DUI Defense Attorney in Costa Mesa

Support, Advocacy & Answers When You Need Them Most

If you face a drunk driving charge in Costa Mesa, the decisions you make right now can affect your entire future. Choosing a knowledgeable drunk driving attorney in Costa Mesa gives you the best chance to protect your rights and move forward with confidence. 

At Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC, we bring together more than a century of combined experience defending individuals charged with driving under the influence throughout Orange County. We give you clear, honest guidance and focus on providing facts and support from the first conversation.

When you act quickly after an arrest, you help preserve your legal options and prevent mistakes that could make your situation worse. In Orange County, even a first-time drunk driving conviction carries serious penalties, and timelines for license hearings and court appearances can come up fast. We walk you through each stage, so you always know what to expect and how the process works in this region.

Don't let a DUI charge steal your freedom or your license. Contact an experienced DUI defense attorney in Costa Mesa immediately. We offer a powerful defense, and because we are former prosecutors, we offer free consultations and 24/7 availability, your defense starts right now. Call (949) 251-0330 or reach out online to schedule your confidential consultation.

Understanding California DUI Laws

In California, a person is typically charged with two distinct DUI offenses for the same incident, though a conviction for both counts as a single DUI:

• Driving Under the Influence—This charge focuses on impairment. The prosecution must prove you were "under the influence" of alcohol or drugs such that your physical or mental abilities were impaired to the degree that you could not drive with the caution of a sober person, regardless of your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). This is a subjective standard based on the police officer's observations (slurred speech, poor driving, failed Field Sobriety Tests).
• Driving With a BAC of 0.08% or Higher—This is the "Per Se" charge, an objective standard. The prosecution must prove you had a BAC of 0.08% or higher while driving. The chemical test (breath or blood) is the primary evidence here. We provide the expertise to challenge the scientific and procedural validity of this testing.

As your Costa Mesa DUI defense lawyer, we must prepare a defense that addresses both the subjective signs of impairment and the objective scientific evidence.

The Dual Battle: DMV Hearing vs. Criminal Court

A DUI arrest in Costa Mesa initiates two completely separate legal battles that must be fought simultaneously by your DUI defense attorney in Costa Mesa:

The Criminal Court Case

• Venue: Orange County Superior Court.
• Consequence: Jail time, fines, probation, DUI school.
• Goal: To achieve a dismissal, an acquittal, or a reduction in charges (e.g., to a "Wet Reckless," VC 23103.5).
• Requirement: Requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

The DMV Administrative Per Se (APS) Hearing

• Action Deadline: You have only 10 days from the date of arrest to request a hearing to contest the automatic suspension of your license. If you fail to act, your license is automatically suspended after 30 days.
• Consequence: Driver's license suspension or revocation.
• Goal: To prove that the officer did not have probable cause for the stop or that the BAC test was invalid.
• Requirement: Uses a lower standard of proof (preponderance of the evidence).

We handle the critical 10-day DMV deadline immediately to protect your driving privileges while simultaneously building your defense in criminal court.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa and Orange County courts impose some of the harshest DUI penalties in California. The consequences escalate dramatically with each subsequent offense.

First Offense Misdemeanor:

• Jail Time: Typically 48 hours up to six months in county jail.
• Fines: Approximately $390 to $1,000, plus thousands more in penalty assessments (total costs often exceed $3,000).
• DUI School: Mandatory completion of a 3 to 9-month court-approved DUI education program.
• Probation: Three to five years of summary (informal) probation.
• License Suspension: Six to ten months, potentially reduced with Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation.

Aggravated/Subsequent Offense Penalties:

• Second Offense: Mandatory jail time (minimum 96 hours) and a two-year license suspension.
• Third Offense: Mandatory jail time (minimum 120 days) and a three-year license suspension.
• Felony DUI: (Fourth offense or DUI with injury) Can result in state prison time, a "strike," and years of license revocation.

Collateral Consequences:

A conviction requires immediate action from a Costa Mesa DUI defense lawyer because it triggers:

• Financial Ruin: Mandatory SR-22 insurance filings, dramatically increasing insurance rates for years.
• IID Requirement: Mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for a minimum of six months.
• Employment Impact: Loss of professional licenses and difficulty securing future employment, particularly for commercial drivers.
• Immigration: Significant negative consequences for non-citizens.

Our Comprehensive Approach to DUI Defense

As former prosecutors, we possess a unique, invaluable insight into how the Orange County District Attorney and law enforcement build their cases. We anticipate their moves and strike at the weakest points of their evidence. This is the difference-making advantage our firm provides as your DUI defense attorney in Costa Mesa.

Defense strategies we utilize include:

• Challenging the Traffic Stop (Fourth Amendment): If the police officer lacked reasonable suspicion to initiate the traffic stop, we file a motion to suppress all evidence—including the breath and blood test results—often leading to a case dismissal.
• Disputing the Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs): We argue that FSTs are subjective and inaccurate. Poor performance can be attributed to medical conditions (e.g., inner ear problems, neuropathy), fatigue, poor lighting, or improper administration by the officer.
• The Rising BAC Defense: We employ toxicology experts to prove that while your BAC may have been 0.08% or higher at the time of the test (often an hour or more after driving), it was below the legal limit when you were actually behind the wheel.
• Attacking Chemical Test Procedures (Title 17 Violations): California regulations require strict adherence to procedures for chemical testing. We investigate all aspects: blood draw chain of custody, improper calibration of breath devices, and failure to observe the required 15-minute waiting period before a breath test.
• Mouth Alcohol Defenses: Arguing that the presence of mouth alcohol (from burping, reflux, or recent consumption) artificially inflated the breathalyzer result, which is a common defense leveraged by a skilled Costa Mesa DUI defense lawyer.

Why Choose Our Drunk Driving Lawyers in Costa Mesa

Clients turn to our firm because we combine detail-oriented case management, clear client communication, and strategies personalized to your circumstances. When you hire us, you get more than one drunk driving lawyer—we use a collaborative approach, which means you benefit from the collective experience of our entire team. 

We have represented clients in all types of criminal matters and know the Orange County courts and procedures well, which allows us to advocate strongly at every stage of your DUI defense.

• Collaborative defense strategies – We combine our backgrounds, including former prosecutors, to give you well-rounded representation.
• Available when you need us – We offer 24/7 access so you do not have to wait for answers or support, especially during urgent situations such as late-night arrests.
• Proven, region-specific advocacy – Our attorneys have built strong reputations through recognition from Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and leadership roles in local bar associations.
• No obligation consultation – Every prospective client can start with a free, confidential consultation to discuss options and ask questions.

Our legal team knows how Costa Mesa police and prosecutors pursue drunk driving cases. Through years of appearing in local courts and working with Orange County’s judiciary, we adapt our approach to match current trends and legal requirements in the region.

What to Expect from a Drunk Driving Attorney in Costa Mesa

The criminal justice process for DUI charges can seem complicated, but an experienced drunk driving lawyer guides you through every key decision. Our team works to understand the complete story behind your arrest, answer your questions, and outline your possible outcomes under California law. 

Every step, from reviewing arrest reports to examining evidence, happens with your input and understanding.

• Clarify your situation – We review every detail, explain possible outcomes under California law, and answer your questions honestly and directly.
• Address local legal procedures – Orange County follows California’s strict DUI laws, and Costa Mesa police often use field sobriety and chemical tests. We know the local courts, common approaches by prosecutors, and options for challenging evidence.
• Build a detail-focused defense – Each case is different. We approach each one with fresh eyes, looking for every available defense, from questioning the legality of stops to reviewing test accuracy and arrest procedures.
• Support at every stage – From arraignment through court hearings, we maintain regular communication with you. Questions arise—whether about what to expect in court, driver’s license concerns, or next steps. We answer promptly, keeping you in control of your choices.

Our familiarity with local procedures and administrative offices helps us support you not only in court, but also through license hearing requests and any court-mandated programs. We help you weigh all available legal options so you can make the choices that serve your best interests now and in the future.

Contact Us for Guidance & Start Your DUI Defense Today

If you or a loved one has been arrested and faces a drunk driving charge in Costa Mesa, connect with a drunk driving attorney who knows how to guide you forward. Contact Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC for a free, confidential consultation. Our attorneys will listen to your story, explain your options under California law, and support you every step of the way. 

We are available 24/7 so you always have a team to call—no matter when you need help. Call (949) 251-0330 or reach out online now to take an informed step in the right direction for your defense.