Orange County DUI Charges and Your Defense Rights in Court

Orange County DUI Charges and Your Defense Rights in Court

Law Office of Katie Walsh

May 9, 2025

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Being arrested for DUI in Orange County can feel like your world is crashing down. A conviction can mean hefty fines, losing your license, or even jail time, but don’t lose hope. The right defense strategy can make all the difference.

With the help of an experienced Orange County criminal defense lawyer, you may be able to fight the charges, reduce penalties, or even get your case dismissed.

At the Law Offices of William Bruzzo, we have over 30 years of experience successfully defending DUI cases in Orange County, California. If you’ve been charged with a DUI, don’t wait—call us now at (714) 547-4636 or contact us online for a free consultation.

What to Know About DUI Charges in Orange County, CA

California has strict DUI laws, and Orange County courts take these cases seriously. If you’re arrested for DUI, you may be wondering what exactly led to the charge and how the law applies to your situation.

A DUI charge in Orange County, CA typically results from:

A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher for drivers over 21.
A BAC of 0.01% or higher for drivers under 21.
Driving while impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription medications.

Regardless of the circumstances, you have legal options, and working with an experienced Orange County criminal defense lawyer can help you deal with the process.

Penalties for DUI in Orange County

The penalties for a DUI conviction vary based on prior offenses and case specifics. Common penalties include:

First Offense: Fines up to $1,000, license suspension for six months, probation, and mandatory DUI education.
Second Offense: Increased fines, license suspension for two years, mandatory alcohol education, and possible jail time.
Third or Subsequent Offense: Felony charges, significant fines, long-term license revocation, and mandatory jail or prison sentences.

Aggravating factors, such as high BAC levels, accidents, or prior convictions, can result in harsher penalties.

Your Legal Rights When Facing a DUI Arrest in Orange County

If you are arrested for DUI, you have legal rights that must be upheld. These include:

The right to remain silent and avoid self-incrimination.
The right to legal representation.
The right to challenge evidence, such as field sobriety or breathalyzer test results.

The Law Offices of William Bruzzo has over 30 years of experience in criminal defense and a deep familiarity with local courts. Our team analyses every aspect of your case, from the legality of the traffic stop to the accuracy of BAC testing procedures.

DUI Defense Strategies That Work in Orange County Courts

Facing a DUI charge in Orange County can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that an arrest does not guarantee a conviction. Every DUI case is unique, but some common defense strategies include:

Improper Stop – If police lack reasonable suspicion, your case may be dismissed.
Faulty Testing Equipment – Uncalibrated breathalyzers can produce inaccurate BAC readings.
Medical Conditions – Health issues or diets can cause false positives on breath tests.

A skilled Orange County criminal defense lawyer can evaluate your case and develop a defense strategy tailored to your situation.

Contact an Experienced Orange County DUI Defense Lawyer Today

If you’re facing DUI charges in Orange County, every moment counts. The sooner you have the right legal defense, the better your chances of reducing penalties or even beating the charges altogether.

For over 30 years, Attorney William Bruzzo has been fighting for clients in DUI cases, using his deep knowledge of the Orange County court system to build strong defenses. He knows how prosecutors think, what strategies work, and how to challenge weak evidence. When your future is on the line, you need an attorney who knows how to win.

Call us today at (714) 547-4636 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.

Client Reviews

I hired attorney Katie Walsh to help my son when he was found with a large amount of drugs on school campus. She got us through the Expulsion Hearing, and miraculously he can go back to school at the winter semester after he catches up with his classes. The...

AR- parent of minor client

I hired Katie Walsh to have my felony convictions expunged. She was able to expunge my record within 6 weeks of me giving her all the information. Even though technically I had a probation violation, and therefore the expungement was not automatic, she was...

AR, criminal client

My 16 year old son was charged with possession of Marijuana, HS 11357(b). I was very concerned about what would happen to him and how this would affect his future. I contacted Ms. Walsh and she assured me that everything would be Ok- and it was. The judge...

CT, parent of juvenile client

My child was charged with Felony Penal Code 597(a)- Animal Cruelty. After hiring Katie Walsh, she got the charges reduced to a misdemeanor, counseling, and 40 hours of chores at home. We come back in 6 months and the case will get completely dismissed and...

DH - Parent of Juvenile client

I hired Katie Walsh to represent my son on sexual abuse allegations- P.C. 288(a) and P.C. 288(b)- they were Strike Charges. After negotiating with the D.A., she got all the strike charges dismissed, and got my son released from custody with credit for time...

DR- mother of juvenile client

Katie Walsh was fantastic throughout this entire process! My 13 year old son was charged with two counts of lewd act on a minor, PC 288(a) and was in juvenile hall. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she GOT MY SON OUT OF JAIL and back home with us at the detention...

EG, parent of juvenile client

My 14 year old son was arrested at school for P.C. 311 (child pornography). My son had innocent and stupid nude pictures of himself and friends on his phone. Ms. Walsh was extremely easy to talk to, and made my son feel very comfortable during this process. As...

GK,TK, parents of juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was a life saver when I didn't know what was going on, or how to handle the situation. My young daughter was attacked at her middle school and was seriously injured. At a time when both the school and the police were giving us the run-around and not...

HA, mother of 13 year old Victim Rights client

I hired Katie Walsh to seal my juvenile record of PC 288(a) (lewd act on a minor), after my request had been denied by a Judge and by the Probation Department. After speaking with Probation, the DA and the Judge at a hearing, she was able to get my record...

JW, former juvenile client

I was charged with a Felony Conspiracy charge- PC 182. After hiring Ms. Walsh she got my charged reduced to a misdemeanor right away, and now I just have to do community service and in 6 months my entire case will be dismissed! I would recommend Ms. Walsh if...

KP, juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was like a breath of fresh air throughout this entire process. I was uncertain about the outcome, but she told me everything would be ok- and it was. She had my juvenile record sealed within 3 months of speaking with her. She was always available to...

LR, former juvenile client

Ms. Walsh got the judge to terminate my son's probation and seal his 2 juvenile cases (Penal Code 288(a) and Penal Code 242) even though he had violated my probation by picking up a new case. By getting his record sealed under penal code 786, it means his...

MB- mother of juvenile client

At a very difficult time in my life I contacted attorney Katie Walsh. I am a teacher and was being harassed/stalked by a parent at my school. I wanted a Restraining Order against this person. Ms. Walsh listened to me and made feel like I was her most...

MB, restraining order client

My son was charged with Lewd Conduct, P.C. 647 out of Downey, CA. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she spoke with the District Attorney, Probation, and the Judge. Even though the judge was not pleased with the offer, she was able to get my son Community Service and a...

MG, parent of minor

It is with sincere gratitude that I send this recommendation As a parent of a child that was arrested on a Felony Domestic Abuse charge and over 2000 miles away I had to rely on friend of a friends word that you would be able to help us. Those words couldn't...

MPF, mother of criminal client

I really liked having Ms. Walsh as my attorney. She visited me in Juvenile Hall. I was charged with four counts of Robbery (Penal Code 211). This was my 8th juvenile petition. Ms. Walsh got 2 of the robbery charges dismissed, and I only served 30 days in...

MU, juvenile client

I was arrested for a felony Domestic charge, PC 273.5(a). After I hired Katie Walsh, my entire case was dismissed. I never had to appear in court. I felt very comfortable with Ms. Walsh- she was easy to speak with, she was very accessible and easy to get a...

NF, criminal client

Katie was instrumental in helping me with a criminal matter as an advocate for me and my children when I was a named victim in a DV case. She patiently and expediently addressed all of my questions and was an invaluable source of information. She prepared me...

My daughter was pulled over arrested for having a Fake ID. After hiring Ms. Walsh my daughter did not have to plead guilty- which would have affected her license status. She did community service, completed a legal awareness class, returned in 6 months and...

My 14 year old daughter was involved in an assault and battery- PC 240/242, in Irvine. After hiring Katie Walsh the case was not referred to Court. My daughter was able to complete a class and the case will be dismissed entirely! Ms. Walsh was available to us...

SG, mother a juvenile client

My son was charged with possession of Child Pornography P.C. 311.11(a) - a charge I did not realize a child could be guilty of! As parents were beside ourselves when we found this out, and contacted Katie Walsh. She listened to us, guided us through the...

SH- mother of juvenile client

From San Diego I contacted Ms. Walsh about sealing my juvenile record in Orange County regarding a Petty Theft charge. She was always very responsive to any of my questions, and consistently kept me updated. Even though probation said this would take...

XL, juvenile client

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