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Work with an Experienced DUI Lawyer Serving San Diego and California

You’ve been taken into custody for allegedly driving under the influence (DUI), and now, you’re worried about how this will impact your life moving forward. If you are facing a DUI charge in San Diego, or anywhere in California, it’s important to work with an experienced DUI lawyer who will represent your best interests and pursue the best possible outcome for your unique situation.

Learn more about working with me here, or get started today with a free virtual consultation with me today.

Why Should You Hire a DUI Lawyer in San Diego?

On the surface, a DUI in San Diego may seem like a minor criminal offense. However, this is far from the truth. Although DUIs are among the most common criminal offenses, a DUI remains one of today’s most complex types of criminal cases to properly defend. In addition, a DUI case’s stakes are higher long-term when compared with the stakes associated with many other crimes.

California’s system and legal standards for DUI cases are designed with the aim of facilitating convictions. A reputable DUI lawyer in San Diego can help you to navigate this system with confidence and achieve the most personally favorable result given the circumstances surrounding your case.

Frequently Asked Questions DUIs

What Viable DUI Defenses Are Available During a DUI Case?

If you’re facing a DUI charge, your DUI lawyer in San Diego will review all aspects of your case and prepare to challenge any part of it as needed. For instance, perhaps your DUI arrest was made unlawfully, or maybe it occurred following an illegal traffic stop. Your attorney may challenge the arrest. The attorney may also challenge the accuracy of any blood and/or breath tests used to determine your blood alcohol level by reviewing the tests’ calibration and maintenance.

What Are the Penalties for DUI in California?

If you are convicted on a DUI charge in San Diego or anywhere in California, you can expect to spend no more than six months behind bars. In California, judges will often choose to order probation and are more lenient for first-time offenders, depending on the case’s specific allegations. Fees may be incurred up to $1,000 for a first-time DUI, though this can increase depending on other penalty assessments brought forward. License suspension will also be likely, with a period depending on whether this is your first, second, or third charge.

However, the prosecution and the judge may add penalties if you have prior DUI convictions, you were allegedly speeding while intoxicated, or your actions caused an accident or bodily harm on another person. These are considered “aggravating factors” and may also escalate your charge to a felony. Likewise, additional punishments may be handed down if you had children in your car with you at the time of the DUI arrest, or if your blood alcohol level was .15% or above, which is considered a high blood alcohol content level (BAC) DUI.

Can I Avoid the Most Severe Punishments for DUI?

When you hire an experienced attorney, it may be easier to achieve a less severe penalty and avoid jail time, revocation of driving privileges, and more. In addition, you likely won’t face jail time if the DUI charge you’re facing is your first.

How Representation by Attorney Michael C. MacNeil Can Help

As an experienced DUI lawyer in San Diego, I am committed to protecting your rights and best interests as you grapple with a DUI charge. I will carefully review the evidence that the prosecution intends to use to support their allegations against you, and I will also look closely at every legal defense available to help you. Contact me for a free consultation today.

what people say

Michael was hired on short notice to handle our case and was successful at helping us obtain a permanent restraining order. Michael was thorough and detailed and kept us informed all along the way. We would not hesitate to obtain Michael's services again.
-C A.

Michael was amazing and thorough in all his advise. He told me up front about what he thought the settlement would be and he was spot on!He has the most reasonable fees for the area and provides exceptional service and attention.Go with Michael and you won't regret it!Doctor B
-Prakash B.

Michael MacNeil was able to successfully help us navigate through a family law issue that stumped every other attorney we spoke to. With regards to his ability to secure a move-away order, I am writing this review from Europe where I now live. Thanks Michael!
-Alex M.

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Andrew

19:29 10 Feb 24

I was dealing with a very malicious neighbor who filed baseless lawsuits as harassment to cover up their illegal construction. Michael sucessfully defeated them in court; and was also able to get them to pay my attorney fees, thereby detering further baseless lawsuits. Michael is unique in that he will work with his clients to devise feasible and successful court strategies, is affordable, is unassuming. and gets back to you when you have a question, unlike other attorneys. Michael also has a lot of experience since he spent many years as a deputy district attorney and in private practice dealing with a wide variety of civil and criminal cases. He knows his way around a court room. I was very satisfied with his representation and highly recommend Michael MacNeil if you need smart, effective representation.

Alan Lewis

23:53 20 Oct 23

As a former attorney, I can tell you that Michael is one of the best I've worked with. His advice is spot on, he gets the job done and doesn't overbill. If you're on the fence, this is your sign to hire him.

Angel Rosario

22:39 05 Aug 23

Excellent Attorney. Got my issues settled quickly and fairly!

Jon Clayton

03:59 28 Jan 23

Incredible. He is ethical and honest and what a family law attorney should be. He helped with a contempt issue and was spot on the entire time. He was easy to work with and incredible supportive. I would give him more stars if I could.

Shekia Drake

02:48 13 Jan 23

I cannot brag on Mr. MacNeil enough!! I thank God for him and giving me strength to get through my divorce. It was rough, but Mr. MacNeil gave me reassurance that everything would work out through communication and helping me understand this whole process. He's very honest, fair, and goes above and beyond for his clients. His communication is ON POINT! I was worry-free throughout majority of this process. BTW... I was not paid or begged to write this review. He's just that awesome in my opinion.

Ken Jeters

17:42 06 Jun 22

Mr. Michael MacNeil was my attorney for a very difficult divorce procedure. I could not have found a better attorney to represent me. Mr. MacNeil was exceptional in details, follow through, and outstanding representation in court. His knowledge, honest advisement and professionalism achieved a positive result that I will always owe him my debt of gratitude. I have never worked with a better attorney in my life.

Suzanne Fox

16:54 06 Jun 22

Mr. Michael MacNeil recently handled some family legal matters that were quite extensive. He is one of the most outstanding professionals we have ever worked with. He handled everything in a timely manner with a meticulous attention to details. We had the best representation and advocacy, and because of his outstanding work we had an excellent outcome. We highly recommend him and he is the only one we will use to handle any future legal matters if any arise.