Orange County DUI

In Orange County, as well as the entire state of California, DUI has become the generic term for driving under the influence or alcohol (DUI) or drugs (DUID), or driving while intoxicated (DWI).

Whenever someone is arrested in Orange County for a DUI, they must deal with two separate cases. Both cases are extremely important and require immediate attention. One is a civil case with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and one is a criminal case handled through the Orange County criminal court system.

In the civil case, known as a DMV Hearing, the DMV will attempt to suspend or revoke your driver’s license or your driving privileges in the state of California. Time is critical in both cases. However, with the DMV case there is only 10 days to request a hearing. The 10 days include weekends and any holidays. The hearing is called a DMV Administrative Per Se Hearing. If no hearing is requested then your driver’s license will automatically be suspended. For an Orange County DUI the hearing will be held at the DMV Driver Safety Office in Irvine. The address is 16735 Von Karman Ave, Suite 110, Irvine 92606-4953. The phone number is (949) 440-4416.

Simultaneously there is a criminal case for the DUI arrest. This will be handled through the Orange County criminal court system. It is separate from the DMV hearing. The Orange County District Attorney’s office will prosecute the DUI criminal case unless you were arrested within Anaheim city limits. For those DUI arrests the Anaheim City Attorney will most likely handle the prosecution. The loss of this case can result in fines as well as jail time.

People arrested for drunk driving are often justifiably bewildered when faced with the criminal justice system. It is common to feel scared and lost, as well as confused about what to do and where to go. It is a difficult time. Trying to navigate your way through a criminal trial or a DMV hearing without the benefit of a qualified, experienced drunk driving attorney is a recipe for disaster. With aggressive legal representation it is entirely possible to have the DUI charges reduced or even dropped without the expense of a trial. Equally, it is likely to avoid the loss of your driver’s license or driving privileges. In Orange County driving is a necessity. Loosing either case will certainly impact your life and your family’s.

At Coffey & Coffey our experienced Orange County DUI specialists have chosen to specialize in Orange County allowing us to focus all of our energy and resources here. We know the courts, prosecutors, judges, and expert witnesses as well as the Irvine DMV Safety Office and staff. We are completely dedicated to each and every client and will fight to achieve the best outcome for you.