If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Temecula, time is not on your side. Whether you were pulled over near Old Town after a night out, on I-15 near the Pechanga Resort exit, or after dinner at one of the region’s acclaimed wineries on Rancho California Road, California law moves quickly – and so must you.
A DUI arrest in Temecula is more than just a ticket; it is the beginning of a legal process that can strip you of your license, your job, and your freedom.
At Liberty Criminal Defense, we understand that Temecula’s unique blend of tourism, nightlife, and major commuter routes results in a heightened police presence. The Temecula Police Department and California Highway Patrol (CHP) frequently conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints. You need a defense team that moves faster than the state. Led by DUI defense attorney Evan Vargas, we leverage over two decades of experience to challenge the specific tactics employed by local law enforcement, protecting your license and future.
Defend Your DUI with a Local Temecula DUI Lawyer
Attorney Evan Vargas has been defending DUI cases in Southern California since 2004. He is intimately familiar with the nuances of the California Vehicle Code and knows how to identify cracks in the police report that less experienced lawyers may overlook. His two decades of practice mean he has seen every variation of a DUI charge and knows exactly which defense strategies yield the best results in Riverside County courts.
We don’t just practice law; we practice local law. Evan Vargas has spent years defending drivers in the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta. He has faced the specific judges who preside over DUI arraignments and the prosecutors who handle these files.
He understands the local “unwritten rules”, such as which DAs are open to reducing a charge to a “Wet Reckless” and which ones require a hard push toward trial. This local insight is crucial when challenging field sobriety tests administered on uneven winery roads or arguing against the validity of checkpoints on Jefferson Avenue.
Winning in court doesn’t automatically save your license. We fight for you on two fronts: defending you against criminal charges in the Superior Court and representing you at the DMV Administrative Per Se Hearing. We handle the complex paperwork and technical arguments to protect your driving privileges. The result is you keep your job, and your life stays on track.
You can be charged with driving under the influence even if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is below 0.08%. California law applies an “appreciable degree” standard, meaning if the prosecutor can prove your driving ability was impaired by alcohol, you can be convicted. We fight these charges by challenging the subjective nature of the officer’s observations, such as claiming you had “watery eyes” or an “unsteady gait,” which can be caused by fatigue or allergies rather than alcohol.
This is a “per se” charge, meaning the chemical test result itself is the evidence of the crime. However, breathalyzers and blood tests are not infallible.
We carefully review the calibration logs of the specific device used in your arrest and check for procedural errors in how the test was administered. If the machine was not properly serviced, the results may be inadmissible.
With the prevalence of nightlife and checkpoints in Temecula, drug DUIs are increasingly common. These charges often rely on blood tests and the officer’s opinion rather than a strict “.08” number. We aggressively challenge the science behind these charges, employing expert witnesses to show that the presence of a drug metabolite does not equate to active impairment while driving.
If you are arrested for DUI in Temecula or elsewhere in Southwest Riverside County, your case will almost certainly be handled at the Superior Court of California – Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta.
Superior Court of California – Southwest Justice Center 30755-D Auld Road Murrieta, CA 92563
This courthouse has jurisdiction over misdemeanor and felony DUI cases in Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, and surrounding areas.
The Southwest Justice Center regularly handles a high volume of DUI-related matters, including:
DUI cases are typically assigned to specific misdemeanor and felony criminal courtrooms within the Southwest Justice Center that frequently hear alcohol- and drug-related driving offenses. Judges in these courtrooms are very familiar with DUI law, field sobriety tests, breath and blood testing procedures, and DMV-related consequences.
Not necessarily. Police often target vehicles leaving winery areas, but they must still have probable cause to stop you. We frequently argue that the “odor of alcohol” alone does not prove impairment, especially in a hospitality setting, and challenge stops based on profiling rather than driving errors.
Yes, a “Wet Reckless” is a common goal in negotiations. It is a reduced charge that carries lower fines and usually no jail time compared to a standard DUI. Our local relationships with prosecutors help us identify when this is a viable option for your case.
Refusing a chemical test after a lawful arrest can result in a mandatory one-year license suspension and enhanced penalties in court. However, we can challenge whether the officer properly advised you of these consequences (the admonition) before deeming it a refusal.
Police will take your physical license and give you a pink temporary sheet. This is valid for 30 days. However, you must request a DMV hearing within 10 days of the arrest to stop the automatic suspension from kicking in after that 30-day window.
In most misdemeanor DUI cases, Attorney Evan Vargas can appear on your behalf pursuant to Penal Code 977. This means you can go to work or stay home while we face the judge and prosecutor, saving you stress and lost wages.
Yes. If convicted, you must attend a state-licensed program. In the Temecula area, providers like the “Alert DUI Program” on Jefferson Avenue offer training programs. We can help you enroll in the program that fits your schedule.
Between court fines (approx. $2,000+), DUI classes, DMV reissue fees, and insurance hikes (SR-22), a first-time DUI can cost over $10,000 over three years. Hiring a lawyer is an investment to avoid these long-term costs.
CHP officers are highly trained in DUI enforcement, but they can still make mistakes. We review their dashcam footage (MVARS) for signs that you were weaving or speeding as claimed in the report.
Yes, in most cases, you can obtain a restricted license that allows you to drive if you install an Ignition Interlock Device in your vehicle. We assist with the paperwork to get you back on the road.
Yes, a DUI is a criminal misdemeanor (or felony) and will appear on background checks. This is why we fight for a dismissal or a reduction to a lesser charge that may look less damaging to employers.
