Temecula Aggravated DUI Attorney 

An aggravated DUI charge in California is not the same as a routine drunk driving case. The stakes are higher, and the potential penalties can affect your freedom, your license, and your future. If you were arrested in or around Temecula, you may be trying to make sense of confusing paperwork, court notices, and DMV deadlines while worrying about what comes next.

At Camarata & Fuller, LLP, we focus on guiding people through serious criminal allegations with steady, trial-tested representation. Our attorneys have more than a decade of courtroom experience in high-stakes criminal matters, including complex DUI cases. From our Temecula office, we work to move quickly after an aggravated charge so important opportunities are not lost in the first few days.

We know an arrest can happen at night, on a weekend, or during a family crisis. That is why our team is available 24/7 to respond to urgent calls, answer initial questions, and schedule a free, confidential consultation with an aggravated dui lawyer Temecula drivers can turn to when everything feels out of control.

To speak with our experienced Temecula aggravated DUI lawyers, call us at (951) 225-1540 or contact us online today. 

Why Temecula Drivers Choose Our Firm

When your future is on the line, you need more than a name on a business card. You need a defense team that understands how aggravated DUI cases are really handled in Riverside County courts and is prepared to stand with you at every hearing. We bring more than a decade of trial-tested criminal defense experience to these cases, and we use that courtroom readiness from the first day we are involved.

Our team includes a former prosecutor who has handled criminal cases from the other side of the aisle. That background helps us anticipate how Riverside County prosecutors may approach an aggravated DUI, the kinds of evidence they often rely on, and where their case may be vulnerable. We use that insight to shape our investigation and negotiations, always looking for ways to challenge or limit the impact of aggravating allegations.

Many criminal cases arising in Temecula, including aggravated DUI matters, are handled at the Southwest Justice Center in Riverside County. We know the procedures, filing practices, and day to day operations at that courthouse, and we use this local familiarity to guide your case through the system as effectively as possible. Our attorneys work closely with a cohesive staff of paralegals and legal secretaries, so your case benefits from thorough preparation, research, and analysis.

We also understand that you are not only dealing with legal questions. You may be worried about your job, your children, and what to tell your family. Our goal is to provide clear, honest advice from the start. We explain what you are facing, what options may exist, and we avoid unrealistic promises. Throughout the case, we strive to be accessible, responsive, and compassionate so you do not feel alone in the process.

What Aggravated DUI Charges Can Mean

It is common for people to ask why their case is being treated as more serious than a standard first-time DUI. In California, certain facts can turn a driving under the influence allegation into what many people call an aggravated or enhanced DUI. These are situations where the law allows for increased penalties or felony-level consequences.

Aggravating factors can include prior DUI convictions on your record, a very high blood alcohol concentration, an accident that allegedly caused injury, or having a minor in the vehicle at the time of the arrest. Prosecutors may also pursue harsher treatment if there was alleged excessive speed or other separate traffic offenses involved. Each of these circumstances can change the potential range of penalties in important ways.

Depending on the facts and your history, an aggravated DUI can bring the possibility of increased jail or prison exposure, longer license suspensions, mandatory treatment programs, higher fines, and stricter probation terms. It can also create serious collateral problems, such as difficulty maintaining certain professional licenses or employment positions that require clean driving records.

For drivers stopped in Temecula, aggravated DUI charges are typically filed in Riverside County, often with court appearances at the Southwest Justice Center. The way your case is charged, and the specific enhancements that are alleged, will influence both the risks you face and the defense strategies that may be available. Our attorneys review those details carefully before giving guidance so you can understand what is truly at stake.

Steps To Take After An Aggravated DUI

The hours and days after an aggravated DUI arrest can feel chaotic. You might be dealing with release conditions, car impoundment, and questions from family or your employer. Taking a few focused steps can help protect your legal position and set the stage for a stronger defense.

Be cautious about what you say to police, other drivers, and even on social media. Statements you make can later appear in police reports or courtroom proceedings. You have the right to remain silent, and you can politely state that you wish to speak with an attorney before answering questions about what happened or about your alcohol use.

California law also involves a separate process through the Department of Motor Vehicles. After many DUI arrests, there is a short deadline to request a hearing that can affect whether your license is automatically suspended. The exact timelines depend on the circumstances of the arrest and the type of test that was used, so it is important to seek guidance quickly.

Right after an aggravated DUI arrest, it can help to:

• Gather and keep all paperwork you received, including citations, booking documents, and temporary license forms.
• Write down your recollection of the stop, field sobriety tests, and interactions with officers while events are still fresh.
• Identify any potential witnesses who were present before, during, or after the arrest.
• Avoid discussing details of the incident with anyone other than your legal counsel.
• Contact our firm as soon as possible so we can evaluate deadlines, review documents, and begin protecting your rights.

When you call Camarata & Fuller, LLP, our team can review what happened, talk with you about upcoming court dates at the Southwest Justice Center, and explain the DMV steps that may apply. Because we are available around the clock, you do not have to wait until normal office hours to start getting answers.

How We Defend Aggravated DUI Cases

Every aggravated DUI case in this region has its own facts, and our work begins with a detailed review of what the state is relying on. We analyze the traffic stop, the reasons given for pulling you over, and whether there may be grounds to question that decision. We also examine how field sobriety tests were conducted, whether testing instructions were followed, and whether any medical or environmental factors could have influenced the results.

Breath and blood testing play a major role in many DUI cases, including aggravated allegations. Our attorneys look closely at how the tests were administered, how samples were stored, and whether required procedures were followed. Problems in these areas can affect whether certain results should be challenged, and we work to identify those issues as early as we reasonably can.

Our former prosecutor brings insight into how the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office often evaluates aggravated DUI cases. That experience helps us anticipate which aspects of the case the prosecution might emphasize and where there may be room to negotiate or contest allegations. For example, we may examine whether claimed injuries are truly linked to the incident or whether the evidence supports the specific aggravating facts being alleged.

Not every case goes to trial, and not every case results in the same type of resolution. Some aggravated DUI matters involve litigation of search and seizure issues, while others focus more on narrowing or re-framing enhancements during discussions with prosecutors. Our trial-tested background means we are prepared to pursue motion practice or trial when that is the appropriate course, and our team-based approach ensures that preparation, research, and client communication are handled with care.

Throughout the process, we explain what is happening in plain language. We discuss potential paths, from challenging aspects of the state’s evidence to exploring negotiated resolutions when appropriate, without guaranteeing specific outcomes. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions at each step, with a clear understanding of how choices today can affect your future.

To speak with our experienced Temecula aggravated DUI lawyers, call us at (951) 225-1540 or contact us online today. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a DUI charge aggravated in California?

A DUI can be treated as aggravated when certain factors are present, such as prior DUI convictions, a very high blood alcohol concentration, an accident with claimed injury, or a minor in the vehicle. These circumstances can allow prosecutors to seek enhanced penalties or felony-level consequences.

How quickly should I call a lawyer after my arrest?

It is wise to contact a lawyer as soon as you can after an aggravated DUI arrest. Early involvement allows our team to review paperwork, advise you before further statements, and address DMV deadlines related to your license. We are available 24/7 to respond to urgent situations.

Will a local Temecula attorney really help my aggravated DUI case?

Working with a local attorney can make a real difference. Our firm regularly handles criminal matters in Riverside County, including cases at the Southwest Justice Center. That familiarity with local procedures and tendencies helps us guide your aggravated DUI case through the system more confidently and efficiently.

How will your firm keep me informed about my case?

We focus on communication from the beginning. Our attorneys and staff keep clients updated about court dates, developments, and decisions that need to be made. We encourage questions, provide realistic expectations, and strive to make sure you understand what is happening at each stage of your aggravated DUI case.

How much does it cost to hire your aggravated DUI defense team?

Costs depend on the complexity of the case and the work required, and we discuss fees openly during your consultation. We offer free, confidential initial consultations so you can learn about your situation and our approach before making decisions. Our goal is to provide clear information about financial expectations.

Talk To Our Team About Your Aggravated DUI

If you are facing an aggravated DUI charge after an arrest in this area, you do not have to figure everything out on your own. Meeting with our attorneys gives you a chance to ask questions, understand the risks, and hear how a trial-tested defense team with local Riverside County knowledge approaches cases like yours.

At Camarata & Fuller, LLP, we provide free, confidential consultations and are available around the clock to address urgent concerns. We bring a former prosecutor’s insight, more than a decade of trial-tested criminal defense experience, and a hands-on team approach to every aggravated DUI we handle. Taking the step to speak with us can help you regain some control over a situation that may feel overwhelming.

To speak with our experienced Temecula aggravated DUI lawyers, call us at (951) 225-1540 or contact us online today.