Drunk Driving

Fighting to Protect your Rights

My primary goal in any drunk driving case is to get the charges dismissed whenever possible. My experience as a prosecutor and extensive knowledge of how different counties handle drunk driving charges allow me to make a rapid assessment of your chances of avoiding a conviction. I will attack every aspect of the prosecution's case, from a bad stop or illegal search to unreliable field sobriety, breath, and blood test evidence.

Effective Defense Against DUI Charges

Throughout the Sacramento region, police and prosecutors take a hard line on drunk driving cases. Those convicted of DUI may face serious penalties that include loss of license and possible jail time. I will fight to keep you out of jail and challenge your driver's license suspension.

I take a very personalized and hands-on approach to defending my clients charged with drunk driving. While many defense firms delegate work to a less-experienced attorney, I understand the importance of handling your case personally, from start to finish. I take care of all aspects of the case - courtroom appearances, license hearings at the DMV - so that you can concentrate on getting your life back in order after a DUI arrest. Here's what a recent client said about my representation:

I interviewed a dozen attorneys to best represent me for my DUI case. The one that I chose was Nancy King because she returned my calls promptly and answered my questions very professionally. My situation was an unusual one but Nancy believed that we could win the case. We decided to take it to a jury trial pleading "Not Guilty" because of the evidence we had regarding my innocence. Nancy did her research and devoted many hours and we got a full acquittal. I was thankful, relieved and extremely satisfied with the remarkable job she did representing me. I know that I will call her again for any attorney needs and I highly recommend her services. Nancy, thank you for a job well done! Sincerely, Michael

California DUI Penalties

The laws in California pertaining to DUI are complex. Penalties include fines, jail or prison time, probation, and license suspension, with the severity depending on the circumstances of the violation and the number of previous DUIs. Click here, or on the link at the left, for a detailed description of what can result from a DUI conviction.

Ignition Interlock Device Laws

Effective July 1, 2010, people convicted of DUI in California face new laws regarding the installation of Ignition Interlock Devices (IID) on their vehicles. A statewide program gives people convicted of a 2nd or 3rd DUI the option of installing an IID in exchange for a shorter license suspension period. A separate test program - in Sacramento, Los Angeles, Alameda, and Tulare counties - requires the installation of IIDs for all DUI convictions. For a complete description of these new laws, click here.

DMV Hearings v. Court Proceedings

People accused of DUI in California face two separate reviews of their cases: a criminal court proceeding and a Department of Motor Vehicles hearing. Each is conducted independent of the other, with the outcome of one having no affect on the outcome of the other. What this means is that a person could be found not guilty in the court proceeding and still suffer a driver's license suspension in the DMV hearing, known as an Administrative Per Se hearing. My extensive experience with both types of review allows me to build a credible, effective defense for each of my clients. Click here for a detailed explanation of the DMV hearing process.

Related DUI Charges

In addition to standard drunk driving cases, I have the experience and legal knowledge to defend your rights against related charges:

Free and Confidential Consultation

The law regarding DUI in California is complex and the penalties severe. Call me at (916) 442-1200 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case. Evening, weekend, and out-of-office appointments are available for your convenience. 

Sacramento Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog - DUI