ARRESTED FOR DUI IN COSTA MESA? PUT MY EXPERIENCE ON YOUR SIDE

DUI LAWYER IN COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA

Costa Mesa's restaurants, breweries, and nightlife along 17th Street, the Triangle, and near South Coast Plaza attract crowds from all over Orange County. The 405, 55, and 73 freeways all pass through the city. The Costa Mesa Police Department and the California Highway Patrol make DUI arrests here every week.

A DUI arrest can feel overwhelming, but it does not automatically mean a conviction. I have defended DUI cases in Orange County since 2007, and my Santa Ana and Fountain Valley offices are both close to Costa Mesa.

What Happens After a Costa Mesa DUI Arrest

  1. Arrest and testing. After a DUI arrest, you are required to take a breath or blood test. The officer usually takes your license and gives you a temporary permit.
  2. DMV hearing request. You have 10 days to request a hearing to fight the license suspension.
  3. Arraignment. Your first court date, where charges are formally read and you enter a plea.
  4. Pretrial. Your lawyer reviews evidence, files motions, and negotiates with the prosecutor.
  5. Resolution or trial. The case is resolved through dismissal, plea agreement, or trial.

Where Costa Mesa DUI Cases Are Heard

Misdemeanor DUI cases from Costa Mesa are typically heard at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach. Felony DUI cases may be heard at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.

Drug DUI and Marijuana

Even though recreational marijuana is legal in California, driving while impaired by it is not. Drug DUI is charged under Vehicle Code 23152(f). Unlike alcohol, there is no legal limit for THC. Blood tests can show THC long after its effects have worn off. That makes these cases very defensible. The prosecution must prove you were actually impaired while driving, not just that THC was in your system.

Experience on Both Sides

I served eight years as an officer with the Los Angeles Police Department. I know what DUI investigations look like from the officer's side, and I know where they tend to go wrong. I use that experience to challenge the evidence against you.

Talk to a Costa Mesa DUI Lawyer

If you have been arrested for DUI in Costa Mesa, do not wait to get help. The sooner I am involved, the more I can do to protect your rights and build your defense. Call McCready Law Group at (714) 785-9978 or send me a message to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a DUI for driving high on marijuana?

Yes. Driving while impaired by marijuana is a DUI under Vehicle Code 23152(f). However, there is no per se THC limit, and a positive blood test does not prove impairment, which gives the defense important arguments.

Which court hears Costa Mesa DUI cases?

Most misdemeanor DUI cases from Costa Mesa are heard at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach. Felony DUI cases may be heard in Santa Ana.

Will I go to jail for a first DUI?

Jail is possible but not typical for a first-offense DUI without aggravating factors. Many first-time cases are resolved with probation, fines, and a DUI program.

Other Areas I Serve

I also represent clients arrested for DUI in these nearby cities:

Also Serving Costa Mesa

See all service areas or learn more about my DUI defense practice.

DUI LAWYER SERVING COSTA MESA

At McCready Law Group, I fight for people arrested for DUI in Costa Mesa and throughout Orange County. I bring eight years of experience as a Los Angeles Police Department officer to every case, and I give each client honest advice and personal attention. Call (714) 785-9978 to discuss your case.

Proudly serving Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Lakewood, Orange County, CA, and the surrounding areas, including Santa Ana and Fountain Valley. Criminal Defense and White Collar Crime Lawyer in Orange County, Domestic Violence and Manslaughter Lawyer in Orange County.