Peter Francis Iocona

At 56, I was arrested for DUI/DWI. Prior to this my only vechical violations were for minor traffic challenges like speeding tickets. I was simply not prepared for the whole experience, so I quickly sought legal counsel. After considerable research and interviews, I settled on the firm of Barry Si...mons in Laguna Beach. They had me write down all of the details I could recall from the start of that day up and until I was released at the police station. A conviction would have a significant impact with my employer, my career and my reputation. I needed strong representation to have any chance in lowering the charge. The attorneys and staff at Barry Simons firm are all very friendly, and the attorneys I spoke with about my case all seemed very knowledgeable, but my recommendation here is based on my experience of having Peter Iocona represent me at trial. Peter ensured that I understood what the outcome could be of going to trial, while detailing how we could fight every potential argument by the DA. Granted, I have not had much experience with criminal court, but I witnessed the hard work spent on his preparation. His dedication to my defense, his ability to lay out and have me engaged throughout the process was amazing. He was able to make me understand my role, a participative role, throughout the trial. He listened to my comments about what I observed whether it was during jury selection or in witness testimony. The trial, yes, a lot was on the line for me personally, but I sincerely believe that everyone was impressed with how Peter conducted my defense from start to finish. He was affable to all, he endeared himself to the court (bailiff, clerk, judge) from a friendly but highly professional manner. As a defense lawyer should, he made it very clear to each member of the jury that it was the DA's responsibility to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt (emphasizing that if even only one point failed that reasonable test. a not guilty decision must be returned). He took some non-traditional tactics as well, like reserving opening remarks, allowing the DA to tell his story first. In cross-examination, he consistently demonstrated to the court that he was more informed on how to conduct the Field Sobriety Tests (FST's) then the arresting officer. He did so without showing malice to the officer, but clearly showed reasonable doubt on how the FST's were conducted. His knowledge of the science behind driving impaired was as strong (or stronger) than the DA's professional witness. Peter was able to impart the right knowledge into the jury's understanding, raising that all too important doubt. The trial portion (after jury selection was complete) lasted two full days. Although he was prepared to bring forward defense witnesses, he discussed it with me and we agreed that the DA had not overcome reasonable doubt. Here he did another bold act, he waived the reserved opening remarks, choosing rather to rest. DA gave closing statement, but Peter in his closing emphasized every area of doubt that the jury should have. The result? Not guilty on the second count (driving above a .08) and a 50/50 split on the first count (hung jury). The judge rendered that it was doubtful that the DA could retry the first count successfully and dismissed that count. I shall be forever thankful to Peter for his hard work, his dedication, his success on my behalf. He is an outstanding individual professionally and in character. BTW - every single juror stayed for post trial interview and all requested his business card!

I would highly recommend Peter to anyone that has been arrested for DUI. It’s a stressful event to go through and Peter does a great job of explaining all the details involved in defending you. I always felt confident I was making the right decisions throughout the process. Peter is an expert in this... arena and knows every detail of DUI defense. In my personal situation I was facing a DUI even though Peter had proved to the DMV that I was under the legal limit and therefore was able to keep my license. The DA would not budge on settling on a lower charge. We were prepared to go to trial and Peter went above and beyond what most lawyers would do. I can say that Peter is dedicated to defending his clients to the fullest extent. The DA at the last minute decided to offer me a lower charge. I had a chance to talk to her about it afterward and she told me that it probably wouldn’t have happened if it were any other lawyer. I came away from this experience with what I feel is a very fair deal and a big respect for Peter and his dedication.

Peter did his best to connect with me from the first telephone conversation we had. He reassured me with his knowledge of the process we were about to undertake, and gave me certainty of his investment in my particular case. This did not waiver with time. He called me to stay connected and up-to-date... with the proceedings. He fought to get my sentence reduced and it was. Peter knows his stuff, but doesn't present his knowledge and position in a cocky or arrogant way. I am extremely grateful for his help, and also his support!

After a bad night that led to a DUI charge, I interviewed approximately 10 legal firms in the OC/LA area. Peter's was the one which most impressed me. They listened to my tale, and were able to alleviate most of my initial concerns, while giving me solid advice on how to deal with the consequences ...of the arrest. Unlike most DUI cases, mine went all the way to trial. While I was impressed with Peter's knowledge during the pretrial process, it was during the trial that he truly impressed me. It was obvious that he knew his stuff - in terms of technical knowledge, he was right up there with the expert witnesses, and very able at communicating that knowledge to the jury. End result - hung jury, and a reduction of the charge to a reckless driving, a deal which the DA's office had completely rejected beforehand. I honestly do not believe that many other lawyers would have managed to get a similar result given the facts of my case. Hiring Peter was possibly the best decision I've made in the last several years, given the possible consequences of a DUI. His ability kept my record relatively unblemished, and if, God forbid, I screw up and repeat the error, his would be the first number I would call.

Peter really took the time to help me through my case. He is remarkably knowledgeable. I spoke to a lot of different high profile DUI attorneys, and none of them was as knowledgeable as him about DUI law or actually took the time to counsel me about the ins and outs of DUI law, in lay terms, and what... this meant for me and my case. I knew I was in good hands with Peter and he helped me achieve a positive outcome. He genuinely cares about his clients and takes the time to give them 120%.