Arrested for DUI in Indio? Whether it happened during Coachella or Stagecoach weekends, on Highway 111 near downtown, or near the Indio Fairgrounds, you need an experienced DUI lawyer fast. Under California law, you have 10 days to challenge your license suspension.
At Liberty Criminal Defense, Attorney Evan Vargas defends residents and visitors alike with the tenacity that comes from over 20 years of winning criminal cases. We understand that a DUI offense in the desert presents unique challenges, including issues with blood sample storage in high heat and long delays in processing. We are here to ensure that a fun weekend in the valley doesn’t turn into a permanent criminal record.
Defend Your DUI with a Local Indio DUI Lawyer
Evan Vargas has been practicing criminal law for over two decades. He has handled thousands of cases and expertly navigated the complexities of the California legal system. His experience allows him to quickly assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case, giving you a realistic outlook and a strategic battle plan from day one.
Indio is a unique jurisdiction due to the influx of tourists for major festivals. We regularly handle cases for out-of-town visitors and festival-goers. We are experts at managing cases remotely for clients who live in Los Angeles, San Diego, or out of state, often making court appearances on your behalf (Penal Code 977) so you don’t have to travel back to the desert.
Many Indio arrests involve blood tests due to the remote locations of stops. We focus on science. We challenge blood test contamination or fermentation (common in hot climates), questioning officer certification on Drug Recognition, and employing forensic toxicologists to dispute claims of impairment.
Indio enforces state law strictly. Being found with a BAC of 0.08% or higher is a per se DUI. However, even with a lower BAC, if an officer testifies that your driving was impaired, you can be charged. We cross-examine officers to show that fatigue from a long drive or dehydration from the desert heat – not alcohol – caused any observed driving issues.
With the popularity of music festivals, drug DUI arrests are common in Indio. These cases are often based on the subjective opinion of a Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE). We vigorously challenge the DRE’s training and conclusions, arguing that nervousness or physical exhaustion was mistaken for drug impairment.
An arrest triggers a DMV process separate from the court. You have 10 days to request a hearing. We handle this entire process, challenging the evidence at the driver safety office to try to save your license before the criminal case even resolves.
The Larson Justice Center is a large, three-story facility.
To ensure you do not miss your mandatory court appearance, keep these logistical details in mind:
Public parking is available in the large lot south and east of the building (accessible via Oasis Street) and in the county parking structure. Once you arrive, you must pass through a security screening at the main entrance; lines can be long between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, so plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early.
Criminal DUI cases are typically heard in the “Criminal Departments” located on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Standard departments for arraignments and pretrial hearings include 2E through 2K and 3M through 3T. Check the electronic monitors in the lobby to find your name and assigned department number immediately upon entering.
Go directly to your assigned courtroom. You must check in with the bailiff or the courtroom clerk to ensure you are marked as “present” before the judge takes the bench. If you are represented by an attorney, they may check in on your behalf, but you should remain in the hallway or the gallery as instructed.
In most misdemeanor cases, we can appear on your behalf. You generally won’t need to return to California unless the case goes to trial or the judge specifically orders it, which is rare for standard DUIs.
Maybe not. Checkpoints must follow strict Supreme Court guidelines regarding signage, safety, and neutrality. If the Indio PD or CHP failed to follow these rules, we can file a motion to suppress all evidence.
The “Awareness Program” in Indio is a common provider. For out-of-state clients, we often arrange for you to complete equivalent education in your home state to satisfy the California court requirements.
In Riverside County, it can take several weeks or even months for the DOJ lab to process blood samples. We monitor this closely, as excessive delays can violate your right to a speedy trial.
Standard penalties include 3 years of probation, fines of approximately $2,000, a 3-month DUI class, and a license suspension. Judges in Indio may also mandate community service or “CalTrans” work.
Yes, generally you can get an IID-restricted license immediately or a work-restricted license after a 30-day hard suspension. We help you navigate the DMV requirements to get this set up.
A medical card is not a defense to DUI. The law prohibits driving while impaired by marijuana. However, we argue that the presence of THC in your blood does not prove you were impaired at the time of driving, as THC stays in the system for weeks.
While jail is possible, it is not mandatory for a first offense without injury. We work aggressively to secure alternatives such as work release or house arrest if a conviction is unavoidable.
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurance company files with the DMV. It verifies you have the minimum required auto insurance. You will likely need this to reinstate your license.
If you do not request a DMV hearing within 10 days of your arrest, you forfeit your right to challenge the license suspension. The suspension becomes automatic after your temporary license expires. We file this request for you immediately upon hiring.
