Drugs & DUI Arrests
In the state of California, the DUI and drug arrest process begins when law enforcement
notices erratic driving behaviors that constitute a traffic stop. Erratic
driving behaviors include excessive speeding, ignoring traffic signs, swerving,
weaving in and out of traffic lanes, failure to signal, and sudden stops.
Once law enforcement makes a traffic stop, they will examine the driver and the
driver’s behavior to see if the driver displays signs of drug/alcohol induced
impairment. Typical signs of drug and/or alcohol related impairment include
slurring words, inability to answer questions, blood shot eyes, and open containers
within the driver’s vehicle. If law enforcement notices signs of drug
and/or alcohol impairment, they will ask the person to submit to a breath alcohol
test and field sobriety tests.
If the person consents to the breath alcohol test, and his/her blood alcohol concentration
is 0.08% or higher, he/she can be arrested for DUI. Additionally, if the person
fails his/her field sobriety tests, law enforcement can arrest him/her for DUI.
When a person is placed under arrest for DUI, he/she will be read his/her Miranda
Rights. The Miranda Rights inform the person of his/her right to remain silent,
right to an attorney, and right to have an attorney appointed to him/her.
The person will also be served with a Notice of Suspension at the time of his/her
her arrest. The Notice informs the person of his/her right to schedule an
Administrative Hearing with the California Department of Motor Vehicles to contest
the suspension of his/her driving privileges.
After the person has been placed under arrest, he/she will be escorted to the district
police station. While under police custody, the person will be asked to take
a blood alcohol test and will also be booked for DUI charges. At this time,
it is advisable that the person obtain the services of a skilled DUI defense attorney.
Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers
Coffey & Coffey – Attorneys at Law
If you have been charged with driving under the influence in Orange County, you
will need to hire an attorney who can protect your constitutional rights and defend
you both in and out of court. At Coffey & Coffey, our experienced DUI
attorneys have helped countless clients throughout Orange County and surrounding
areas fight their DUI charges. We are skilled attorneys who strive to provide
each of our clients with exceptional legal representation and advice.
The DUI lawyers at Coffey & Coffey represent clients in Orange County, including
Fullerton, Santa Ana, Laguna Niguel, Westminster, and Newport Beach.
Contact us about your legal matter today!