Charged with a DUI in Orange, Riverside, or San Bernardino County?

California state info on DUI charges

If you’ve been charged with a DUI in California—particularly in Orange County, Riverside County, or San Bernardino County—you are likely feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of what to do next. A DUI charge can affect your driving privileges, your freedom, and your future. But the good news is: a charge is not a conviction.Charged with a DUI

At Wohl Criminal Defense, attorney David Wohl brings decades of courtroom experience to aggressively defend clients facing DUI charges throughout Southern California. If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you need to act quickly to protect your rights and challenge the evidence.

Understanding DUI Charges in California

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is defined under California Vehicle Code §23152. It’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of:

  • 0.08% or higher if you’re 21 or older 
  • 0.01% or higher if you’re under 21 (zero tolerance) 
  • 0.04% or higher if you’re a commercial driver 

You can also be charged if you are under the influence of drugs (prescription or illegal), or a combination of drugs and alcohol.

California law enforcement agencies frequently conduct DUI checkpoints and aggressive roadside stops. But not all DUI arrests are lawful—and many are based on questionable evidence, procedural mistakes, or flawed test results.

What Happens When You’re Pulled Over?

Most DUI arrests begin with a traffic stop. What many people don’t realize is that during these encounters:

  • You may be questioned without being properly advised of your rights 
  • You are not required by law to perform field sobriety tests 
  • Refusing a breath test can result in immediate license suspension, even before conviction 

Field sobriety tests (like walking in a straight line or standing on one leg) are designed to test coordination and balance. But they’re also highly subjective and can be difficult for sober individuals to perform under stress or nervousness. Unfortunately, many officers use the results of these tests to justify an arrest—regardless of accuracy.

Common Issues With DUI Arrests

A large number of DUI charges are based on errors in procedure or unreliable evidence. These issues may include:

  • Improper administration of field sobriety tests 
  • Inaccurate breathalyzer readings 
  • Failure to calibrate or maintain testing equipment 
  • Arrests made without probable cause 
  • Failure to inform the driver of their legal rights 
  • Medical conditions that can mimic signs of intoxication 

David Wohl understands how to challenge the validity of DUI stops, field tests, and chemical test results. He will thoroughly examine the circumstances of your arrest to identify constitutional violations or weaknesses in the state’s case.

DUI Penalties in California

California imposes harsh penalties for DUI convictions—even for first-time offenders. Penalties can include:

  • Driver’s license suspension 
  • Fines and court costs 
  • Mandatory DUI education programs 
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) 
  • Jail time 
  • Probation 

For repeat offenders or cases involving accidents, injuries, or a high BAC, the consequences are even more severe.

Why Hiring a DUI Defense Lawyer Is Critical

Many people mistakenly believe that if they’ve “blown over the limit,” they have no defense. That’s not true. With the right legal strategy, it’s possible to have charges reduced—or dismissed altogether.

As an experienced DUI defense attorney, David Wohl provides:

  • Immediate intervention to protect your license 
  • Strong defense against unreliable test results 
  • Skilled negotiation for reduced charges or alternative sentencing 
  • Aggressive trial representation, if needed 

David has helped countless individuals throughout Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties fight DUI charges and protect their driving privileges.

Time Is Not On Your Side—Act Quickly

After a DUI arrest, you only have 10 days to request a DMV hearing to challenge the suspension of your driver’s license. Missing this deadline could result in automatic license suspension—even before your court date.

The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of building a strong defense and minimizing the impact of your arrest.

Let David Wohl Fight for You

Attorney David Wohl has over 30 years of experience in criminal defense, and he’s handled a wide range of DUI cases—from first-time charges to complex cases involving drugs, accidents, or felony DUI. He knows how to spot flaws in the state’s case, suppress invalid evidence, and secure the best possible outcome.

If you’ve been charged with DUI in Orange, Riverside, or San Bernardino County, don’t face the court system alone. Contact Wohl Criminal Defense today to schedule a confidential consultation and begin defending your rights.

Local: (714) 242-1223
 Toll-Free: 1-855-4JPV LAW or (855) 457-8529

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