Aliso Viejo DUI Attorney

Over 27 Years of DUI Defense Experience. Former Prosecutor. Proven Results Across Orange County.

A DUI arrest in Aliso Viejo can move fast, and what you do in the first hours and days can directly impact your license, your record, and your future. Working with an experienced DUI Lawyer Orange County early in the process can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case.

Richard Wagner is a former DUI prosecutor with over 27 years of experience defending clients throughout Orange County, including Aliso Viejo. He understands how DUI cases are built and how to challenge the evidence at every stage. Richard Wagner is licensed by the State Bar of California, Bar #198699, and is recognized by Super Lawyers and the National College for DUI Defense.

Contact The Law Office of Richard Wagner today for a confidential consultation and begin building your defense. Read Richard Wagner’s profile

“Richard is very professional, communicative, and extremely knowledgeable about the court system. I wouldn’t trust anyone else in times like these.”
— A.R., Aliso Viejo | Read more client reviews

A DUI charge in Orange County can carry serious consequences, including:

Hefty fines and court fees
Jail time
Driver’s license suspension
Damage to your reputation
Professional licensing consequences

Many drivers underestimate how serious a DUI arrest can be. Acting quickly and working with a skilled Orange County DUI attorney can help protect your future.

How DUI Charges Happen in Aliso Viejo

DUI arrests can happen in a variety of situations, from routine traffic stops to accidents or even being found parked while impaired.

In California, you can be charged with DUI if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at or above the legal limit, or if law enforcement believes your ability to drive was impaired.

California law sets the following BAC limits:

0.08% for drivers 21 and over
0.04% for commercial drivers
0.01% for drivers under 21 or on DUI probation

These limits are established under California Vehicle Code Section 23152. Even if your BAC is below the legal limit, you can still be charged with DUI based on observed impairment. Read more about BAC

You only have 10 days to request a DMV hearing after a DUI arrest. Missing this deadline can result in an automatic license suspension. Speak with an experienced Orange County DUI attorney immediately to protect your driving privileges.

Call (714) 721-4423 now to protect your license and your rights.

DUI Charges and DMV Hearings

A DUI arrest triggers two separate cases:

Your criminal court case
Your DMV license suspension hearing

The DMV can suspend your license even if your criminal charges are reduced or dismissed. This is why working with an experienced Orange County DUI attorney is critical early in your case.

Learn more about DMV hearings

DUI Evidence and Defense Strategy

A strong DUI defense starts with a full investigation of the evidence, including:

Police reports and bodycam footage
Field sobriety tests
Breath or blood test results
Dispatch and 911 recordings

Law enforcement must follow strict procedures. Any violation of your rights, including unlawful stops or improper testing, can lead to evidence being suppressed and your case potentially dismissed.

Defense strategies may include challenging blood and breath test accuracy, reviewing officer training records, and identifying violations of your constitutional rights.

Read more about DUI blood tests

Penalties for a DUI in Aliso Viejo

DUI penalties in Orange County can be severe and increase with repeat offenses or aggravating factors.

Prior DUI convictions
High BAC levels
Accidents or injuries
Refusal to submit to testing
Excessive speed or reckless driving

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. Every DUI case is different, but early legal strategy is critical. An experienced Orange County defense attorney can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and work to protect your future.

Richard Wagner has achieved favorable outcomes for clients whose cases were filed at the Harbor Justice Center, including dismissals and overturned DMV suspensions. Review recent DUI case results for examples of how these cases have been resolved.