Davis DUI Lawyer

DUI Attorney in Davis, CA

Being pulled over and charged with DUI can be a truly frightening experience. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to contact a skilled Davis DUI lawyer as soon as possible. The penalties for a DUI conviction are severe, with long-lasting effects. Having a skilled attorney by your side can help ensure you retain your right to drive through Northern California, from drives to Bodega Bay to visiting the UC Davis Arboretum. It is essential to understand what happens if you get a DUI in California so you can prepare for the immediate legal challenges ahead.

Experienced DUI Defense Attorney

Conor Bell of the Law Office of Conor Bell has lived in Northern California for over 30 years and has nine years of experience handling criminal cases. He is dedicated to helping his clients and providing a personalized defense. When facing DUI charges, hiring a Davis DUI attorney who is familiar with the area can benefit your case significantly.

DUI Penalties

You can be charged with a DUI in California if you are driving a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08%. The DUI laws apply to both drugs and alcohol, no matter your age. California has the most DUI arrests in the country because of its large population and number of drivers on the road. In 2023, 1,355 fatalities were caused by alcohol-impaired driving in California. In one November 2025 case, a man who drove under the influence in Davis injured multiple people and was subsequently charged with a felony DUI and hit and run.

If you are under the legal drinking age of 21 and you have a BAC of 0.02%, you can face strict penalties. If you have a BAC of 0.16, you could face even more serious aggravated drunk driving charges. Understanding the full range of California DUI penalties is vital, as they become significantly harsher for repeat offenses.

California has strict DUI laws and severe penalties. If you are convicted of a DUI, you may:

• Have your license suspended
• Have to complete a DUI program
• File a California Insurance Proof Certificate or an SR-22/SR-1P
• Have to install an ignition interlock device

Some other possible penalties for a DUI conviction in California include:

• Jail time
• Fines
• Civil claims if you cause an injury or death
• Police may impound your vehicle, and you might have to pay storage fees. Many drivers ask do you go to jail for a DUI in California, and the answer often depends on aggravating factors like high BAC or prior convictions.

Possible Defenses for DUI in California

Most DUIs in California are charged as misdemeanors. Depending on your DUI case, a DUI attorney can use several defenses to fight the charges. Some of these include:

• Improper traffic stop. If law enforcement did not have probable cause or a reasonable suspicion to stop you, evidence that they obtained during the stop may be inadmissible in your case.
• Medical conditions. Some medications or medical conditions may look like intoxication or affect blood alcohol results.
• Field sobriety test error. Your attorney may challenge the field sobriety test results if the officer did not follow the proper procedure or if there are other possible reasons, such as physical conditions that could explain poor performance.
• Inaccurate breathalyzer test results. Your attorney may challenge the results of the BAC by questioning whether it was calibrated correctly or possibly malfunctioned.

A few types of DUI can be charged as a felony. For example, if a driver under the influence causes a collision that results in bodily harm to another person, they may face felony charges. Felony DUIs have more severe punishments than misdemeanors, making it even more critical to have experienced representation on your side.

Hire a DUI Lawyer in Davis, CA

Navigating the complex California DUI laws takes an experienced and knowledgeable attorney. A skilled attorney can look at the circumstances of your DUI case and create a defense to help you achieve the greatest possible outcome.

Even a first offense DUI conviction can result in probation, loss of license, and fines, with repeat offenses bringing even stricter penalties. When you hire a DUI lawyer, they can help you through the process. They can:

• Navigate California’s complex DUI laws
• Review evidence
• Identify possible defense strategies
• Ensure your constitutional rights are protected
• Negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf to reduce charges or seek alternate sentencing
• Protect your driving privileges

In Davis, CA Attempting to handle your DUI case without legal representation may lead to consequences that could be avoided.

FAQs

How Much Does a California DUI Lawyer Cost?

The cost of a California DUI lawyer can vary widely depending on each individual case. It is wise to calculate how much a DUI costs in California including court fees, insurance hikes, and legal representation.The cost may also depend on whether it is your first offense or if you’ve faced DUI charges and convictions before. Some attorneys charge a flat fee, while others charge hourly rates. If your case goes to trial, additional fees may apply.

Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer for a DUI in California?

While it is not required to get a lawyer for a DUI in California, it is usually worth it. The penalties for a conviction are steep, and an experienced DUI attorney may be able to help get the charges or penalties reduced. Hiring an experienced DUI attorney may help you avoid accepting plea deals or sentencing that could result in harsher penalties than are ultimately necessary.

What Makes a DUI Case Weak?

The circumstances that make a DUI case weak include procedural errors by law enforcement and Title 17 violations. Title 17 refers to the regulation that governs how law enforcement and labs need to conduct DUI chemical tests to ensure they are accurate. Other signs that a DUI case may be weak include inconsistent officer testimony and unreliable evidence.

What Percent of DUI Cases Are Dismissed in California?

The percentage of DUI cases that are dismissed in California is low. However, you should learn if a DUI can be dismissed in CA under certain conditions like illegal search and seizure. It is possible to have the charges dropped or dismissed, but it depends on the DUI case. Some common reasons a case might be dismissed include lack of evidence, mistakes by law enforcement during the traffic stop and arrest, and if prosecutors agree to a plea bargain.

Contact a Davis, CA DUI Lawyer

If you’ve been charged with a DUI, getting the right legal representation is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your future. Contact The Law Office of Conor Bell today. Conor Bell has experience defending clients against DUI penalties and is committed to protecting his clients’ rights.