Cerritos DUI Defense Lawyer
If you’ve recently been charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Cerritos, California, it’s important to act quickly to protect your future. A DUI arrest can feel sudden and overwhelming. One traffic stop can turn into a license suspension, court dates, fines, and anxiety about what comes next. Whether it’s your first DUI or you’ve had prior issues, California treats DUI charges seriously, and the consequences can impact your job, your family, and your ability to drive.
The good news is you don’t have to face this alone. Working with a Cerritos DUI defense lawyer can help you understand your options, challenge the evidence, and pursue an outcome that minimizes damage to your record and your life.
At The Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates, our experienced DUI defense attorneys help clients who have been arrested for driving under the influence. We understand how confusing this process can be especially when you’re trying to keep up with work, family responsibilities, and the stress of an arrest. Our team is here to guide you through every step, from the DMV hearing to court proceedings and negotiations. Learn more about our firm.
Our office is located at 100 Oceangate, Suite 525, Long Beach, CA 90802, near The Pike Outlets and the scenic Long Beach waterfront, just off W. Ocean Blvd and Queens Way. If you’re coming from Cerritos near Los Cerritos Center, Cerritos Towne Center, or the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, we’re a short drive away. Call 562-216-2944 or use our contact form to start building your defense and protect your driving record.
Recent Review
“I was honored to have this firm represent me in my time of need. They were consistent with keeping me in the loop of everything going on, updates, and made me feel secure and comfortable when I was at my lowest. The firm has a great team and treated me with the utmost respect, not sugar coating anything but putting it all out on the table. Most of all they did not judge me. Thank you Mr. Perry for your support and service.”
Types of DUI Cases We Handle in Cerritos
In California, you can be charged with a DUI if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher and you are 21 or older. For drivers under 21, California’s “zero tolerance” law sets the limit much lower, often cited as 0.01% for underage drivers. However, not all DUI cases are the same. Charges vary based on BAC level, whether drugs are involved, whether there was an accident, and whether you have prior convictions.
A Cerritos DUI defense lawyer can help you identify what type of DUI charge you’re facing and what strategies may apply. Common DUI-related cases include:
- Standard DUI
- First DUI Offense
- Second DUI Offense
- Third or More DUI Offense
- DUI with Drugs (DUID)
- Aggravated DUI (often associated with higher BAC levels such as 0.15%+)
- Felony DUI (which may involve injury, prior convictions, or other serious factors)
Understanding the exact charge matters because penalties and defenses often differ depending on the details.
Where DUI Arrests Commonly Occur in Cerritos
DUI stops can happen anywhere, but they often occur in areas with heavier traffic, late-night activity, and common “corridor” routes between freeways and residential neighborhoods. Cerritos drivers frequently travel along major streets like South Street, Artesia Boulevard, Bloomfield Avenue, Carmenita Road, and Alondra Boulevard especially near shopping areas such as Los Cerritos Center.
DUI enforcement may also increase near freeway access routes connected to regional traffic patterns toward I-605, I-5, and SR-91, where drivers are merging, changing lanes, and traveling at higher speeds. Even a brief moment of perceived weaving or an equipment issue can lead to a stop that escalates into sobriety testing.
The Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Cerritos
California takes DUI charges seriously. While every case is different, penalties often depend on your prior record, your BAC, and whether there was an accident or injury. Here’s a general overview of what you may face:
First DUI Offense
- License Suspension: Up to 6 months (and DMV action may happen quickly)
- Fines: Typically $390–$1,000 (plus additional fees)
- DUI Classes: Commonly a 3-month program
- Jail Time: Often none, but could be up to 6 months in certain situations
- Probation: Often 3–5 years of informal probation
- Insurance Impact: Rates usually increase significantly
Second DUI Offense
- License Suspension: Often about 1 year
- Fines: $390–$1,000 (plus fees)
- DUI Classes: Longer program (often 18–30 months)
- Jail Time: Potentially 96 hours to 1 year
- Probation: Often 3–5 years
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): May be required
- Insurance Impact: Major premium increases
Third DUI Offense (or More)
- License Suspension: Often longer (commonly up to 3 years)
- Fines: $390–$1,000 (plus fees)
- DUI Classes: Extended program (often 30 months)
- Jail Time: Potentially 120 days to 1 year
- IID: Often required
- Felony Risk: Multiple DUIs within 10 years may trigger felony exposure
Because the penalties can escalate quickly, it’s critical to take a DUI charge seriously from day one.
How a Cerritos DUI Defense Lawyer Can Help
A DUI case is not just about “what the officer says.” It often comes down to evidence, procedure, and whether your rights were respected. A strong defense may involve reviewing:
- Whether the traffic stop was lawful
- Whether field sobriety tests were properly administered
- Breath test accuracy and calibration issues
- Blood test handling and chain-of-custody problems
- Medical conditions or other explanations for symptoms
- Rising BAC arguments (BAC increasing after driving stops)
Our firm works to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and pursue better outcomes, including reduced charges when appropriate.
Possible Alternatives: Wet Reckless or Dry Reckless
In some cases, your attorney may negotiate for reduced charges such as wet reckless (alcohol-related reckless driving) or dry reckless (standard reckless driving). These can sometimes carry lighter penalties than a DUI conviction, potentially reducing license impacts, classes, and long-term consequences.
Contact Our Cerritos DUI Defense Lawyer Today
A DUI charge is time-sensitive especially because you may have a limited window to request a DMV hearing after an arrest. The sooner you speak with a Cerritos DUI defense lawyer, the sooner you can get clarity and take steps to protect your license and your future.
Reach out to The Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates today for a confidential consultation. Call 562-216-2944 or fill out our contact form. We’re here to help.
