Arrested for Drunk Driving? Act Fast to Protect Your Rights and License.

A California Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrest is a frightening experience with immediate, life-altering consequences. Beyond the potential for jail time, heavy fines, and a criminal record, you are immediately facing a parallel administrative action from the California DMV that can suspend your license.

The Law Office of Chris Caraway specializes in aggressive, strategic DUI defense against Vehicle Code 23152(a) and 23152(b) charges in challenging police reports, breathalyzer results, and field sobriety tests to secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact the Law Office of Chris Caraway Today for a Free Confidential Consultation - (530) 591-4304.

The Immediate Danger: The 10-Day Rule

Following a California DUI arrest, you have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a DMV Admin Per Se (APS) hearing to contest the automatic suspension of your driver’s license.

Do not wait. If you fail to act, your license will be automatically suspended after 30 days. We can file this request on your behalf and appear at the hearing to fight for your right to drive.

California DUI Penalties (2025-2026)

Penalties vary based on whether it is a first, second, or third offense, and whether aggravating factors (such as high BAC, injury, or a minor in the car) are present.

• First-Offense DUI (Misdemeanor): Up to 6 months in jail, $390–$1,000 in fines (plus penalties/assessments), 3–9 month DUI school, and a 6-month license suspension.

• Second/Third-Offense DUI: Mandatory jail time (96 hours to 1 year), up to 2-3 years license suspension, and 18-30 months of DUI school.

• Felony DUI: If injuries occur or you have 3+ prior convictions, you face state prison time.

Top Defenses for California DUI Cases

A DUI charge is not a conviction. The Law Office of Chris Caraway investigates every detail of your stop and arrest to build a strong defense. Common strategies include:

• Unlawful Stop: Police must have "reasonable suspicion" to pull you over. If the stop was unjustified, evidence may be suppressed.

• Improper Field Sobriety Tests: Field tests (FSTs) are notoriously inaccurate. If not administered according to strict protocols, they cannot reliably prove impairment.

• Inaccurate Breath/Blood Testing: Breathalyzers require specific calibration. We investigate if the device was broken, improperly maintained, or if environmental factors (like GERD or diet) affected the results.

• Rising Blood Alcohol: Your BAC may have been below 0.08% while driving but rose higher by the time you took the test at the station.

• Violation of Rights: If the officer failed to read your Miranda rights or violated your constitutional rights, we can fight to have the evidence dismissed.

I do not believe in one-size-fits-all defenses. I meticulously analyze your arrest to find the procedural errors that prosecutors often miss.

• 10-Day DMV Hearing Representation

• Experienced in Challenging Chemical Test Evidence

• Negotiation for Reduced Charges (e.g., Wet Reckless)

• Passionate Advocacy for Your Rights

Call the Law Office of Chris Caraway - California DUI Defense Attorney Now (530) 591-4304

Do not let a single mistake define your future. Contact the Law Office of Chris Caraway for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you fight your California DUI charges.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.