San Diego DUI Lawyer

Defending Your Southern California DUI

DUI defense is something that criminal defense lawyer James N. Dicks takes seriously. At our law offices, we understand that although many DUIs are charged as misdemeanors and may not seem to have extreme penalties, they can potentially land you in jail and without a driver’s license for an extended period of time. In addition, some driving under the influence charges are actually felonies and could mean imprisonment in a California state prison for at least one year; most likely more.

To get a better understanding of the areas in which our firm can help, feel free to clink on any of the link listed below:

San Diego DUI
Accusations of drinking and driving are serious no matter where you are, but when you're located in San Diego you have the advantage of a professional team of DUI attorneys who can aggressively work on your behalf. Read more about San Diego DUI…

First DUI
Even if this is the first DUI you have been charged with you could still face serious penalties such as jail time, fines, loss of driving privileges, probation and a mark on your criminal record. Read more about first DUI…

Second DUI
If you are found guilty of a second offense of DUI your penalties will be much harsher than those from your first. You need an aggressive DUI lawyer on your side that can fight on behalf of your representation, aggressively defending your rights in the matter. Read more about second DUI…

BAC
If your blood alcohol concentration level is at or above .08% then you could face harsh penalties after a drunk driving conviction. Read more about BAC…

DUI & Drugs
Driving under the influence does not only refer to drinking and driving. It can also be applied to cases in which drivers have been using drugs and the penalties are equally as harsh, if not more so. Read more about DUI and drugs…

DUI Accidents
Drunk driving cases that result in accidents and injuries are often tried and convicted more harshly than cases that do not involve accidents. Read more about DUI accidents…

DUI Arrests
If you have been arrested on suspicion of DUI then you have a lot to lose if found guilty. You could be looking at thousands of dollars in fines and jail time, among other consequences. Read more about DUI arrests…

DUI Blood Tests
Administering a blood test to determine a person's blood alcohol level must follow a very strict procedure or it could yield inaccurate results. Read more about DUI blood tests…

DUI Breath Tests
Inaccurate results are commonly produced from breath tests that are used to establish a person's level of intoxication. If you have been arrested for the BAC level established in a breath test, then you should immediately seek legal representation. There may be an argument that the results of the test were not accurate. Read more about DUI breath tests…

DUI Criminal Case
There are several stages involved in a criminal DUI case, and a lawyer should be involved at every one of them. Read more about DUI criminal cases…

DMV
You have ten days from the time of your arrest to schedule a hearing at the DMV. Failure to do so will result in the automatic suspension of your license. Read more about DMV…

Commercial Driver DUI
Commercial drivers have a considerable amount to lose should their license be suspended or revoked as a result of DUI. Without a license, you will be unable to perform the essential duties of your job, so you need to take the appropriate action and hire an attorney who can help protect against this possibility. Read more about commercial driver DUIs…

Auto Insurance & DUI Charges
The premiums you pay on your car insurance could dramatically increase if you are convicted of DUI. Read more about auto insurance and DUI charges…

DUI FAQs
We have provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about DUI, specifically for your convenience. However, this is not a comprehensive list and by contacting our offices you can speak with an attorney who will be able to answer any further questions you may have. Read more about FAQs…

DUI Penalties
The consequences of your DUI will depend on a number of factors, some of which include the number of offenses under your belt and whether or not anyone was harmed as a result. A DUI lawyer can further explain every aspect that could affect the way your case is penalized if you are found guilty. Read more about DUI penalties…

DUI with Injury
If someone is seriously harmed by a drunk driver then the charge applied to the case will likely be one of DUI with Injury. This is a more serious charge than simple DUI and will result in harsher penalties. Read more about DUI with injury…

Federal DUI
Drinking and driving on federally owned land such as a state monument or national park will result in a federal DUI. In general, the federal court system is notorious for being far less lenient when it comes to trying cases. Read more about federal DUIs…

Felony DUI
Most DUI charges are misdemeanor offenses, but those that are deemed felonious will incur much harsher sentencing and penalties. Read more about felony DUIs…

Field Sobriety Tests
Tests such as the one-leg stand and the walk and turn are field sobriety tests that are conducted at the time an officer pulls you over on suspicion of drunk driving. These tests are filled with flaws and should not be the only means of determining one's intoxication level. Read more about field sobriety tests…

Hiring a DUI Attorney
By hiring a DUI attorney you will significantly increase your chances of securing your future freedoms and rights. Read more about hiring a DUI attorney…

Ignition Interlock Device
If you are found guilty of drinking and driving the judge may require that an ignition interlock device be installed in your vehicle. This device restricts your ability to start the car without first blowing into it to establish that you have not been drinking. If you register too high, the car will not start. Read more about ignition interlock devices…

Military DUI
Military personnel who are caught drinking and driving will face a different set of consequences, including the possibility of dishonorable discharge. Read more about military DUI…

Multiple DUI
Any penalties for a second, third or fourth DUI offense will be substantially greater than those that you faced after your first DUI. Read more about multiple DUIs…

Out of State DUI
If you are a visitor to California and you receive a DUI in the state, the California DMV will notify your home state of the offense, preventing you from driving in your hometown as well. Read more about out of state DUIs…

Preliminary Alcohol Screening Tests
Sobriety tests that are administered on the scene, such as those given at sobriety check points are known as preliminary alcohol screening tests. These tests are far from accurate and results should not be taken at face value. Read more about preliminary alcohol screening tests…

Restricted License
A restricted license will allow you to drive to and from work, school and other pre-approved necessary locations when your license has been suspended after DUI. Read more about restricted licenses…

Underage DUI
The standard BAC level of .08% is not applied to drunk drivers who are under the age of 21. No more than a .01% is needed to be found guilty of drunk driving if you are underage. Read more about underage DUI…

Vehicular Manslaughter
Driving under the influence can greatly impair your physical and mental abilities and this sometimes leads to fatal accidents. Read more about vehicular manslaughter…

Vista DUI Lawyer
Our firm's 20 years of experience also extends to other areas throughout the San Diego area, including Vista. Read more about Vista DUI lawyers…

San Diego Criminal Defense
Other criminal allegations also deserve legal representation from a professional who can get the job done. California laws are strict and should be met with nothing less than an aggressive criminal defense lawyer who can best defend your rights and freedoms. Read more about San Diego criminal defense…

There are a few different approaches we can take in defending your DUI, depending upon the specific circumstances of your arrest, the evidence against you and the exact charges you are facing. Any defense that we choose will need to be backed by proof in order to find success in and out of the courtroom. Once we prove your side of the story, it is left to the prosecution to attempt to prove your guilt – something that will not be easy after we have blown holes in their case and evidence.

There are several questions you can ask yourself about your DUI, all of which may prove vital in building your effective defense.

Did the officer have probable cause in pulling you over? Did the officer actually have reason to suspect that you were driving under the influence? Were you actually driving erratically or displaying other signs of intoxication?

Were you read your Miranda rights? Did the officer tell you that you had the right to remain silent?

Did the officer inform you of “implied consent”? When you were asked to take a blood, breath or urine test to determine your blood alcohol concentration, were you told that your refusal would result in the immediate suspension of your license?

Did the officer who administered your breathalyzer ask you to “keep blowing”? A standard breath testing machine only requires a certain amount of breath to be blown in order to test the level of alcohol. Too much air may affect the results.

There are many more defenses, such as a malfunctioning or improperly calibrated breath or blood testing machine that determined your blood alcohol level. San Diego DUI attorney James Dicks offers a free consultation to discuss your specific case and determine which defense is best for you.

Have you been arrested for DUI in San Diego? Contact a San Diego DUI lawyer today!

Attorney James N. Dicks is a proud member of both the California DUI Lawyers Association and the National College for DUI Defense .