DUI Defense
Pasadena Attorney
Pasadena DUI Attorney
With its active nightlife and popular events like the Rose Bowl, Pasadena sees its fair share of DUI arrests, especially near major intersections and the Colorado Street Bridge corridor. Being charged with a DUI can be a frightening experience, and if it’s happened to you, you probably have many questions about the process and potential consequences.
With the help of our seasoned Pasadena DUI defense lawyer, you can fight the charges, protect your record, and secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Overview of DUI Charges in Pasadena
According to the California Vehicle Code, it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle:
- With a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher for most adult drivers, or
- While under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
You can face a DUI even if your BAC is below the legal limit as long as the officer believes the alcohol impaired your ability to drive. Pasadena police frequently conduct sobriety checkpoints near Colorado Boulevard, especially during holidays and after major events at the Rose Bowl.
Types of DUI Offenses and Penalties
DUI charges in California are categorized based on various factors. Such factors include your BAC, whether it’s a first or subsequent offense, and if the incident resulted in an accident or injury.
First-Time DUI
A first offense is typically a misdemeanor charge. If convicted, you could face the following penalties:
- Up to six months in county jail;
- Fines up to $1,000 (although with court fees and assessments, fines can exceed $2,000);
- A driver’s license suspension for up to six months; and
- Mandatory DUI school.
The duration of DUI school can range from three to nine months, depending on your BAC level.
Repeat DUI Offense
The penalties for a DUI become significantly harsher with each prior conviction within a 10-year “lookback” period:
- Second DUI—can lead to up to one year in jail, fines up to $1,000, a license suspension for up to two years, and up to 30 months of DUI school;
- Third DUI—carries potential penalties of up to one year in jail (unless charged as a felony), fines up to $1000, a three-year license suspension, and extended DUI school; and
- Fourth or subsequent DUI—often charged as a felony, which can result in up to three years in state prison, significant fines, a four-year license revocation, and a lengthy period of DUI education.
Whether it’s your second or fifth DUI, you’ll need to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID). These increased penalties highlight the need for an experienced Pasadena DWI lawyer.
DUI Causing Injury
This is a “wobbler” offense, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the injuries sustained by another person and your prior criminal record.
Misdemeanor penalties include restitution to the injured parties, license suspension, fines up to $5,000, and a maximum of one year in jail. If you are convicted of a felony, the consequences include three years of incarceration, substantial fines, lengthy license revocation, and a felony record that can have a lasting impact on your life.
Underage DUI (Under 21)
California has a strict Zero Tolerance Law. If you are under 21 and caught driving with a BAC of 0.01% or higher, you can face penalties such as a one-year driver’s license suspension. This is even if your BAC is well below the legal limit for adults. Additionally, if your BAC is 0.08% or higher, you could face the same misdemeanor DUI charges as adults.
Drug DUI
Driving under the influence of any drug, whether prescription medication, over-the-counter medicines, or illegal substances that impair your ability to drive, is unlawful in California. A drug DUI charge can be based on an officer’s observation of impairment, positive drug tests, and other evidence. However, unlike alcohol-related DUIs, which have specific BAC thresholds, there is no specific threshold of drug presence in your system to provide a presumption of impairment.
Penalties for a drug DUI are generally the same as an alcohol DUI. However, as we’ve seen, each level of severity carries its own potential penalties and can have significant and long-lasting consequences for your driving privileges, employment opportunities, and personal record.
Strong Defenses Against DUI Charges
A DUI arrest in Pasadena does not guarantee a conviction. Your defense depends on the unique facts of your case, and a skilled Pasadena DUI defense attorney will analyze every detail to protect your rights. Potential defenses may include:
- Unlawful traffic stop. Any evidence gathered during the stop could be suppressed if the officer lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause to pull you over.
- Faulty or improper testing procedures. Breathalyzers and blood tests must be administered correctly and with properly calibrated equipment. Mistakes or malfunctions can lead to inaccurate BAC results.
- Medical conditions or dietary factors. Certain medical issues (like GERD or diabetes) or diets (like keto or low-carb) can mimic intoxication or produce false BAC readings.
- Rising blood alcohol content (BAC). Alcohol absorption takes time. You may have been under the legal limit while driving, even if your BAC rose afterward—this is known as the “rising BAC” defense.
- Miranda Rights violations. If law enforcement didn’t properly advise you of your rights, any statements made during your arrest could be deemed inadmissible in court.
Every DUI case is different. That’s why our Pasadena DUI Attorney tailors your defense strategy to the exact circumstances of your arrest, evidence, and background—always with your future in mind.
Why Choose Esfandi Law Group for DUI Defense?
The experienced attorneys at our Pasadena DUI law firm understand the local courts and are ready to fight for you by:
- Reviewing evidence for flaws in testing or unlawful stops;
- Identifying rights violations;
- Skillfully negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing, such as DUI court; and
- Providing strategic representation at your separate DMV hearing to protect your driving privileges.
When your future is at stake, our dedicated advocacy and client-focused approach will provide you with the support you need.
Take the Wheel of Your Defense Now with the Help of a Pasadena DUI Attorney
With license suspension deadlines and court dates approaching, acting quickly is essential. You deserve a dedicated team that will advocate for you with precision, compassion, and determination.
Take the first decisive step toward clearing your name and restoring your peace of mind. A DUI arrest doesn’t have to ruin your life. Contact us online or call for a confidential case review.
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