
- First Steps
First Steps
If you or a loved one have already been arrested it is essential that you be informed. What can be done immediately after an arrest and how to take action as soon as possible for your own defense is critical information. There is a 10-day window of opportunity to request a hearing with the DMV or your license will be automatically suspended. Knowing what to do first and how to take action will make every difference in your defense.
- DUI Info
DUI Info
Driving Under the Influence or DUI investigations are implemented for many reasons. Ultimately, the prosecutor in a DUI prosecution is required to prove each and every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt, and in the case of reasonable doubt of the DUI suspect's guilt, a jury must find the driver not guilty.
- DMV Info
DMV Info
Many motorists arrested for drunk-driving or driving under the influence of drugs are unaware of the relationship between the criminal courts, the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and their driver's license. The DMV case is more time-sensitive, because a motorist facing a drunk driving charge has only 10-day calendar days from the date of arrest to request a DMV hearing.
Sections:
- DMV Process: DMV Adminstrative Hearing (DMV APS Hearing)
- California DMV Driver Safety Office Locations
- Issues at a DMV Hearing
- DMV Hearing Process
- Interstate Driver's License Compact (IDLC)
- Consequences of a DMV Hearing
- DMV Consequences for DUI First Offense
- Second Offense DMV Consequences
- Third Offense DUI DMV Consequences
- DMV Refusal Cases
- Court Process
Court Process
Getting arrested on suspicion of a DUI in California can be a frightening experience. Suspected drunk drivers face a legal labyrinth that can seem daunting. A drunk-driving case generates two separate cases: in criminal court, and at the Department of Motor Vehicles. A California DUI attorney with experience in drunk driving defense cases can help drivers navigate through both the DMV hearing and the criminal court case.
- Resources
Resources
From getting released from custody, requesting a DMV hearing, or post-conviction relief like expungements, there are many resources available to you to help you navigate being charged with a DUI in California.
- About Us
About Us
Criminal defense attorney Darren T. Kavinoky, and the experienced attorneys of The Kavinoky Law Firm, have a proven track record of success and are committed to providing you with a relentlessly thorough defense. Please contact us for a consultation at no charge.
- Contact Us
Contact Us
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Urgent: DUI First Aid
If you’ve been arrested for DUI anywhere in California, you have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to request an administrative hearing with the California DMV. Sadly, this information is not always brought to the attention of people arrested for DUI.
The First 30 Days
DUI charges are certainly serious, since convictions mean a long list of both direct and indirect consequences. No matter how bad a case may seem, there are ways to cushion or avoid these consequences entirely. However, time is of the essence. If you or someone you know is arrested for a California DUI first offense, don't hesitate to contact us for a consultation.
The Kavinoky Law Firm
We provide our clients with a relentlessly thorough legal defense, and we do that work in a compassionate, caring, respectful way. We creatively explore every strategic option to deliver the best possible outcome for our clients.
Financing Options
Someday, this case will be done, and in the “rearview mirror” of your life. Choosing our firm to defend you means that when you look back on it, you’ll know you did everything possible to bring about the best possible result given the unique facts and circumstances of your case.
Darren T. Kavinoky
Founding Attorney, The Kavinoky Law Firm »Darren T. Kavinoky is a criminal defense attorney, expert California DUI attorney, host of Deadly Sins, and a television legal analyst that has been dedicated to defending people accused of crime since 1994. He is the founding attorney of The Kavinoky Law Firm based in Encino with offices in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Riverside, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Walnut Creek, and Sacramento. Darren is a Certified Instructor in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, and has taught lawyers around the country to be more effective in defending DUI and drug-related cases, delivering lectures on jury selection, cross-examining law enforcement officers, effective use of the media in high-profile cases, and properly handling the ethical issues that can arise in criminal cases.
He has authored two books relating to the defense of DUI charges. He is a Life Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, a member of the National College for DUI Defense, and has been named to the list of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in California by the American Trial Lawyers Association each year since 2007. Darren has also been named to the list of Southern California SuperLawyers in 2010, 2011, and 2012.
As Featured In:
Blog Posts
- Funny DUI Arrest Videos
- Top 5 Ridiculous DUI’s
- California DUI First Offense
- Our Radio Commercial for 1-800 NoCuffs
- Los Angeles County DUI Checkpoints for Dec. 20th through Dec. 31st 2012.
- What Really Happens with a DUI Breath Test
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While facing DUI charges is no laughing matter, watching funny DUI arrest videos can be. It’s estimated there are nearly 1.4 million arrests made per year for driving under the influence in the United States, with alcohol contributing to over …
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Number 1: Riding a lawnmower drunk, Blountville Tennessee In April 2011, Martin Junior McMurray took police on a low-speed pursuit while on his lawnmower. He swerved between lanes and ignored police sirens for half a mile. After the pursuing officer …
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Getting arrested for a DUI in California is a very scary experience. Many times, this is your first arrest and experience with the criminal courts. It is important to hire an experienced California DUI attorney who can navigate through the many nuances of the California …
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Below is the script that I am using for my radio commercial for 1-800-No-Cuffs (1-800-662-8337). I am hoping to be able to reach out and help more people. On average there are roughly 200,000 DUI arrests in California each year. …
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The CHP will be deploying all available officers during their Maximum Enforcement Period this holiday weekend; Friday 6 PM through midnight Monday. All regularly scheduled traffic and patrol officers will focus efforts at stopping and arresting DUI drivers during their …
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If you were arrested for a DUI in California, chances are that you gave a breath test. Many people believe (erroneously) that if the machine says that they were above the legal limit, then they are guilty, and conviction and punishment are inevitable. Thankfully, that’s not the case.
When you had your test administered to you, and under what considers, is only the beginning. Each type of test has its own requirements, too. Regardless of what technology drives the machine, and regardless of where the test is administered, there are many ways to raise doubts about the reliability of the results.
Some challenges relate to the machine itself. Others concern the operator. Still others relate to whether or not the subject is a suitable candidate for breath testing.Read More »
Testimonials
“Dear Darren:
I wanted to take the time to thank you for your firms service and support over the last few months. Your team of Susan, Brendan and Karen did an outstanding job representing me and basically taking care of my every need as it related to the DUI and Hit and Run charges that were pending against me.
From my initial conversation with Brendan, I knew that your firm was going to be the perfect match for me. Darren, I have future political ambitions . I felt my career and future ended the night of the arrest. I contacted your office a couple days later and Brendan immediately put me at ease. His professionalism and caring attitude assured me that everything was going to be okay. After hearing my story, Brendan felt that an in person meeting would be appropriate and I came down to your offices the next day. I was so impressed that he took the time to introduce me to your team, especially Susan and that you came in and introduced yourself as well. This provided me the comfort level that I was going to get top notch service and that I made a good choice. I had other options as many close family members and friends had legal connections for me to consider. My mind was made up after I left your office.
After my in person meeting with Brendan, Susan contacted me promptly to inform me she was going to handle my case and represent me for the DMV hearing and in court. Susan was so detailed and organized, and acted as if I was her only client. I had several questions and she never made me feel like I was bothering her, all of my constant phone calls and e mails always got replies on the same day, even with her crazy schedule. She called me the same day after the meeting with the DMV, as well as the two court appearances, always with the details and more importantly with good news. She is an amazing attorney and has a fantastic presence about her. I can see why she is so successful.
I cannot tell you how proud I was of her efforts in getting the “hit and run” thrown out and reducing the DUI charge to a wet reckless. This shows the hard work and time that went in to this case, Darren, I am so impressed with Susan, Brendan and your team. From the initial conversation with Brendan, to the diligent hard working and excellent representation and work Susan did on the case. I could not have ever asked for a better out-come.
I also want to express my thanks to Karen. Karen was very prompt in answering questions I had and ensuring I received documents and communication in a timely manner.
Please forgive me but I forget your notary’s name. He was also very kind and informative and helped answer a few questions I had about the DMV process. Please send my thanks to him as well.
We all know the saying “it takes a village” well, you certainly have the best of the best surrounding you and I was so pleased and impressed.
If you ever need anything from me personally, or if I can ever support your firm in any way I would not hesitate. I hope to never need your services in the future, but will always utilize you as a referral for family, friends or co workers in need, and will reach out to you if I ever need a recommendation for other specialty legal advice as I value your opinion. I also hope to be in touch with Susan after the first 5-6 months to discuss how we can reduce or eliminate probation.
The words “Thank You” cannot express my gratitude. I am so impressed with your firm and the effort that went in to my representation during this very difficult time in my life.”
- J.W., Los Angeles
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