Top California DUI Lawyer - Top California Drunk Driving Lawyer - CA DUI Law Guide and More!
Serving: Aptos, Ben Lomond, Big Basin, Big Sur, Boulder Creek, Bryson, Capitola, Carmel, Castroville, Davenport, Felton, Greenfield, Hollister, King City, Marina, Monterey, Pebble Beach, Salinas, San Ardo, San Juan Bautista, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Seaside, Soledad, Watsonville
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The Law Offices of J.P. Lavallee
223 River Street, Suite D
Santa Cruz CA 95060
1-800-342-5384 (ext. 831)
800-DIAL-DUI (ext 831)
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Aggressive California Drunk Driving Defense
1O DAY WARNING!!!
YOU MUST FILE A CHALLENGE TO YOUR CALIFORNIA DUI WITHIN 10 DAYS OF ARREST, OR YOU WILL LOSE YOUR LICENSE WITHOUT A HEARING. CONTACT A CALIFORNIA DUI ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY!!
There's a reason that California CA DUI Attorney Lawyer J.P. Lavallee is a Member of America's Top DUI & DWI Defense Attorneys TM :
J.P. Lavallee Wins California Drunk Driving Cases
J.P. Lavallee is a member of the State Bar of California, the National College for DUI Defense, the California DUI Lawyers Association, and the NORML Legal Committee. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the International Association of Chiefs of Police certify him in DUI/DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing.
My office has two legal support staff to assist you. They can answer non-legal questions and keep you informed about the status of your case. Both have exceptional understanding of the needs of an accused person no matter what the allegations. Spanish language translation is available through a legal assistant as well.
This office owns and Alco-Sensor IV and a Draeger 7410 , the two types of breath-test units most commonly used by local law enforcement. I can show you the flaws in these devices and how they can consistently give false high readings.
As a DUI attorney, I endeavor to leave no stone unturned to provide you with a thorough and complete defense. I have a very systematic approach to DUI cases. I do not rely on the police or the prosecution to conduct the investigation of your case. The starting point in a DUI case is not the police report, or anything in the possession of the prosecution; instead it starts with a detailed interview of YOU! You were there and you know what happened. The interview is an opportunity to develop our case and discover issues that can help in your defense. It is an entirely confidential carefully guided look back at the events. No matter what the facts, I do not treat you critically as a "criminal." Instead, I listen to you as the important eyewitness that you are.
Another important step is to visit the scene of the officer's alleged investigation. A private investigator and myself often photograph the scene, measure the area, and study the angles. The goal is to really know the area so I can critically view the accounts of the arresting officers.
In many cases a breath test device is the star witness against you. It is important to investigate this "witness" in detail - does it have a shady past? Like any adverse witness, its credibility can be attacked. Is it telling the truth? Did this device have any maintenance or calibration problems? Does this device really measure accurately? Investigation into the background and the character of this witness is absolutely essential.
If there is a retained sample - for example, if there was blood taken essential that an independent lab extensively re-test that blood. Is it yours? Is there any indication of tampering? Has it spoiled? You may be surprised to know that blood samples may sit for months in un-refrigerated storage before they are tested. I refuse to believe results provided to me by any crime lab run by law enforcement.
No matter how knowledgeable a lawyer is, he or she will not be testifying in court for you. An expert witness can be a great help in presenting your side of the case. The "criminalists" used by the California Department of Justice will typically shade the facts and tend to render very deceptive opinions on the scientific evidence. These biased witnesses almost always favor the prosecution. Hiring your own forensic scientist can really level the playing field - expert witness consultation is money very well spent. In many cases I can reduce your costs by building this witness expense into our fee structure and really present a high value package to you.
For many people a DUI charge is their first encounter with the criminal justice system. They have never needed to hire any lawyer before, and certainly never thought they would need to hire a criminal lawyer. The process of retaining a lawyer for a DUI is not difficult. With my office, the first step is to call the number above and request a free case evaluation or simply make an appointment. All conversations are absolutely confidential. Most importantly, you can be confident when you choose to hire me: I stand on my results, integrity and reputation. Finding an attorney who you are comfortable with, and who you relate well to is important and is more than a matter of personal preference and financial means: there may be some difficult choices to make in your criminal case and ensuring that your attorney understands what is most important to you is crucial.
You will know how much it will cost, and there will be no hidden expenses. While some attorneys work on an hourly basis, this office usually works on a flat fee schedule. That means there is one price to represent a client up to the disposition of the case. This can include a trial, or it can be up to trial, with a specific pre-determined formula for trial or appellate services. Payment plans are possible and credit card payments are accepted. In some cases, retainer agreements can be executed by fax and mail.
My practice is limited to DUI cases other criminal matters. Related crimes commonly include, but are not limited to, reckless driving, driving under the influence of drugs, resisting or evading arrest, possession of controlled substances or weapons, open containers, hit and run, probation or parole violations and driving without a license.
The DMV has changed for the worse. The California Department of Motor Vehicles is at the forefront of the politically induced prejudice against any driver accused of an alcohol related driving crime. It is my position that there is no longer a Due Process Hearing at the DMV and drivers are being suspended no matter what the facts. These days, the way to pursue a win at the DMV is through the writ process - that is, a separate appeal to the Superior Court. It is imperative to employ a creative thinking to get drivers through the harassment and unfairness caused by the DMV's abandonment of their proper administrative role.
The DMV administrative hearing is considered a separate civil (non-criminal) action. It relates only to the driving license. In California, the driving license is considered a privilege and not a right. This is an example of the harsh consequences associated with a DUI.
The hearings are conducted by a hearing "officer" who acts as both the judge and the prosecutor. This person rules on objections and the admissibility of evidence and makes findings of facts. There may be some relief on the horizon, as this role of judge-prosecutor is manifestly unfair and may be ruled unconstitutional. My office is very actively monitoring the development of the law in this area and will immediately use any positive legal ruling to your advantage.
He has built his career around the successful defense of California Drunk Driving Arrests. Mr. Lavallee's reputation as a DUI defense attorney in California is well known.
He can often:
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Successfully negotiate California DUI Dismissals
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Have charges for DUI and Drunk Driving in California reduced
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Avoid California DUI suspensions
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Obtain verdicts of Not Guilty where other attorneys have advised clients to plead guilty
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Mr. Lavallee takes into account the otherwise law abiding backgrounds of his clients, and the effect a DUI can have on their jobs, and conveys these facts to prosecutors, judges and juries.
Contact J.P. Lavallee today. Simply Call him at 1-800-DIAL-DUI, or Ask a Question by email below, or submit a Free Case Review below. His staff will put you in touch with Mr. Lavallee Immediately.
