San Diego-based attorney G. Cole Casey is one of the premier advocates for drunk driving defense today. His exclusive focus is on representing individuals being prosecuted for DUI and DUI-related charges, in both federal and state court. Mr. Casey has gained national prominence as an authority on DUI law, lecturing across the country at various seminars and associations. While being a Specialist Member of the California DUI Lawyers Association, he is the only Board Member in the county of San Diego, a position only attainable by a unanimous vote (the California DUI Lawyers Association is the oldest Drunk Driving Defense Bar Association in the United States).

Moreover, Mr. Casey is the sole California State Delegate for the National College of DUI Defense (NCDD). Only one attorney in each state has the privilege of this distinction, and Mr. Casey proudly holds such a position for one of the largest states in the country. (As of June 2008, Mr. Casey is now the Head State Delegate, governing all State Delegates.) He is also a Sustaining Member of the NCDD.

So what do all these distinctions mean? If you have been arrested for DUI, or any DUI-related offense, it is essential to have a strong legal ally to advocate on your behalf against the State of California or the Federal Government. It is absolutely imperative to have an attorney with renowned trial practice skills. Not only does this increase the probability of a more fruitful negotiation with the prosecution (and a positive outcome), it virtually guarantees that your case - your side of the story - will be communicated to the jury and judge to the highest degree possible. Without an effective communicator, you simply don't stand a chance against the powerful resources of the government. That is why it is absolutely essential not to settle for anyone but the best in selecting a DUI lawyer.

Mr. Casey has built his practice from the ground up - establishing himself as a highly effective attorney in the specialized area of DUI cases. He has represented clients in all capacities of DUI defense - from first offense misdemeanor DUI's, all the way to felony vehicular manslaughter cases. His results are simply unparalleled (and very well documented). He has defended professional athletes, celebrities, CEO's of Fortune 100 companies, multiple law enforcement officers, as well as many other well-respected members of society.

The benefit of a sole DUI practice, often stated by Mr. Casey, is that it enables an attorney to enjoy all of the excitement of the criminal court system, without representing real criminals. An arrest for DUI is a terrifying and troubling event. Almost all of Mr. Casey's clients have never been in legal trouble before and virtually all are overwhelmed by the prospect of facing prosecution by the government for DUI.

DUI defense is such a specialized and unique area of law that it is essential to have an attorney completely versed in all aspects and nuances of DUI defense - both in and out of trial. While Mr. Casey has achieved his recognition for extraordinary trial practice skills, proper representation for DUI begins much earlier than that. Likewise, a successful DUI defense includes much more than effective advocacy in front of a jury. Truly effective DUI defense includes proper and potent negotiation with the prosecution; meticulous preparation before all pre-trial motions, as well as a fundamental dedication to serving the client's individual needs and helping them navigate and manage the entire DUI prosecution.

California DUI Law:

Californians use the acronym DUI in reference to Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicant (or intoxicants); alcohol and/or drugs, including prescription medication if it impairs ability to drive. It is often termed as DWI, or Driving While Intoxicated, in other states, thus operating a motor vehicle while impaired, or with a blood or breath alcohol concentration at or above the legal limit of .08% for adults 21 years of age or older. The laws are much stricter for minors accused of DUI who are under the legal drinking age.

In San Diego County, A MISDEMEANOR DUI is typically charged for a a first DUI offense involving no injury, property damage, or other DUI penalty enhancements, and is punishable by up to one year in jail and heavy fines.

A FELONY DUI in San Diego County is usually charged when the the drunk driving case involves a penalty enhancement, such as causing bodily injury to another, a prior felony conviction, refusal to submit to a chemical test, or another "aggravating" circumstance; the punishment for a felony DUI conviction could be a sentence of several years in a state prison.

Under California legislature, a drunk driving arrest triggers two cases; the DUI criminal court case as stated above, AND a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) case to enforce automatic suspension of your drivers license. You actually have two separate counts / cases to fight.

San Diego Drunk Driving Arrests

San Diego drunk driving arrests are unique in that they can arise in a number of different ways. Amber alerts signs are now being used on San Diego freeways directing motorists to report other drivers they suspect of drinking and driving. A common scenario is the sobriety checkpoint, or DUI roadblock, where drivers are stopped and questioned as to whether they've been drinking. Involvement in a car accident where police are summoned is another instance of coming under suspicion for DUI and being subjected to sobriety testing . Another method of finding and arresting drunk drivers is aerial surveillance by a police helicopter in search of impaired motorists. The San Diego Police Department employs a specialized DUI Task force, or DUI squad, who work closely with MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and other law enforcement agencies to increase the number of DUI arrests in the county. The San Diego Police DUI Task Force is trained to look for specific drunk driving patterns and behaviors associated with DUI. The City of San Diego, in compliance with federal and DUI actiivists' guidelines for penalization and deterrence of DUI, has no shortage of funding for this purpose.

Hiring a San Diego DUI Lawyer

If you've been arrested for DUI, you need to take deliberate action on both the criminal and DMV side of your case. You have only ten days to request a hearing to prevent the automatic suspension of your drivers license.

Due to the many complex factors resulting from California DUI legislation and progressive lobbying by special interest groups, it is imperative that anyone arrested for drunk driving in the region consult with a competent and qualified San Diego DUI attorney with a proven track record of successfully defending drunk driving cases in the local court systems who is familiar with the judges, prosecutors, and unique technicalities and scientific defenses regarding DUI cases.

Our specialization and focussed attention as drunk driving advocates has earned us nationwide recognition for unprecedented DUI case result victories and favorable DMV Hearing outcomes.

A good DUI defense attorney will effectively challenge tests that were administered at the time of your arrest, including but not limited to, the qualifications and credibilty of the administering police officer, breath or blood sample contamination, appropriate use and accuracy of instruments employed.

HIRING A LAWYER WHO FOCUSES SOLELY ON DEFENDING SAN DIEGO DUI CASES CAN MAKE THE CRITICAL DIFFERENCE IN THE OUTCOME OF YOUR CASE
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G. Cole Casey heads the top San Diego drunk driving defense firm. As a well known San Diego DUI lawyer, his proven track record and DUI jury trial case results are unmatched and unprecedented by any other DUI attorney in the region.

Call us twenty four hours a day at  (619) 237-0384  or  Email Us  now to discuss a legitimate and effective defense strategy for your driving under the influence case.