Experienced DUI Defense Attorneys

Whether it's alcohol or drugs, California courts take DUI seriously and have strict penalties in place. Most often, convictions bring driving suspensions, large fines and jail time. For those with prior DUI convictions, even harsher consequences can be faced. Fortunately, an experienced DUI attorney can help avoid license suspension and give you the best chance to defeat the case.

California DUI Penalties

California drivers are found to be under the influence if:

  • The driver’s breath alcohol concentration is .08 or greater
  • The driver is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a mixture of the two to such a degree that the driver cannot safely operate a vehicle

Driving under the influence is classified as a misdemeanor in California. As a result, a driver facing a first DUI conviction can expect to face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

If a driver has received three or more DUI convictions within a ten-year period or and gets a 4th DUI, the driver can be charged with a felony and face up to 3 years in prison. A DUI with injury can also be charged as a felony.

Defenses to DUI Marijuana in Riverside

Similar to alcohol, drivers are strictly prohibited from operating vehicles in the state while under the influence of marijuana. Current testing for impairment is questionable as marijuana remains present in blood and urine for as long as 30 days after use. A skilled DUI attorney can often challenge the test results as unreliable.

Speak with a Knowledgeable Riverside DUI Defense Attorney

Regardless of the evidence that the prosecution might have against you in a DUI case, an experienced attorney can help determine the best way to respond. At Amicus Legal Group, we are committed to fighting for the best possible outcome. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.

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Client Testimonials

I had the pleasure of working a very large scale drug case with Mr. Serrao, representing co-defendants. Mr. Serrao was a pleasure to work with. Highly skilled and very aggressive in his advocacy on his client’s behalf. I highly recommend Mr. Serrao for anyone looking for a criminal defense attorney.

Babak Farahan

John-Paul is well known in our community as a smart and effective criminal defense lawyer who is sensitive to his clients’ situations and responsive to their needs. I refer my clients to him with confidence when they need help with the criminal justice system.

Lawrence Brock

John-Paul took my civil case when no one else would because other lawyers didn’t have confidence in my daughter who has special needs to testify, if needed. John-Paul won her case against the school district without a jury because he cared about my child, believed she was honest and deserved justice. He still doesn’t mind taking my calls whenever I have a question regarding her case.

Dionne L.

Occasionally you meet another attorney who is so impressive both personally and professionally that you want to be affiliated with them in any way you can both personally and professionally. That is how I feel about John-Paul. I not only consider him one of the finest attorneys I know, but I now proudly call him my friend. He is among the very best.

David Booth

Attorney John Paul-Serrao helped us to win our case against the insurance company after we were involved in a traffic accident where our car was rear ended, we tried to handle it ourselves with the insurance company and they did not want to cooperate with us, so we hired Mr. Serrao and he was able to get us a settlement above with the insurance company was willing to pay. I would highly recommend him.

Lupe G.

Mr. Serrao worked on my DUI charge earlier this year and all I can say is WOW! Not only did he keep me updated with the case but his knowledge of the process helped calm my nerves, which was very important to me. He showed care for me as a client and I can’t thank him enough. I would recommend him to anyone in need of a quality criminal defense attorney.

Derrick J.

John-Paul is a superb attorney. He was my mentor when I was in law school, and now as an attorney I still go to him for advice on complex cases. When my brother required representation I referred him to John-Paul. That is how highly I think of JP as an attorney. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs representation.

Kit Westbrook

John-Paul is an extremely effective criminal defense attorney. The one thing that makes him stand out from other defense attorneys is that he talks to his clients to learn the circumstances surrounding their incident and then he makes a forceful and articulate argument in defense of his clients. I recommend my clients to John-Paul when they are in need of a criminal defense attorney because I know he will stand up for them.

Stephen Rinka
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