By Vincent Tucci | Managing Partner & DUI Defense Expert TL;DR In California, DUI can be filed as a felony if it involves injury to another person, is a fourth offense within 10 years, or follows a prior felony DUI—these thresholds drive charging decisions. The DMV process is separate from court. You generally have 10 days to …

By Vincent Tucci | Managing Partner & DUI Defense Expert TL;DR California’s DUI path runs on two tracks: criminal court and DMV. You have 10 days to request a DMV hearing—miss it and your license may be suspended automatically. Chemical and field sobriety tests can be challenged for errors, calibration, or medical factors; these defenses can …

By Vincent Tucci | Managing Partner & DUI Defense Expert TL;DR A California DUI stays on your driving record for 10 years and counts as a prior for future sentencing enhancements (DMV Handbook). According to the DMV’s 2022 DUI Management Information System (MIS) report, there were 95,957 DUI arrests in 2020—a 22.7% decrease from 2019—with a …

By Vincent Tucci | Managing Partner & DUI Defense Expert TL;DR California’s per–se law makes it illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher for drivers 21+ — triggering DMV suspension and criminal exposure even without other signs of impairment (https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/alcohol-and-drugs/). At ≥ 0.15% BAC, courts may impose enhanced penalties (longer programs, added …

By Vincent Tucci | Managing Partner & DUI Defense Expert TL;DR A first-time DUI triggers two tracks: criminal court and a DMV action. You generally have 10 days to request a DMV hearing to contest suspension; act immediately. Penalties can include fines, probation, program requirements, and possible jail; outcomes vary by facts and county. Early counsel …