DUI

We Will Defend Your Rights & Protect Your Future

Murrieta DUI Attorney

Recognized for our integrity and honest determination to help clients obtain the best possible outcome, our staff works diligently to help you protect your future against DUI charges. Attorney Nicolai Cocis has earned a reputation with area prosecutors of being a fighter, but one who works within the legal system to get results. This leads to a willingness by many prosecutors to work with us to reach satisfactory results for our clients.

If you have been arrested, you have rights! Remember, you do not have to say anything to the arresting officer. Exercise your Miranda Rights and remain silent. Anything you can say can be held against you in a court of law! It is completely alright to remain quiet and speak with an attorney about your circumstances. California law has harsh penalties for anyone that has been convicted of a DUI. Charges for vehicular manslaughter or an accident involving an injury can add additional fines and jail time to your DUI charge.

DUI Penalties in California

First Offense DUI in California

  • Summary Probation: 3 to 5 Years
  • Imprisonment: Maximum 6 Months in County Jail
  • Fine: $390 to $1,000
  • Alcohol and/or Drug Education Program: 3- or 9-Month
  • Driver's License Suspension: 6- to 10-Months

Second Offense DUI in California

  • Summary Probation: 3 to 5 Years
  • Imprisonment: 96 Hours to 1 Year in County Jail
  • Fine: $390 to $1,000
  • California DUI School: 18- or 30-Month
  • Driver's License Suspension: 2 Years

Third DUI California

  • Summary Probation: 3 to 5 Years
  • Imprisonment: 120 Days to 1 Year in County Jail
  • Fine: $390 to $1,000
  • DUI Education Program: 18- or 30-Months
  • Driver's License Revocation: 3 Years

DUI Process in Murrieta, Temecula, and Hemet

  • Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Administrative Per Se (APS) process: The California APS law requires the DMV to suspend or revoke driver's licenses for individuals arrested for DUI. To protect your license status, you must contact the DMV within 10 calendar days of an arrest to request an APS hearing. At that point, a temporary license could be issued, thereby allowing you time to challenge the suspension through a DMV hearing.


If you do not contact the DMV to request an APS hearing, your license will be suspended automatically for four months or more. It is important to act immediately. Contact us to prevent an automatic suspension, and keep your license in good standing.

  • Criminal justice system, Trial Readiness Conferences (TRC) and court dates: Upon receipt of a DUI ticket, you are also given a court date. At your first court date, called an arraignment, you will be provided an opportunity to plead not guilty, or for your lawyer to appear on your behalf while you fulfill work or school obligations. At this point, the court will set dates for Trial Readiness Conferences, which are subsequent court dates where your attorney can use negotiation tactics to dismiss or reduce charges and challenge the probable cause for arrest.

Protect Your Driving Privileges

Being charged with a DUI can have severe consequences, including the suspension or revocation of your driver's license. At the Law Office of Nic Cocis, we understand the importance of maintaining your driving privileges and will work tirelessly to protect them.

Our experienced Murrieta DUI defense attorneys have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding DUI cases in California. We will carefully review the details of your case and develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.

Here are some ways we can help protect your driving privileges:

  • Challenging the DUI arrest: We will thoroughly examine the circumstances of your arrest, including the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of field sobriety tests, and the reliability of breathalyzer or blood test results.
  • Negotiating a plea bargain: In some cases, we may be able to negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges or penalties, which could help minimize the impact on your driving privileges.
  • Representing you at the DMV hearing: We will guide you through the DMV hearing process and present a compelling case to protect your license. Our attorneys have a strong track record of success in DMV hearings.
  • Exploring alternative sentencing options: Depending on the circumstances of your case, we may be able to explore alternative sentencing options, such as attending alcohol education programs or installing an ignition interlock device, which could help mitigate the impact on your driving privileges.

Don't risk losing your driving privileges. Contact the Law Office of Nic Cocis today to schedule a consultation and let us fight for your rights.

Tough and Effective Criminal Defense Services

  • In order to find evidence to prove your case and weaken the prosecution's, our staff will analyze your arrest to ensure that:
  • Your rights were adhered to throughout the traffic stop and ensuing arrest
  • All police procedures were followed during field sobriety tests
  • Blood alcohol level analyzers were properly calibrated at the time of your test

The best option is to hire a top criminal defense attorney. At the Law Office of Nicolai Cocis, we understand that the vast majority of people accused of drunk driving are not criminals, but in fact, are ordinary citizens caught in the criminal justice system. We work diligently to help you protect your future from the effects of these charges, whether a mistake was made on your part or not.

Our office is located near the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta, California. We represent individuals charged with DUI in Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Hemet, Banning, Corona, Winchester, and Riverside.


Get in touch with our office and call our Murrieta DUI lawyer before it is too late.


 

Real Cases. Real Results.

Explore Our Success Stories

  • Jury Trial Regarding Federal Conspiracy to Obstruct U.S. Congress
  • 23 of 24 Felony Counts Dismissed: Client sentenced to probation and credit for time served in an auto-theft case worth $1.7 million
  • Charges reduced: Mortgage and Real Estate Fraud Valued in Excess of $1 Million Resulted in Probation and One Year of Home Confinement
  • Charges Reduced: Client Charged with Accessory to Murder after Shooting at Busy Restaurant Resulted in Probation and Jail Time. Avoided Lengthy Prison Time.
  • Substantial Reduction of Sentence: FBI Arrested Client for Involvement in Events on January 6th at U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C.
  • Sentence Reduced: Client Whose DNA was Linked to Kidnap and Rape Faced a Sentence of 50 Years to Life.

Begin Building Your Defense

Do not hesitate to contact us by calling (951) 666-2600 or filling out the form below. We review your case for free to determine the best course of action.

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