Request A Free Case Evaluation
Client Testimonials
“Aaron made my DUI case go very smooth, he has well knowledge of the court system and works hard to give you the best results . I didn’t even have to show up to court or to the DMV hearing. We all know how time consuming this can be especially if you have a busy schedule.I didn’t even take one day off from work he took care of all the appearances. He gave me good advice and kept me very calm. One of the reasons I picked Aaron was because I got my DUI the day before Christmas eve which was a Friday. We all know how busy everybody is with their loved ones during those times. On saturday which was Christmas eve I called a whole bunch of lawyers and they were all answering services...”
Practice Dedicated to DUI Defense Exclusively
A DUI arrest can happen to anyone who drinks or takes legal or non-legal drugs, and then drives a vehicle. While most of us don’t intend to go out and drive under the influence, sometimes it does happen. In most cases, we had that one last drink that barely put us at or over the legal .08% limit. When we’ve have had too much, lack of judgment can kick in and the result might be what we never expected to happen – a DUI arrest. Sometimes we get that emergency call and decide to drive. We might have pulled over to sober up, but still got charged with a DUI. Whatever the situation is, we did something that we wish we could take back, and now we have no choice but to deal with the consequences.
I help defend people who made a judgment error. We are all humans, and we all make mistakes. Most of my clients are good people who are facing criminal prosecution and loss of driving privileges for the first time in their lives. There are so many questions and unknowns in a situation like this. It is a terrifying experience, and for many causes more stress than they’ve ever encountered.
The Right DUI Defense
Drinking is not a crime, but when you choose to get behind the wheel after a few drinks, you risk getting pulled over for driving under the influence. Getting pulled over, especially if it is the first time, can be extremely frightening. From the moment that you are pulled over, the police officer who performed the stop will try to determine whether you were driving under the influence. You could be asked a series of questions along with carrying out other types of field sobriety tests. Most of the time, police officers request that you blow into a breathalyzer to attain your blood alcohol content (BAC). If your BAC is at or over the legal limit of .08%, or if you failed any other field sobriety test, you will be arrested and charged with a DUI. DUI charges can lead to a criminal conviction with harsh penalties and dire consequences. It is not a matter to be taken lightly. If you have been pulled over and charged with a DUI, it is imperative that you contact an experienced DUI attorney in Marin County right away.
With over 30 years of DUI defense expertise, we have the ability to procure the best outcome for your specific case. DUI cases are complex, and though the law blankets a set of laws and penalties for DUI charges, every case is different and should be treated individually. We know that as human beings, we all make mistakes. We are not perfect, and sometimes our actions lead to unintended ramifications. When it comes to DUIs, the implications can be serious and result in much more than some jail time and fines. As a firm with proficient dexterity in DUI defense in Marin County, we can help with the following:
- Avoid Driver’s License Suspension
- Avoid Jail
- Obtain a Reduction of Fines
- Actualize Reduced or Dropped Charges
- Prevent a Permanent Criminal Record
Working with a Marin County DUI lawyer who cares about clients is vital. An attorney who cares will not only put in the time necessary to achieve the best results but will also ease your stress and anxiety throughout the entire process.
Serving Marin County and the Entire Bay Area
Dedicated to DUI Defense
It is important to be aware that driving under the influence is not only limited to alcohol. Driving under the influence of drugs, such as prescription medication and illegal drugs can result in DUI charges. Therefore, if you have been pulled over by law enforcement for driving under the influence, it is critical that you contact a DUI attorney in Marin County as soon as you have been released from custody. A strong DUI defense in Marin County can substantially help with incriminating DUI charges.
As previously mentioned, everyone makes mistakes. No one is perfect. It is expected that people will make numerous unintentional mistakes along the way. This goes both ways. Law enforcement officers are not impervious to making mistakes. As a result, a lot of DUI cases get reduced, dismissed or dropped altogether due to improper procedures or other compromising factors. There are various reasons why a DUI case can get dismissed or have the charges reduced. In order to do so, you will need the help of a Marin County DUI lawyer who can build a solid defense against the prosecution.
It is also important to keep in mind that just because you were stopped and charged with a DUI, it does not mean that you are automatically guilty of the charge. Too often, officers make wrong assessments they can and do make mistakes that do not accurately establish whether an individual is indeed under the influence or should have been pulled over in the first place. Therefore, the wisest course of action that you can take after getting arrested and charged with a DUI is to enlist the help of a Marin County DUI lawyer.
About The Attorney
We represent people accused of DUI in all Bay Area Counties, both in Court and at the DMV. With over 30 years of experience, we are one of the only firms in the Bay Area that dedicates it’s criminal law practice exclusively to fighting for the rights of those accused of Driving Under the Influence. We represent clients on both misdemeanor and felony DUI charges. Often, those charges can include hit and run, driving on a suspended license, marijuana, other legal and illegal drugs, speeding, and other California Vehicle Code violations in addition to the DUI. Our case experience includes under 21 DUI, zero tolerance, and Drunk Driving probation violations. We conduct Administrative Per Se (APS) hearings for clients on most DUI cases. Our years of experience with DMV have helped many clients save or regain their licenses after being accused of DUI, Lack of Skill, Negligent Operator, and Physical and Mental issues. You may contact us 24/7 for your Free Case Evaluation today.
Message From Aaron Bortel DUI Defense Attorney
Facing A DUI? We Can Help
Sadly, the effects of some of our mistakes can produce severe results. The punishment can especially feel much harsher if it is a first-time offense. First-time DUIs in Marin County are usually charged as misdemeanors. If convicted of the charge, you could be looking at up to $2,000 in fines and up to six months in county jail. Any jail can usually be served on the Adult Offender work program. You can also get your driver’s license suspended for six months with the possibility of an ignition interlock restricted license for that period or a restricted work only license for one year after 30 days of no driving. Other penalties include attending AA meetings and DUI school, completing community services.
For subsequent DUI offenses, the penalties include the following:
- Second Offense: A second DUI conviction within ten years raises the fines and penalty assessments to $3,000. Jail time ranges from 10 days to a year. Your driver’s license may be suspended for up to two years, and your time in DUI school is 18 months. AA meetings, community service, and installation of an ignition interlock device are also included for a second offense. Marin County requires 96 hours actual jail time.
- Third Offense: A third DUI conviction within ten years results in fines up to $3,000 with 120 days to one year in jail, 18 months of DUI school, and a three-year driver’s license revocation. AA meeting attendance, community service, and installation of an ignition interlock device are also included for a third offense.
- Fourth Offense: A fourth DUI conviction within ten years is a felony that results in fines of up to $10,000, 180 days to three years in state prison, a four-year driver’s license revocation, and 30 months of DUI school. AA meeting attendance, community service, and installation of an ignition interlock device are also included for a fourth offense
The penalties for a DUI can be high; therefore, you will need an aggressive DUI defense in Marin County.
If you have multiple DUIs, or if you have a prior felony DUI or the new one is an injury, you could be facing a felony conviction. If that is the case, you will need a keen criminal defense lawyer in Marin County who specializes in DUI charges. A top DUI criminal defense lawyer can guide you through the best course of action for your case. Multiple DUIs carry damaging penalties. A felony conviction is severe. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, and it is not your first DUI, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Marin County who understands the law and the best defense strategies to mitigate the negative consequences.