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Criminal defense attorney

DUID Attorney in Torrance

Focused Defense For Drug DUI & Intoxication Charges

Being accused of driving under the influence of drugs can turn your life upside down in a single night. You may be worried about jail, losing your driver’s license, and how a drug DUI will affect your job or family. You might also feel frustrated because you were using a prescription or cannabis legally and still ended up in handcuffs. In this situation, our DUID attorneys in Torrance can stand by your side.

At Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, we represent people facing driving under the influence of drugs and drug intoxication charges in Torrance and throughout the South Bay. Our criminal defense attorneys draw on decades of experience in Southern California courts to guide clients through both the criminal case and the DMV process. We are here to explain your options, challenge the evidence, and work to protect your future.

Our leadership includes a former Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney with 38 years in criminal law and a founding partner who is certified by the State Bar of California in criminal law. This depth of experience helps us evaluate DUID cases and build targeted strategies for clients here in the area.

To speak with a DUID attorney in Torrance about a DUID or drug intoxication charge, call (310) 361-3068 or contact us online today.

Why Choose Our DUID Defense

When you are looking for help after a drug DUI arrest, you need more than a name from a search result. You need a team that understands how prosecutors build these cases, how local judges view them, and where there may be room to push back. Our firm brings that perspective to every DUID case we handle.

Robert Ernenwein is a former Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney with nearly four decades in criminal law. He has been certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization in criminal law, a credential that reflects extensive experience and a strong record of ethical practice. Partner Michelle Mathes adds 25 years of criminal law background, including work as a federal judicial extern and district attorney research attorney. Together, our attorneys offer more than 60 years of focused criminal defense in Southern California.

Our DUID attorneys in Torrance devote our practice exclusively to criminal law. That means our daily work involves defending people accused of offenses such as DUID, DUI, and related charges in the Torrance Courthouse and other Los Angeles County courts. We use a team approach that includes a licensed private investigator who previously served as an LAPD officer. This investigator helps us examine how the stop occurred, what the officers observed, and whether procedures were followed when officers claimed you were under the influence of drugs.

Clients work directly with our attorneys rather than through case managers. Our DUID lawyers in Torrance provide cell phone access so you can reach your lawyer with urgent questions about court dates, DMV deadlines, and case developments. Our team also offers bilingual representation in Spanish. For many clients, the ability to discuss complicated legal issues in their preferred language reduces confusion and stress at a critical time.

In appropriate cases, we actively pursue diversion and treatment options, including programs that address substance use, mental health, or the needs of current and former military members. Our goal is to look beyond the arrest report and understand who you are, then identify outcomes that reduce long-term harm whenever the law allows.

Understanding DUID Charges In California With Our DUID Attorneys in Torrance

Driving under the influence of drugs is treated as a serious offense under California law. Unlike alcohol DUIs, which rely heavily on a specific blood alcohol number, DUID charges generally focus on whether a substance affected your ability to drive safely. This can involve illegal drugs, prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or cannabis products.

California’s DUI laws prohibit driving a vehicle while under the influence of any drug or a combination of drugs and alcohol. For drug cases, prosecutors often rely on officer observations, statements made during the stop, results of field sobriety tests, drug recognition evaluations, and chemical tests of blood or sometimes urine. There is no single number that automatically proves drug impairment, which makes the quality of this evidence especially important.

Penalties for a first DUID are similar to those for an alcohol DUI, although specific consequences depend on the facts of the case and any prior history. A first offense typically carries exposure to fines, probation, a treatment or education program, potential jail time, and consequences for your driver’s license through the DMV. If there is an allegation of injury, refusal to submit to testing, or prior DUI convictions, the stakes increase.

Beyond court and DMV penalties, a drug DUI can create serious collateral issues. Employers who conduct background checks may see the case. Professional licensing boards can review the conviction. For noncitizens, a DUID can raise immigration concerns, especially when it involves controlled substances. Understanding these broader effects is important when deciding how to approach the case.

Some potential consequences of a DUID conviction can include:

  • Criminal penalties that may involve probation, fines, and possible jail time
  • Driver’s license suspension or restriction through the California DMV
  • Mandatory DUI education or treatment programs as a condition of probation
  • Increased insurance costs or loss of certain driving-related jobs
  • Concerns related to immigration status or professional licensing in certain fields

Laws that apply in Torrance and throughout Los Angeles County are complex, and outcomes vary based on many factors. Our attorneys work to explain how the statutes, local court practices, and DMV rules fit together in your specific situation so you can make informed decisions.

How We Defend Drug DUI Cases

Every DUID case starts with the traffic stop and the officer’s decision to investigate for impairment. Our DUID attorneys in Torrance begin our analysis in the same place. Our attorneys review the police reports, body camera videos when available, and any supporting documents to determine why you were stopped and how the encounter unfolded. We look closely at whether the officer had a lawful basis to pull you over and whether the investigation remained within legal limits.

In many drug DUI investigations, a specially trained officer performs what is called a drug recognition evaluation. These evaluations involve a series of observations and tests that are supposed to identify impairment from different drug categories. Our team examines how the evaluation was conducted, whether the officer followed training, and whether there are alternative explanations for what was observed, such as fatigue, medical issues, or anxiety during the stop.

Chemical testing is another important piece of evidence. Blood or urine samples are often used to detect drugs in the body. We review the paperwork to see when the sample was taken, how it was stored, and which laboratory handled the analysis. Factors such as collection errors, contamination, delays in testing, or lab practices can affect the reliability of these results. Our investigator’s law enforcement background is useful when we are evaluating how officers handled these steps in Torrance and surrounding communities.

Examples of defense approaches we may explore include:

  • Challenging the basis for the initial stop or later detention by law enforcement
  • Questioning the accuracy or interpretation of field sobriety tests and DRE evaluations
  • Presenting medical or prescription explanations for symptoms that officers viewed as impairment
  • Reviewing the chain of custody and laboratory methods for blood or urine samples
  • Arguing against overcharging when the evidence does not support a DUID conviction

In many Los Angeles County DUID cases, courts also consider whether some form of diversion, treatment, or alternative sentence may be appropriate. Our attorneys evaluate whether mental health diversion, substance use programs, or other statutory options might apply to your case. When these paths are available, they can reduce the long-term impact of an arrest and sometimes lead to dismissal upon successful completion.

Throughout the process, we maintain communication with you about what we see in the evidence, what options are available, and what risks each choice carries. Our goal is to give you a realistic understanding of your case and to work for the most favorable result that the facts and law will support.

When you call us at (310) 361-3068, you speak directly with an attorney, and your initial consultation is confidential.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens After a DUID Arrest in Torrance?

After a DUID arrest, you typically receive a court date and a notice about your temporary license. The criminal case often goes to the Torrance Courthouse or another local court, and the DMV may start a separate license action. We can review your documents and explain each step in detail.

Will I Lose My License for a Drug DUI?

A DUID arrest can lead to a DMV suspension and possible license restrictions if there is a conviction. The outcome depends on the evidence, any prior history, and whether a hearing is requested on time. Our attorneys work to protect driving privileges through both court advocacy and DMV proceedings.

Can Prescription or Marijuana Use Still Lead to DUID Charges?

Yes, legal prescriptions and cannabis can still result in DUID charges if officers and prosecutors believe the substance impaired your driving. The key issue is alleged impairment, not simply having a drug in your system. We evaluate prescriptions, dosing, and timing to see whether the charge can be challenged.

How Will Your Attorneys Defend My DUID Case?

We start by reviewing the stop, officer observations, tests, and lab work. Our team, including our investigator with LAPD experience, looks for weaknesses or legal problems in the case. We then discuss defense options, possible negotiations, and any diversion programs that might reduce the impact on your life.

Do I Need a Local Lawyer for a First DUID?

Working with a local criminal defense attorney is often helpful because they understand how nearby courts and prosecutors handle DUID cases. Our firm is based in Torrance, and we appear regularly in South Bay and Los Angeles County courts. We use that familiarity to guide first-time and repeat offenders.

When you contact us, we can review your paperwork, explain the court and DMV processes, and begin assessing potential defenses. 

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  • I cannot thank Robert enough for his efforts, knowledge, and execution in my case. He gave me a second chance.
    - Kevin Q.
  • Michelle has had a profound impact on my life. She not only has a firm grasp of legal matters, but also of human emotions. This dynamic duo worked all hours of the day and night on my case. They exerted effort way beyond the amount that I had paid them.
    - Khadijeh K.
  • If you are in need of a great attorney with an abundance of experience as well as a very professional office staff who constantly will keep you updated, call Ernenwein & Mathes!
    - Jake L.
  • They are the gold standard for defense attorneys. A+
    - Former Client
    
    
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    Our FAQ

    Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 310-361-3068 today!

    • Should I Hire A Torrance Juvenile Attorney For My Child?

      Absolutely.

      The right counsel can help you avoid pitfalls that may arise in the case, such as the juvenile court’s determination that the case is serious enough (i.e., felony) to justify your child being charged and tried as an adult. If your child is tried as an adult, his or her case is moved to adult criminal court, and if convicted, may go to prison with adult offenders.

      The defense lawyers at Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, have handled over 1,000 juvenile cases over the course of their combined 60 years of experience. We will make every possible effort to allow your child to remain in juvenile court. We can attend your child’s fitness hearing, where the court makes the decision regarding whether to try your child as an adult or a juvenile. Psychiatric reports, probation reports and legal arguments can be arranged to help convince the juvenile court to retain its jurisdiction over the minor.

      As Robert Ernenwein is a former Los Angeles deputy district attorney, the lawyers at Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, know the criminal process inside out, giving them a distinct edge when they represent you in court. They are well-respected and well-known by Los Angeles prosecutors and judges.

      If your child has been charged in a criminal case, contact Ernenwein & Mathes, LLP, Los Angeles and Orange County criminal defense lawyers today at (310) 361-3068 for a free case review.

    • What Kind Of Punishment Will My Child Received If She Or He Is Convicted?

      Generally, punishments fall into four different categories. First, your child may be sent home on probation. Second, the juvenile may be sent to a placement facility within the community, such as a boys’ or girls’ home. Third, the juvenile may be sent to a camp facility. The camp may be a short-term camp and last as little as four months or as long as 12 months. Finally, your child may be sent to DJJ, which is a juvenile version of an adult state penitentiary.

    • If My Child Is Convicted, Will The Conviction Remain On His Criminal Record?

      If you hire us, we will try to get your child’s case deviated out of the criminal justice system through deferred entry of judgement or to seek informal probation with dismissal or a dismissal after formal probation. If we can secure these as conviction/sentencing options, the offense will not go on his or her criminal record. If a plea of no contest or conviction occurs in a case, the record can be sealed after the juvenile’s 18th or 21st birthday.

    • My Child Has Been Taken Into Custody. What Can He/She Be Charged With?

      Depending on the seriousness of the charged offense, the prosecutor can file either misdemeanor or felony charges. If a minor is convicted of a misdemeanor, he will be placed on probation, detained in a juvenile facility, such as a boot camp or a ranch, ordered to pay a fine or a combination of these punishments. If the minor is convicted of an infraction, such as a motor vehicle violation, he or she will usually be punished with a fine.

      However, the minor will face much more severe consequences if he is convicted of a felony. The court may sentence to incarceration in a state institution, such as the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), which is the equivalent to a state prison sentence for adults. In addition to or in the alternative, the court may order house arrest (electronic monitoring), commitment in a youth center, probation, parole or undergoing treatment programs.

      There are rules and procedures that are unique to the California Juvenile Court and, therefore, make it very different from adult criminal court. For instance, juveniles are not entitled to jury trials (the theory being that, since juveniles are being rehabilitated rather than punished, they are not entitled to all protections otherwise afforded adult criminals). Juveniles also have no right to bail.

    • If You Were Not Drunk When The Fatal Crash Occurred
      Even if you were not drunk when the accident took place, you could still be charged with vehicular manslaughter. The prosecution will need to show that you committed an unlawful act while driving and were grossly negligent. For example, if you were speeding or driving recklessly, it could be considered an unlawful act. Gross negligence could come into play, too, which basically means you disregarded the safety of others.
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