offense, such as a "wet reckless" or a reckless driving charge, which carries less severe penalties.

My firm’s sole purpose is to get you the best possible outcome, whether that means a complete dismissal, a reduction in charges, or a not-guilty verdict at trial.

Why Choose My DUI & Drunk Driving Defense Services in Murrieta

Making the right choice during a stressful time can make a difference in your future. 

Here’s why clients searching for the best DUI lawyer in Murrieta turn to The Law Office of David E Grande:

• Exclusive devotion to criminal defense: Since 2002, my practice has focused on helping clients facing criminal charges, including complex DUI and drunk driving cases throughout Riverside County.
• Locally informed strategies: My direct experience with Murrieta’s judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement provides a crucial edge when building your defense.
• Recognition by peers: As one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers, I’m continually recognized for my effectiveness and commitment to my clients’ rights.
• Individual attention for every case: I handle each case personally, ensuring your questions are answered and your defense matches your circumstances.
• No-cost consultations: Schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case and gain clarity on your options as soon as possible.

Having managed criminal cases throughout Riverside County, I know how to anticipate the strategies used by local prosecutors and how to argue persuasively for alternatives to jail or heavy fines. My firm is committed to clear, ongoing communication—to make sure you always know where your case stands, what you need to do next, and what we’re working toward together.

Contact a DUI Defense Attorney in Murrieta for Reliable Support

Reach out to The Law Office of David E Grande for a no-cost, confidential consultation and take the first step toward addressing your situation with clarity and confidence. You’ll benefit from personal, one-on-one guidance from a DUI lawyer in Murrieta with a deep understanding of the local courts and administrative processes. 

For direct answers and a dedicated defense strategy tailored specifically to you, call (951) 221-4331—and let an experienced advocate help you move forward.