Palm Springs DUI Defense Attorneys You Can Trust

Experience Counts

When you select Wilkerson & Mulligan to be your Palm Springs criminal defense lawyers, you're choosing a law office that recognizes the gravity of your situation. Our 40+ years of combined criminal defense defense experience, along with 100+ 5-star reviews, demonstrate our proven success. We are committed, reliable, and caring advocates for our clients.

With Attorney Joshua Mulligan, a California State Bar Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, you'll gain an expert in DUI defense. Attorney Mulligan is a graduate of the prestigious Trial Lawyers College (TLC) and actively participates in its workgroups. At Trial Lawyers College, instructors teach advanced trial techniques by emphasizing storytelling, client connection, and the emotions behind each case. With this unique training, he can present your case with impactful clarity, whether you're facing a judge, jury, or prosecutor. When you choose a TLC-trained DUI attorney, you select an advocate who will fight for you and make sure your voice is heard in the pursuit of justice.

Palm Springs Life Magazine has recognized Attorney Forest Wilkerson as a “Top Lawyer” every year since 2013. Her dedication to Palm Springs DUI clients has made her one of the most respected DWI attorneys in Riverside County.

Navigate this challenging time with the expert guidance, skill, and care of Wilkerson & Mulligan.

Drunk Driving Defense Lawyers with Demonstrated success

Forest Wilkerson and Joshua Mulligan are veteran Palm Springs criminal defense attorneys. Their successes include defending hundreds of DUI cases, ranging from first-time misdemeanors to complex cases involving fatalities. They've dedicated themselves to DUI law, completing many specialized seminars and in-depth training sessions on blood and breath testing science.

Steer Clear of These Frequent DUI Errors

It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed after an arrest.  Many people feel that pleading guilty is the easiest way to proceed. That's entirely inaccurate. You should never plead guilty without at least reviewing the facts of your case with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer:

1. Was that traffic stop lawful?
   Evidence from an unjustified stop by an officer might be inadmissible in court. No evidence, no case.

2. Were you driving?
   Being found in your car doesn’t mean you were driving. For instance, sleeping off alcohol in your car shouldn’t automatically result in a DUI conviction. To protect your rights, we will carefully examine all the facts.

3. Were the Tests Accurate?
   Forest and Josh understand the science behind DUI blood and breath testing. They will determine if these tests were conducted correctly and if the results are reliable. This knowledge could save you from a serious consequence.

4. Listening to Your Story Matters
   Unlike judges, prosecutors, and even many lawyers, Forest and Josh take the time to hear your side. Personal health conditions, external factors, or unusual circumstances at the scene could impact your defense.

5. Honest Advice You Can Trust
   Forest and Josh believe in providing straightforward, honest counsel. If fighting your case isn’t in your best interest, they’ll let you know, saving you time and money. If you can represent yourself successfully, they’ll guide you in the right direction.

Palm Springs DUI lawyers specializing in local cases

Palm Springs criminal cases are heard at the Larson Justice Center, located in Indio, California. Both attorneys have worked at this courthouse since 2007. We have comprehensive knowledge of the local courts. Your chosen attorney will be your dedicated courtroom advocate, offering personalized support throughout the process. During this challenging period, we will defend your rights and support you.

DUI Lawyers Experienced in Representing Tourists

Millions of people from around the globe attend the Palm Springs Film Festival, White Party, and Coachella each year. The stylish desert town saw 14.1 million visitors during 2022. Though known for its vacation appeal, Palm Springs also has a high rate of arrests amongst tourists, notably DWI arrests.

Every year we represent DUI clients from several other states and foreign countries. We offer phone appointments and handle paperwork electronically. We strive to prevent any unnecessary desert travel related to your case. Most misdemeanor clients don't have to go to court. For felonies, clients must be present at crucial hearings, while routine hearings allow attorney-only attendance.

We have a proven track record of helping out-of-state DUI clients

Out-of-state clients facing California drunk driving charges face unique challenges, including license suspension, interstate compact issues, and fulfilling probation requirements like classes or volunteer hours. At Wilkerson & Mulligan, we specialize in navigating these complexities, ensuring your rights are protected and helping you meet California's demands while minimizing stress and disruption.

Extensive criminal defense expertise and experience across a wide range of DUI cases, including:

• DMV hearing Defense: A DMV Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing can lead to a license suspension after a DUI arrest. You have only 10 days after arrest to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles and request a hearing. 

• Drug DUI: Accused of driving under the influence of drugs in Palm Springs? Drug DUIs can be challenging. There are no “per se” under the influence levels (unlike the 0.08 alcohol level), meaning that an attorney must be willing to research what levels of a substance it takes to actually impair driving. For example, low or therapeutic levels of amphetamines or methamphetamine don't qualify as driving under the influence.  

• Marijuana DUI: The research on marijuana or THC driving impairment is mixed. At lower levels impairment is certainly arguable. Also, daily or serious users will test positive for THC even several hours after smoking and after an high or buzz has long subsided. 

• Vehicular Manslaughter DUI: A DUI charge involving vehicular manslaughter is serious. We look for other causes of the accident, the actual proof of impairment, and failing that design a good mitigation plan to help the client get the best deal possible.

• Watson Murder DUI: Being charged with Watson murder after a DUI is life-changing. We look at prior warnings, intent, and circumstances to fight these serious accusations and seek a fair outcome.

• Child Endangerment DUI: Driving under the influence with a child in the car can lead to harsh penalties, including child endangerment charges which can impact custody rights.