DUI Lawyer in Long Beach, CA

If you were arrested for drunk driving in Long Beach, every decision you make right now matters. The Duran Law Group, led by Attorney John Duran with nearly four decades of criminal defense experience, fights for the best possible outcome — with honesty, strategy, and a proven record across Los Angeles County courts.
Call now for a free consultation: 424-777-0007

Why Long Beach Clients Trust The Duran Law Group

• Nearly four decades of criminal defense trial experience
• Thousands of clients defended across Los Angeles County
• Hall of Fame inductee, Western University College of Law (2010)
• Recognized by the California State Assembly for community service and advocacy
• Free consultations — no cost to understand your options

A DUI Arrest Can Upend Your Life Fast

A DUI charge in Long Beach is not a minor inconvenience. Under California Vehicle Code sections 23152(a) and 23152(b), a first offense DUI can mean up to six months in county jail, fines up to $2,000, mandatory DUI school, license suspension, and three years of probation. Critically, you have only 10 days from your arrest to request a DMV hearing — or your license is automatically suspended before your first court appearance.

Attorney John Duran understands what is at stake. With 29 years of sobriety and a personal understanding of addiction, he brings both legal precision and genuine empathy to every DUI defense case.

DUI Defense Services in Long Beach

The Duran Law Group handles the full range of DUI and DWI cases, including:

• First offense DUI
• Second and third DUI offenses
• Felony DUI involving injury
• Drug-related DUI (DUID)
• Underage and commercial driver DUI
• DUI with chemical test refusal

From challenging breathalyzer calibration records and faulty field sobriety tests to filing motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, Attorney Duran builds a defense around the specific facts of your case. Long Beach DUI matters are heard at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, 275 Magnolia Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802, and the firm is prepared to represent you at every stage — arraignment, pretrial hearings, DMV proceedings, and trial.

What Sets The Duran Law Group Apart

This is not a firm that dabbles in criminal law. It is all the firm does. Specific reasons clients choose The Duran Law Group as their DUI defense attorney in Long Beach:

• Nearly four decades of trial experience across Southern California courtrooms
• Former Mayor and Councilmember of West Hollywood — a public record built on accountability to real people
• Honest counsel: Attorney Duran does not promise outcomes he cannot guarantee — he promises to fight for the best one possible
• Personal experience with addiction and recovery that informs a defense strategy grounded in empathy
• Inducted into the Hall of Fame of Western University College of Law for exemplary legal service and outstanding community work

Notable Case Results

• People v. Yedinak (2025): Published appellate precedent affirming equal bail rights for all defendants regardless of income
• People v. Perkins (1997): All charges dismissed in California's first medicinal marijuana prosecution, as featured in the Los Angeles Times
• People v. Green (1996): All felony charges dismissed before trial, as featured in the Los Angeles Times

What a Client Said

"Attorney Duran laid out exactly what to expect, fought hard throughout my case, and the charges were reduced. His honesty made all the difference — I finally felt like someone was actually in my corner."

How the DUI Defense Process Works

1. Free consultation — Call 424-777-0007 or reach out online to discuss your arrest and your options at no cost.
2. Case review — Attorney Duran evaluates the evidence, the stop, the chemical testing procedures, and all potential challenges.
3. DMV hearing — The firm acts immediately within the 10-day window to protect your driving privileges.
4. Defense strategy — Motions are filed, evidence is challenged, and negotiations with the Long Beach prosecution begin.
5. Resolution — The goal is always the strongest possible outcome: dismissal, charge reduction, or acquittal at trial.

Frequently Asked Questions — DUI Defense in Long Beach

What is the difference between a DUI and a DWI in California?
California law primarily uses DUI (Driving Under the Influence) under Vehicle Code 23152. DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) is a term used more commonly in other states. Both describe impaired driving offenses; in California, DUI is the operative legal term.

What are the penalties for a first offense DUI in Long Beach?
A first offense conviction can include up to six months in jail, fines up to $2,000, three to nine months of DUI school, a six-month license suspension, three years of probation, and installation of an ignition interlock device. These consequences are not guaranteed — a strong defense can reduce or eliminate many of them.

Can a DUI charge be dismissed in California?
Yes. Charges can be dismissed when the initial traffic stop lacked legal justification, chemical testing procedures were flawed, or evidence was improperly collected. A thorough review of the facts often reveals grounds that prosecutors cannot overcome.

How long do I have to request a DMV hearing after a DUI arrest?
You have 10 days from the date of your arrest. Missing this deadline results in automatic license suspension independent of your court case.

Does a DUI conviction stay on my criminal record in California?
A DUI conviction remains on your driving record for 10 years. It may also remain on your criminal record permanently unless you successfully petition for expungement after probation ends under Penal Code 1203.4.

Serving Long Beach and Surrounding Communities

The Duran Law Group defends clients throughout Long Beach, including Belmont Shore, Bixby Knolls, Naples, Signal Hill, and downtown. DUI arrests in the area frequently occur along Pacific Coast Highway, Ocean Boulevard, and Cherry Avenue — including at DUI checkpoints and near active areas like Shoreline Village. Cases are prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office and heard at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse. The firm also represents clients across Los Angeles County.