30 Years Of Legal Defense On Your Side

DUI Attorney in Murrieta, CA

30 Years of DUI Defense Experience in Riverside County

A DUI arrest can seriously complicate your life. If you were charged with impaired driving, your mind is likely racing with questions about possible jail time, license suspension, fines, and moving past this crisis as soon as possible. Your first and most important step toward peace of mind is deciding to retain the most proven and effective DUI defense you can find. In San Diego, Murrieta, Temecula, and throughout Riverside County, the answer to your questions is John Pozza Attorney at Law, PLC.

With decades representing clients in the courts of Riverside County, including cases at Murrieta’s Southwest Justice Center, we know how local prosecutors handle DUI charges and which steps make the most difference in a successful defense. Our familiarity with the area’s court procedures and administrative policies allows us to anticipate the prosecution’s approach and respond with tailored legal strategies grounded in experience with the Murrieta legal landscape.

Our Murrieta DUI defense lawyer knows when police procedures can be discredited, what evidence may be inadmissible, and the many factors that can cause police to mistake erratic or distracted driving for drunk driving. We recommend that you contact us as soon as possible following a DUI arrest so that we can begin investigating and building your defense without delay.

John Pozza Attorney at Law, PLC could work to get your charges:

  • Brought down to an agreeable point
  • Completely removed
  • Dissolved in the courtroom

Contact us at (951) 461-7155 or reach out to us online to schedule a consultation concerning your situation.

Understanding California DUI Charges & Penalties

In California, if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measures .08 percent or higher as an adult, authorities can charge you with DUI.

  • If you are under 21, a BAC of .01 percent or more constitutes a DUI.
  • For those drivers whose BAC measures .15 or higher, you will face a charge of aggravated DUI with enhanced penalties.

Many drivers in Murrieta first encounter DUI charges after being stopped at routine checkpoints that local police regularly operate, especially on weekends and holidays. Though the laws apply across the state, familiarity with Riverside County’s courts and how judges in the area interpret these standards can have a significant impact on your defense. When facing serious charges, clients benefit when their DUI defense attorney knows local court expectations, judicial tendencies, and the effect of prior cases in the region.

The penalties for a DUI in Riverside County can be severe, including:

  • Up to 48 hours jail time (first offense)
  • Fines and assessments of up to $2,000 (first offense)
  • License suspension
  • Installation and maintenance of an ignition interlock device at your own expense
  • Alcohol education program
  • Probation
  • Increased auto insurance premiums

Subsequent offenses within a 10-year period will involve steeper penalties.

Effective DUI Defense Strategies

Although DUI charges carry serious consequences, many cases can be defended. Multiple aspects of a DUI arrest can be challenged using knowledge of the technical and scientific procedures involving breath tests, blood tests for prescription medicines and other drugs, and field sobriety tests. At John Pozza Attorney at Law, PLC, we draw on extensive experience in examining these factors to identify flaws, errors, or discrepancies.

We also review every detail of your case, including the location and timing of your arrest, whether police followed proper protocol at Murrieta’s frequent DUI checkpoints, and if law enforcement protected your rights during the stop and booking process. We focus on all evidence and legal avenues to find opportunities for improvement and reach the best possible resolution.

Choose Our Dedicated Murrieta DUI Lawyer

Whatever the circumstances surrounding your DUI charges, our Murrieta DUI Attorney keeps the focus on you and your rights. We protect those rights with thorough case preparation, negotiations, and arguments in court that resonate with judges. Call us right away. You have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a DMV administrative hearing that will decide your license suspension. If you miss this deadline, your license will automatically be suspended.

We maintain regular communication as your case moves forward at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta, so you always know what’s next and the steps you should take as deadlines approach. We provide guidance for both DMV hearing procedures and criminal court proceedings, ensuring you understand every phase from start to finish.

Our California DUI lawyer represents people in Riverside County, Orange County, and San Diego County.

Our full-service, quality defense representation begins with your initial consultation. Contact our Murrieta DUI lawyer at (951) 461-7155 today.

What to Expect During the DUI Process in Murrieta

When you face a DUI charge in Murrieta, your case usually starts with an arrest by local law enforcement, often the Murrieta Police Department or California Highway Patrol. Police may ask you for a breath or blood sample, and officers will advise you of your rights. After your release, you receive a notice to appear at the Southwest Justice Center. Each stage of the process—administrative and criminal—has specific timelines, such as requesting a DMV hearing within 10 days to challenge your driver's license suspension. Missing a key date can result in an automatic suspension, so paying attention to official notices and court instructions is critical from the beginning.

Expect to attend court appearances at the Southwest Justice Center, where a judge will inform you of your rights and explain the charges. Most DUI cases require several court visits, and each hearing shapes your legal options. The process also includes discovery—a period in which both sides review police reports, chemical test results, and witness statements. Local procedures can move quickly compared to other areas, which makes prompt action important for planning and building a defense.

FAQs

Will a DUI in Murrieta affect my driving privileges immediately?

If you do not request a DMV hearing within 10 days of your arrest, your license will be suspended automatically. Acting quickly helps protect your ability to drive while your case is pending.

Where will my DUI court appearances take place in Murrieta?

Most DUI cases are handled at the Southwest Justice Center, which serves Murrieta and the surrounding region. Your notice to appear will specify your assigned courthouse and court date.

Can a DUI charge in Riverside County be reduced or dismissed?

The outcome depends on the details of your case, the quality of evidence, and how the court interprets the facts. Many factors can lead to reduced penalties or dismissed charges, but every situation is different and results vary.

Call John Pozza, Attorney At Law, PLC, today at (951) 749-5598 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our DUI attorney in Murrieta.

Meet Attorney John Pozza Providing Effective Advocacy

Dedicated to Defense of Your Rights since 1994 The law firm of John Pozza Attorney at Law, PLC was established to address the issues of anyone who faces trial and harsh punishments after a criminal arrest. John's strengths cover the gamut of criminal concerns, including pre-file investigation, arrests, verdicts and plea withdrawals, and school expulsions. He handles charges such as: DUI defense, including DMV hearings White collar, financial, and computer crimes "Three strikes" crimes...

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Hear From Our Satisfied Clients


    "At the end of looking around and speaking with others, John Pozza was the right choice."
    Choosing John was the best decision I made. I spoke with many different legal offices. It was stressful deciding who to choose. At the end of looking around and speaking with others, John Pozza was the right choice. You are not assigned some other lawyer. You deal directly with John and Tammy the whole time. They were so helpful, professional and kind. Do yourself a favor and book a meeting. Talk to John and explain exactly what is going on. You will walk out of his office knowing you are in good hands.
    - Alex
    "John is effective and efficient in the court room and kind and compassionate with his clients while explaining options and guiding you through a difficult process."
    John and Tammy are rockstars! Tammy is organized, communicative and on top of reminders and answering questions promptly and professionally. John is effective and efficient in the court room and kind and compassionate with his clients while explaining options and guiding you through a difficult process. They both advocated for us in a way that felt personal, not transactional. I highly recommend this dream team.
    - Kymberly
    "If you’re looking for professionalism, and people who will do their best, look no further."
    John Pozza has been great with the handling of my case. In addition to John and to be very honest, Tammy has been nothing short of excellent in her assistance. She’s very professional, timely in her responses and overall just great! If you’re looking for professionalism, and people who will do their best, look no further.
    - Jay T.
    "With any luck I’ll never need his help again but I certainly recommend him if you do."
    I was referred to John from another attorney regarding a misdemeanor charge I received from the Menifee Police Department. I thought it was bogus as I’m sure all of John’s clients would say and after meeting with him he felt he could help. John and Tammy got in touch with the DA’s office and were able to have the charge dismissed and save me a trip to court. They were both great to deal with and have a sense of humor too. John was very fair with his fee as well . With any luck I’ll never need his help again but I certainly recommend him if you do.
    - Laird C.
    "Outstanding"

    Outstanding and professional attorney and staff.

    - Karen P.
    "They made me comfortable when they took my case"
    Resolved my case quickly. John and Tammy are friendly and professional. They made me comfortable when they took my case. John is a very good lawyer.
    - Isabel J.
    "Rest assured you will receive top notch service from a lawyer who truly wants to help."
    With my unfortunate event that transpired, I was certain and confident with Mr. Pozza and his team would make the best out of a bad situation. John and Tammy are extremely professional, knowledgeable,and did their best to keep me calm throughout the whole ordeal. I was able to stay out of jail which was my biggest thing as I wanted to stay out of handcuffs and keep my job! It's extremely imperative if you are seeking legal counsel, to at least run your situation by Mr. Pozza. You only owe it to yourself to get his top rated opinion. They truly have been nothing short of amazing, and it has made all the difference. Every situation is different, but know if have Mr. Pozza, rest assured you will recieve top notch service from a lawyer who truly wants to help. I seriously can't thank them enough and look forward to an expungement process down the road!
    - Ruben
    "John is very skilled"

    Very professional, fast acting, and had a great outcome with my case. I highly recommend for all services John is very skilled.

    - Nick