DUI Defense Law

Have You Been Arrested For A DUI?

For many Californians, finding themselves under arrest for a DUI is their first major run-in with the law. The experience may seem frightening, and you’re not sure what to expect next. Do you head to court? Will you spend time in jail? Can you still drive?

When you’re facing the uncertainty of a DUI in Pasadena, don’t fight it alone, and don’t allow your charges to go unchallenged. You need an experienced, detail-oriented DUI defense attorney to help you understand the law, stand up for your rights, and challenge any unfair or excessive charges.

This is when you reach out to The Law Offices Of Matthew Cargal for guidance, a strong defense, and superior representation.

Matthew Cargal, Protecting Your Rights

While it may seem simpler to plead “guilty” and move on, a DUI arrest deserves a careful, legal eye. You have rights in California, and only a seasoned, attentive DUI defense lawyer will know if those rights were violated during your arrest.

Since 1992, DUI lawyer Matthew Cargal has helped clients just like you regain clarity and stability when faced with a DUI charge. And while DUI arrests are quite common, the legal consequences can be severe, and impact you long after fines are paid and your license is restored, making quality representation all the more important.

What Are The Consequences For A DUI In California?

In California, you are legally determined to be driving under the influence if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. If you are under the age of 21, a BAC of even 0.01% can trigger an arrest. The consequences for a conviction depend on the number of prior DUIs you have had within the last 10 years.

First DUI Conviction : Fines of up to $1,000, jail time of up to six months, and the suspension of your license for six months.

Second DUI Conviction : Fines of up to $1,000, jail time of up to one year, and the suspension of your license for two years.

Third DUI Conviction : Fines of up to $1,000, jail time of up to one year, and the loss of your license for three years.

Penalties are also more severe if your BAC was 0.15% or higher, if anyone was injured or killed as a result of your driving, or if you have three or more prior DUI convictions within the last 10 years. A DUI conviction can also negatively affect employment opportunities, custody outcomes in a divorce, your access to education, and even your capacity to qualify for a loan.

Matthew Cargal understands these impacts and has spent decades helping clients fight back against excessive charges, unfair stops, and unlawful police behavior. Every aspect of your stop and arrest deserves careful scrutiny.

How Can A DUI Charge Be Challenged?

A DUI charge in California can be challenged in a number of ways. DUI arrest defense lawyer Matthew Cargal will begin by looking at the background of your arrest, how the stop was carried out, and how the police behaved during the stop.

For example, if officers did not have probable cause to arrest you, if procedure was not followed, or if your rights were violated, Matthew Cargal will work to see charges reduced or dropped. Body cam footage, dash cam footage, and witness statements can all be helpful in this case.

In other instances, the machine that recorded your BAC may have been faulty, poorly calibrated, or prone to giving inaccurate readings. Matthew Cargal will work to secure that machine and any meaningful data that pertains to it.

Every case is different, and DUI law firm The Law Offices Of Matthew Cargal will meet with you, hear your story, and determine how to best approach your case.

How Our Law Offices Will Help

At The Law Offices Of Matthew Cargal, we’ll take the time to understand what happened, what is at stake for you, and work quickly to secure any evidence that could help see your charges lowered or dismissed. Without representation, your driving privileges, legal future, and even your personal and professional life may all be impacted.

Allow us to represent you at hearings, before the DMV, and in court to fight any unjust charges and work hard to ensure your rights are protected. We have decades of experience helping Pasadena residents caught unawares by a DUI arrest, and we can help put your future on track, too.

Facing A DUI Charge? Call Matthew Cargal Today.

A DUI arrest is nothing to ignore, and every case deserves skilled, attentive legal representation. Allow a practiced Pasadena DUI lawyer to review the circumstances of your DUI stop and lend his legal help.

Have questions, or in need of legal guidance after an arrest? Call Matthew Cargal at (626) 209-4804 for an initial consultation today.