Huntington Beach DUI Attorney
Former DUI Prosecutor with 27+ Years of Experience Defending DUI Cases Across Orange County
Huntington Beach DUI lawyer Richard Wagner has decades of experience fighting for clients facing DUI charges. He understands how DUI cases are built and how to challenge the evidence at every stage. Read Richard Wagner’s profile
Working with an experienced DUI Lawyer Orange County early in the process can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case.
A DUI conviction in Huntington Beach can carry serious legal and personal consequences, including:
- Hefty fines and restitution
- Jail time
- The loss of your driver’s license
- Damage to your reputation
- Impact on a professional or business license
Huntington Beach Police officers are known for being very aggressive with drunk driving arrests.
Huntington Beach has a reputation for recreation with resort hotels, restaurants, and bars, all of which make it a target for Huntington Beach Police Department police officers to patrol for drunk drivers.
The California Highway Patrol looks for drunk drivers on the 405, and HPBD patrols streets like Beach Boulevard (SR 39), Magnolia, Main Street, and the Pacific Coast Highway.
Highly Rated and Reviewed DUI Defense Attorney
- Top 100 Lawyers by National Trial Lawyers
- Top One Percent Attorneys by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel
- Licensed by the State Bar of California, Bar #198699
- 5-Star Reviews and a Superb 10.0/10.0 Rating on AVVO
- 5-Star Reviews on Google
- 5-Star Reviews on Yelp
Having an experienced attorney for your DUI in Huntington Beach can make a critical difference when facing DUI or other criminal charges.
Call Richard Wagner (714) 721-4423 today to confidentially discuss your situation and begin building your defense.
Criminal Charges for a DUI in Huntington Beach
Many drivers face DUI charges after being pulled over or involved in a traffic collision. You can be charged with the crime of driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that is equal to or over the legal limits. You are not allowed to drive with a BAC at or above:
- 0.08% for drivers 21 and over in a non-commercial vehicle
- 0.04% for drivers 21 and over while driving a commercial vehicle or passenger-for-hire vehicle
- 0.01% for drivers under 21 and drivers on DUI probation
These thresholds are established under California Vehicle Code Section 23152. California prosecutors can also file DUI charges even if your BAC does not exceed the legal limit, using Vehicle Code sections 23152(a) and 23153(a) based on observed impairment.
It is also illegal to drive under the influence of drugs.
For a free legal consultation with a DUI lawyer serving Huntington Beach, call (714) 721-4423.
Huntington Beach DUI Evidence
If you are arrested in Huntington Beach for a DUI, building a defense starts with reviewing every document generated during the investigation, the Driving Under the Influence Report, the Age 21 and Older Officer’s Statement, and DMV form DS367.
California law also entitles your attorney to obtain any evidence the prosecution gathered during the investigation, including material favorable to your defense, under Penal Code 1054 and the constitutional protections set out in Brady v. Maryland (1963) 373 US 83. This can also include serving a subpoena on the HBPD for body-worn camera footage for your DMV Hearing. There can also be footage from the cameras inside the Huntington Beach Jail where your blood may have been drawn.
Subpoenas can be served on the police to get evidence of other video and audio recordings. If you took a breath test, your attorney can get evidence to verify whether the officer was properly trained on how to administer the AlcoSensor VXL breath machine and whether the breathalyzer was actually working right at the time of the test.
Penalties for a DUI Conviction in Huntington Beach
You can face severe criminal penalties if you are convicted of a DUI in Orange County courts. The penalties for a DUI also become harsher as you accumulate more DUI convictions.
DUI charges can also become aggravated if the incident has certain aggravating facts, such as:
- Minors in the vehicle
- Injuries to others
- Excessive speed and reckless driving
- High BAC
- Refusing a blood or breath test
- Hit-and-run or accident
Whether this is your first DUI, a second DUI, a third DUI, or a case involving felony DUI with injury, the penalties and defense strategy change significantly based on prior history and the facts of the arrest. Given the seriousness of a DUI charge, it is important to speak with Huntington Beach DUI attorney Richard Wagner without delay.
Richard Wagner has achieved favorable outcomes for clients whose cases were filed at the West Justice Center, including dismissals and overturned DMV suspensions. Review recent DUI case results for examples of how these cases have been resolved.
Huntington Beach DUI Court / DMV Information
If you were arrested in Huntington Beach for Driving Under the Influence, your case will be heard in the West Justice Center, officially known as the Stephen K. Tamura Justice Center, located at 8141 13th Street, Westminster, California. The closest DMV Driver Safety Office is located at 790 The City Drive, Suite 420, Orange, California, (714) 703-2511.
This court also handles DUI cases from Westminster and Costa Mesa.
For serious DUI cases, the Huntington Beach jail has what is called a “Pay-to-Stay” program if you qualify to serve your jail sentence in a city jail instead of the Orange County jail. It is a preferred alternative to allow you to work or go to school, and participate in court-ordered treatment while serving your jail sentence on consecutive days, nights, and/or weekends.
Huntington Beach DUI Lawyer – Free Consultation
A DUI arrest in Huntington Beach requires quick action. Call Richard Wagner, a knowledgeable and experienced DUI Defense Lawyer for drunk driving arrests out of Huntington Beach, at (714) 721-4423 to discuss your defense strategy.
- Attorney Richard Wagner’s Profile
- Newport Beach DUI Attorney
- Orange County DUI Attorney
- Can You Get A DUI If Pulled Over For Tinted Windows Orange County?
- Legal Community Loses Two Legal Lions
Huntington Beach is the most populous beach city in Orange County. It is bordered by the Bolsa Chica Basin State Marine Conservation Area, the Pacific Ocean, Seal Beach, Westminster, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, and Newport Beach.
HB is known for its long stretch of sandy beach, mild climate, great surfing, and beach culture earning the nickname “Surf City.” Duke Kahanamoku began surfing in Huntington Beach in 1925, popularizing the sport.
There are two 18-hole golf courses in Huntington Beach: Meadowlark Golf Club is open to the public and is located on Warner and Graham; and The Huntington Club, formerly known as Seacliff Country Club, is a private country club.
The original Huntington Beach Pier was built in 1904. The U.S. Open of Surfing is held on the south side of the pier. Huntington Beach hosts car shows such as the Beachcruiser Meet. There has been a Fourth of July parade held since 1904.
The city’s first high school was Huntington Beach High School. Other public high schools are Edison, Marina, and Ocean View.
The 2020 United States Census reported that Huntington Beach had a population of 198,711.
The biggest employers in the city are Boeing, Safran Cabin Inc., No Ordinary Moments, and Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach.
