Sacramento DUI Defense Law Firm
Sacramento DUI Defense Law Firm
Find out how an experienced DUI Defense Attorney can help you.
Northern California DUI Law Firm
Experienced Sacramento, Placer, and Yolo County DUI Attorneys
- 2024 Avvo Client’s Choice Award
- 2024 Best of Yelp (5 Star Reviews)
- 2020 National Trial Lawyer Top 100
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- 2024 10.0 Avvo Superb Rating
If you are reading this, you have probably experienced one of the worst nights of your life and you want some answers. Feel free to read on, or call (916) 303-2800 and speak with our DUI specialists Hendrick Crowell or Robert Darrohn. The consultation is free and our firm has been specializing in DUI defense for 23 years. We have built our reputation on achieving extraordinary results, and our three-in-a-row recent jury trial wins give us the edge in negotiations- allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes (whether dismissal, reduction of charges, or minimizing punishment/consequences).
Recent Results:
Client: D.R.
Charge: Sacramento Misdemeanor DUI (.14 Blood Alcohol),
DA Offer: Plea to DUI for $2400 fine, 3 month alcohol class, 2 days jail or work project, ignition interlock device for five months, license suspension for one month.
Result: DUI Dismissed and we won DMV hearing. Attorney presented “Rising Blood Alcohol Defense” with expert report and plea was to “wet reckless”. No jail, no work project, alcohol class reduced to 12 hours, no ignition interlock device, license suspension set aside.
Client: T.C.
Charge: Sacramento Misdemeanor DUI (.17 Blood Alcohol), plus collision.
DA Offer: Plea to DUI with collision for $2400 fine, 9 month alcohol class, 10 days jail or work project.
Result: DUI Dismissed. Criminal Case Dismissed in full. Attorney presented “necessity defense” and case was dismissed pretrial.
Client: M.C.
Charge: Stockton Misdemeanor DUI (.19 Blood Alcohol), Resisting Arrest, and Battery.
DA Offer: Plea to DUI and Resisting Arrest for $3000 fine, 3 month alcohol class, 10 days jail or work project.
Result: DUI Dismissed; Resisting Arrest Dismissed; Battery Dismissed. Fine cut to $1200, no jail or work project, alcohol class cut to 12 hrs. Plea was to “wet reckless”.
While jury trials are rare, we have won our last three (two with not guilty verdicts and one with 9/3 hung jury for not guilty):
- Second DUI VC 23152 (.24 BAC), 9/3 for NOT GUILTY, Hung Jury, Alameda County Dept 513
- PC 211 Robbery, offer 7 years prison, NOT GUILTY, Sacramento County Dept 41
- VC 23104 Reckless Driving w/ Injury, NOT GUILTY, Sacramento County Dept 15
Call for case numbers, cases can be verified online at saccourt.com
Some preliminary information:
∗∗Make sure to contact an attorney or set your own DMV hearing within ten days to protect your license, the DMV number is (916) 227-2970∗∗
First off, if it is your first offense and you plead guilty in Sacramento and you did not injure anyone, you will not generally not face additional jail time (see below for Placer and Yolo Counties). You will however face a license suspension or restriction to driving with an ignition interlock device. Here is the standard offer in Sacramento for a first offense with an “average” blood alcohol of under .15:
- $2500 fine (can be reduced to roughly $500 with additional work project or home detention)
- 5 month ignition interlock device
- 5 month license restriction (either for work/alc class or with IID device)
- 2 days work project or home detention
- 3 month first offender alcohol class (30 hours)
- 2 DMV points
- Misdemeanor conviction (can be expunged after probation expires)
- Insurance increase (SR-22 required)
This may seem either not-so-bad or terrible based on your perspective, your employment, etc. Many times hiring a good attorney can get the charge completely dismissed, or reduced to something like a “wet reckless”. A reduced charge wet reckless results in the above except:
- No ignition interlock device
- No work project or home detention
- Reduced alcohol class of 12 hours (or deleted class in some cases)
- Reduced fine
As you can see, even getting a reduced charge is worth it in the savings of money and hassle,. A recent extraordinary example is from our client M.G., for whom we were able to obtain a wet reckless on a .18 blood alcohol (call for case info and verification, Sacramento County case). Of course the ultimate goal is a dismissal when it is possible, and we have many examples of this, call for more information, and case numbers/verification.
The question to ask yourself is, do I want to just plead guilty and put this on my record, or do I want my best chance at protecting my record and minimizing the consequences of my arrest? We tend to think that hiring a professional for something as serious as a criminal offense/conviction is a no-brainer, and we are true professionals in this regard- this isn’t a firm where we go in and pitch outlandish stories or always go to trial with bad facts- what you get with our firm is a reputable, respected attorney whose career is based on putting your case/facts/situation in the best possible light, thereby maximizing the potential for the d.a. to dismiss or reduce your case.
Call and speak directly to an attorney at (916) 303-2800, or email at Hendrick@crowelllawoffices.
Some further information:
A second offense in Sacramento will result in (if you plead guilty with non-egregious facts):
- 4 days mandatory jail
- 1-6 days work project or home detention (average)
- 18 months alcohol program
- Ignition interlock device
- 4 years informal probation
- $2500 fine (can be reduced with more work project or home detention)
- 2 DMV points
- Misdemeanor conviction (can be expunged after probation)
- Insurance increase (SR-22 required)
A third offense carries a minimum of 120 days (6 mandatory in custody minimum), and a fourth offense results in a felony. Probation violations involve other consequences, call and we can explain all of this to you.
For Placer violations, the fine is usually roughly $2000, but in many cases they are stricter with the amount of days of work project/home detention, and there is a mandatory two hour “Victim Impact Panel” class if convicted. Please call our attorneys to get free advice on your situation, and to see if we can help.
For Yolo violations, the fine is usually $3200, but they do not require the “Victim Impact Panel” class. For second and even third offenses, jail can usually still be avoided, but many times there is a SCRAM requirement (ankle bracelet alcohol detection monitor).
We also handle DUIs in other counties, depending on the location. The firm specializes in DUI defense and we are frequently contacted to speak at local and statewide seminars.
An attorney can interview you by phone or in person and ascertain the strength of any possible defenses, all of which have given us success in the past (dismissals or reduced charges). Some of these defenses are:
- Rising blood alcohol defense (you are in the absorptive stage and were lower at the time of driving)
- Blood retest (many times a credible, independent lab comes back with a lower result, and the fee is usually only $100)
- Lack of reasonable suspicion for stop: filing a motion to suppress may be fruitful and may get the case dismissed for issues related to weaving within lane, lack of vehicle code violation, refusal, inconsistency between report and video evidence, etc)
- Calibration of device (lack of compliance with Title 17, device not maintained or calibrated properly, unreliable testing procedure)
∗∗There are dozens of other areas to explore as possible ways to obtain a dismissal/reduction in your case, call so we can analyze your particular situation for no charge (916) 303-2800 or hendrick@crowelllawoffices.com
Here is a list of recent results from our firm:
| CHARGES | RESOLUTION | COUNTY | DATE |
| M.C. – Misdemeanor DUI, Resisting, Refusal | Dismissed | Sacramento | 1/3/2025 |
| C.L. – DUI | Military diversion granted | Placer | 2/4/2025 |
| J.L.R – DUI I | Resolved wet for 10 days 3 mo class; + fine conversion 2 days, no refusal admission, refusal allegation dismissed, client’s DACA protected. | Sacramento | 1/2/2025 |
| A.N. – DUI | Second DUI dismissed, wet reckless argued rising blood alcohol and driving defense, .21/.22 | Sacramento | 12/18/2024 |
| Y.N.M – DUI | .11, DUI dismissed, wet reckless, one year probation | Sacramento | 1/18/2024 |
| S.H. – Felony DUI IV | Probation granted, HALT program, no prison | Sacramento | 12/13/2024 |
| L.A. – Misdemeanor 1203.4 DUI and Hit/Run | 1203.4 Granted, dismissed | Sacramento | 12/6/2024 |
| C.C. – 1203.4 2nd DUI | 1203.4 granted | Sacramento | 12/6/2024 |
| J.R. – DUI | Expungement granted and bench warrant recalled | Sacramento | 12/6/2024 |
| O.P. – DUI | Graduated Vet court Case dismissed | Sacramento | 12/6/2024 |
| G.C. – Felony DUI and Possession of Firearm | Felony dismissed, obtained misdemeanor no jail resolution (w/ alcohol class reduced from 6 mo to 3 mo), Client in school to be a contractor and can stay on track due to felony being dismissed (got court to offer it over the DA’s objection) | Sacramento | 11/19/2024 |
| R.S. – DUI (commercial driver) | Resolved for wet reckless | San Joaquin | 11/12/2024 |
| J.M. – 2nd DUI w/ Injury | 60 days alternative sentencing, no actual jail required | Placer | 11/7/2024 |
| N.H. – Misd Under 21 DUI | Resolved for wet reckless | Sacramento | 10/28/2024 |
| A.S. – Felony Vandalism (Juvy Vandalism, 20k in damages) | Felony dismissed, reduced to misdemeanor w/ 6 mo probation and record sealed, no detention time, community service only | Placer | 10/28/2024 |
| M.L. – 10851 Car Theft, on probation for Car Theft, w/ strike prior | Prior strike dismissed, client to serve local time after J&S, released from custody w/ other terms | Sacramento | 10/25/2024 |
| L.W. – Felony Evading w/ .25 second DUI (w/ prior DUI from 4/23) | Felony reduced to misdemeanor, alternative sentencing granted. Client started new job and can keep license w/ IID instead of the felony one year mandatory revocation. | Sacramento | 10/25/2024 |
| J.S. – fel 273.5, 60 day offer | Reduced first to PC 245 misdo, then PC 236 misdo | Placer | 10/25/2024 |
| M.B. – Misd DUI II DMV APS | Refusal set aside/dismissed | Sacramento | 10/24/2024 |
| L.W. – DUI I | Resolved for wet reckless | Sacramento | 10/23/2024 |
| A.V. – Felony Arson | Probation granted, one year w/ half, time served, prison sentence suspended. | Sacramento | 10/23/2024 |
| R.M. – Felony commercial burglary (multiple items) | Felony dismissed, changed to misdemeanor trespass, alternative sentencing 5 days and 8 yrs community service, restitution, one year probation | Yolo | 10/23/2024 |
| S.R. – Felony 245 assault w/ GBI, exposure 14 years prison, 14 years prison recommended by probation dept. | Romero motion filed, and granted. Alternative sentencing approved by court, w/ probation (no prison) | Yolo | 10/23/2024 |
| D.N. – Misdemeanor DUI I | 30 days owed for dui from 2006, client released after two actual days served, from court in interest of justice. | Sacramento | 10/23/2024 |
| A.F. – Misdemeanor DUI I | Resolved for wet, add to d/l | Sacramento | 10/23/2024 |
| R.M. – Felony Grand Theft | Resolved for misdemeanor | Yolo | 10/23/2024 |
| M.H. – Felony Possession for Sale, PC 69 (2 counts), hS 11351 & HS 11378 | Diversion granted, case delayed one year, and dismissed w/ proof of work and school and treatment/testing | Sacramento | 10/23/2024 |
| L.S. – First DUI | Resolved for wet reckless | Sacramento | 10/21/2024 |
| N.F. – Misdemeanor Hit/Run w. Injury | Proof shown – case dismissed | Placer | 10/17/2024 |
| A.V. – Felony Arson | Probation granted, one year county jail w/ two years probation, time served at sentencing | Sacramento | 10/21/2024 |
| C.C. – DMV APS Misdemeanor DUI I | Contested the basis for stop at APS hearing, result: Set Aside w/ DMV | Sacramento | 10/18/2024 |
| K.N. – Felony gun case w/ strike gun prior | Romero granted! Prior fel strike allegation dismissed | Sacramento | 10/17/2024 |
| B.D. – ID Theft | Resolved | Placer | 10/16/2024 |
| J.F. Charge: Felony Possession of Firearm | Results: Dismissed | County: Sacramento | 6/14/24 |
| I.J. Charge: Misdemeanor DUI | Results: Military diversion granted | County: Sacramento | 6/13/24 |
| P.G. Charge: Misdemeanor DV | Results: Reduced charge PC 236, no jail, 1yr probation after classes | County: Placer | 6/7/24 |
| C.T. Charges: Multiple drug DUI | Results: wet reckless, credits for time served. | County: Sacramento | 6/5/24 |
| A.M. Charges: Felony evading, and DUI | Results: Felony evading dismissed, plea only to DUI w/ no jail required | County: Sacramento | 6/4/24 |
| A.S. Charges: Felony corporal injury on spouse | Results: Retained post preliminary hearing, no bail set previously, further investigation and renewed bail motion, released on zero bail with conditions. | County: Sacramento | 5/27/24 |
| M.L. Charges: Two violations of probation for failure to report to probation. | Results: Time served, probation terminated, and client released. | County: Placer | 5/22/24 |
| M.D. Charge: Petty Theft | Results: Dismissed | County: Sacramento | 5/20/24 |
| A.G.(Saykally) Charge: Felony DUI V w. Priors | Results: 17b/1203.4 Granted | County: Sacramento | 5/17/24 |
| J.A. Charge: Felony Insurance Fraud | Results: 1203.4 Granted | County: Sacramento | 5/17/24 |
| J.A. Charge: Felony Hit/Run | Results: 1203.4 Granted | County: Sacramento | 5/17/24 |
| J.A. Charge: Felony Robbery | Results: 1203.4 Granted | County: Sacramento | 5/3/24 |
| S.M. Charge: Felony Warrant | Results: Warrant recalled, case dismissed. | County: Sacramento | 5/8/24 |
| N.R. Charge: Possession of a firearm | Results: Case dismissed | County: Sacramento | 5/10/24 |
| B.B. Charge: 1203.4 Felony Assault | Results: Dismissed pursuant PC1203.4 | County: Yolo | 5/9/24 |
| J.C. Charge: PC 594(b)(4) | Results: 1203.4 granted | County: San Joaquin | 5/3/24 |
| A.B. Charge: Misd DUI I | Results: add to d/l | County: Sacramento | 5/3/24 |
| A.B. Charge: Misdemeanor DUI I | Results: add to d/l | County: Sacramento | 5/3/24 |
| M.S. Charge: Misdemeanor Solicitation | Results: proof shown, case dismissed | County: Sacramento | 5/1/24 |
| L.T. Charge: Criminal threats | Results: Dismissed | County: Sacramento | 4/22/24 |
| J.A.Z Charge: Second offense driving on a suspended license | Results: Case dismissed | County: Calaveras | 4/16/24 |
| A.L. Charge: DV | Results: Decline | County: Sacramento | 4/16/24 |
| C.V. Charge: Felony vehicle theft | Results: resolved for ct.2 for 90 days, prior strike stricken w/o Romero | County: Sacramento | 4/5/24 |
| A.E. Charge: Two felony violations | Results: Two VOP petitions dismissed | County: Sacramento | 4/3/24 |
| J.S. Charge: Felony DV | Results: Decline | County: Sacramento | 4/3/24 |
| M.L. Charge: Felony car theft and evading | Results: The prior strike was dismissed, and the client was allowed to apply for medical home detention based on medical need. Probation granted. | County: Sacramento | 3/28/24 |
| R.B. Charge: Misdemeanor Domestic Violence | Results: 12 anger management classes for a case dismissal. | County: Sacramento | 3/27/24 |
| J.B. Charges: DUI | Results: Resolved for 1st DUI, 2 out-of-state priors stricken | County: El Dorado | 3/26/24 |
| A.F. Charge: Misdemeanor trespassing | Results: Diversion completed successfully, case dismissed. | County: Amador | 3/20/24 |
| V.G. Charge: Felony Embezzlement | Results: Probation granted, no actual jail if alternative sentencing completed | County: Placer | 3/13/24 |
| A.H. Charge: Felony DUI II w. GBI | Results: Probation Granted, client is given credit for time served in jail (less than a year actual) and released, one-year outpatient program w/ Kaiser | County: Placer | 3/13/24 |
| A.H. Charge: Misd DUI I | Results: Probation Granted, client is given credit for time served in jail (less than a year actual) and released, one-year outpatient program w/ Kaiser | County: Placer | 3/13/24 |
| D.O. Charge: Misdemeanor DUI I | Results: Resolved for wet reckless .11/.11 | County: Stanislaus | 3/8/24 |
| H.S. Charge: Misdemeanor DUI I | Results: Wet reckless | County: San Joaquin | 3/6/24 |
| J.T. Charge: Misdemeanor DUI II | Results: Second wet | County: Sacramento | 3/6/24 |
| I.W. Charge: Felony Domestic Violence | Results: Dismissed with 12 anger management classes. | County: Sacramento | 3/1/24 |
| F.B. Charge: Misdemeanor theft | Results: Mental health diversion granted. | County: Placer | 2/29/24 |
| B.F. Charge: Felony DUI w/ GBI | Results: result, home detention approved, no actual jail, no plea to strike or GBI. | County: Sacramento | 2/28/24 |
| M.H. Charge: DUI w/ refusal, HBA of .20 | Results: Resolve for dui w/ .15+ HBA, no refusal conviction in the criminal case. | County: Solano | 2/28/24 |
| T.P. Charge: Felony possession of an assault weapon/MJ cultivation | Results: Reduced to a misdemeanor, felony gun and theft, both felonies reduced, no actual jail required | County: Sacramento | 2/15/24 |
| J.C. Charge: Felony Corporal Injury | Results: Provided collateral consequences letter from immigration and got DV charge reduced to immigration safe plea, no actual jail required | County: Sacramento | 2/15/24 |
| T.D. Charge: Felony Strike | Results: felony strike 422 dismissed, plead to misdemeanor 243 for no actual jail, alternative sentencing approved. | County: Sacramento | 2/15/24 |
| M.D. Charge: Felony Vandalism | Results: Resolved for a misdemeanor | County: Sacramento | 2/5/24 |
| M.D. Charge: Felony Vandalism | Results: Resolved for a misdemeanor | County: Sacramento | 2/5/24 |
| J.P. Charge: Felony transport, import, sell, MJ | Results: Reduced to misdemeanor, time stayed pending successful 1-year probation | County: Sacramento | 2/1/24 |
| J.V. Charge: Felony criminal threats | Results: Resolved for misdemeanor | County: Placer | 2/1/24 |
| J.G. Charge: Solicitation | Results: Case dismissed | County: Sacramento | 1/25/24 |
| R.Q. Charge: Misdemeanor solicitation | Results: Dismissed | County: Sacramento | 1/25/24 |
| T.K. Charge: Welfare Fraud | Results: Case dismissed | County: Sacramento | 1/25/24 |
| K.N. Charge: Misdemeanor reckless driving | Results: Dismissed | County: Sacramento | 1/18/24 |
| M.V. Charge: Driving on a suspended driver’s license | Results: Diversion granted | County: Sacramento | 1/17/24 |
| S.M. Charge: Driving with a suspended driver’s license and window tint | Results: Diversion granted | County: Sacramento | 1/17/24 |
| M.W. Charge: Robbery with two strike priors, and on parole for robbery at time of the offense | Results: strike stricken, 25 to life county dismissed, pending sentencing on determinate non-life term | County: Sacramento | 1/11/24 |
| K.L. Charge: Robbery, Kidnapping, Assault with firearm(possible 15 years to life) | Results: Felony PC 32 for time served (69 actual days), probation granted, released from custody | County: Sacramento | 1/11/24 |
| M.B. Charge: Misd Poss. loaded Firearm/No Permit to Carry/Criminal Threats | Results: Case dismissed | County: Sacramento | 1/11/24 |
| A.S. Charge: Misdemeanor hit & run with property damage | Results: Dismissed | County: Sacramento | 1/10/24 |
| S.O. Charge: Felony DV w/ prior strike and evading | Results: DV dismissed, plead to evading only, prior strike dismissed, no doubting of sentence, got one-year actual time | County: Yolo | 1/10/24 |
| D.R. Charge: Misdemeanor DUI I | Results: Wet reckless | County: Sacramento | 01/09/24 |
| P.N. Charge: Pre-file Shoplifting | Results: Petition to seal the arrest granted. | County: Placer | 01/04/24 |
| D.M. Charge: Expungement | Results: Expungement Granted | County: Placer | 01/04/24 |
| E.E. Charge: Fel. Poss of c/s, Poss. MJ for sale | Results: two strikes stricken, Romero motion granted, doubling of low term sentence dismissed. | County: Sacramento | 01/03/24 |
| J.T. Charge: 1203.4 Misdemeanor DUI I | Results: Granted | County: Placer | 12/21/23 |
| R.D. Charge: 1203.4 Misdemeanor DUI I | Results: Granted | Placer | 12/21/23 |
| R.M. Charge: 1203.4 Misdemeanor Annoying/Molesting Minor | Results: Granted | County: Placer | 12/21/23 |
| Y.H. Charge: 1203.4 Felony MJ Cultivation | Results: Granted | County: Tehama | 12/20/23 |
| K.C. Charge: Felony Rape | Results: Bail not increased, client remains out on current bail | County: Sacramento | 12/19/23 |
| M.C. Charge: Misdemeanor DUI I | Results: Wet reckless | County: Sacramento | 12/18/23 |
| A.D. Charge: DUI under 21 | Results: Case dismissed | County: Sacramento | 12/13/23 |
| D.M. Charge: Misdemeanor exhibition of speed | Results: Dismissed | County: El Dorado | 12/11/23 |
| H.D. Charge: Misdemeanor DUI I | Results: Dismissed | County: Sacramento | 12/11/23 |
| E.R. Charge: Possession of firearm | Results: Dismissed if 30 hours community service shown after one year, no conviction | County: Sacramento | 12/07/23 |
| B.R. Charge: Misd. threatened crime with intent to terrorize | Results: DA DECLINE | County: Sacramento | 12/07/23 |
| R.B. Charge: Petition to reduce a felony conviction to a misdemeanor. | Results: Granted | County: Napa | 12/05/23 |
| S.R. Charge: Misdemeanor | Results: Dismissed | County: Placer | 11/30/23 |
| A.C. Charge: Felony DV/Resisting Arrest | Results: Felony gun reduced to misdo, no actual jail required | County: Sacramento | 11/29/23 |
| D.A. Charge: Misdemeanor Animal Abandonment | Results: Proof shown. Dismissed. | County: Sacramento | 11/28/23 |
| O.E. Charge: Misdemeanor DUI I w. Accident/Prop Damage | Results: Resolved for wet reckless | County: Placer | 11/21/23 |
| J.A. Charge: Misd DUI I | Results: Dismissed. Judge Scanlon found that diversion was successfully completed and ordered the case dismissed | County: Contra Costa | 11/17/23 |
| R.F. Charge: Misdemeanor DUI I | Results: Wet Reckless | County: Sacramento | 11/16/23 |
| H.Y. Charge: Hit and run | Results: Dismissed | County: Sacramento | 11/16/23 |
| C.G. Charge: Misd DUI I | Results: Dismissed | County: Solano | 11/15/23 |
| T.H. Charge: Driving w. Suspended License | Results: Valid dl shown and case dismissed | County: Nevada | 11/13/23 |
| J.G. Charge: Felony PC 245 | Result: All felonies dismissed, misdemeanor gun possession only, one year probation, no jail or work project | County: Yolo | 11/9/23 |
| R.Q. Charge: Misdemeanor Solicitation | Result: .95 motion GRANTED | County: Sacramento | 10/26/23 |
| J.G. Charge: Misdemeanor Solicitation | Result: .95 motion GRANTED. Client to take 16 hour John course, complete 2-page report regarding course, OAL 3 months, complete 20 hours C/S | County: Sacramento | 10/26/23 |
| R.R. Charge: Misd. DUI I | Result: DUI dismissed, plea to wet reckless, no jail, WP or HD, ALC class from 3 mo to 6 wks | County: Sacramento | 10/23/23 |
| S.R. Charge: Misd. DUI II | Result: No jail, client doing therapy & AA sessions in lieu of jail | County: Placer | 10/24/23 |
| J.R. Charge: Misd. reckless driving | Result: Dismissed | County: Sacramento | 10/16/23 |
| J.F. Charge: Misd Hit/Run w. Prop. Damage & B/W | Result: Resolved for infraction VC 16025(a), $100 base fine | County: Sacramento | 10/12/23 |
| J.B. Charge: Misd DUI I | Results: Dismissed | County: Butte | 10/10/23 |
| T.J. Charge: Misd Poss. Firearm at Airport | Results: Dismisse |