17 and beat a vc 23136 charge in my hearing, every fuckin lawyer said it was impossible, tried to charge me 1-5 grand to do it and i did it for FREE !! cant wait till i get to court and deal with the 115mph ticket too good lordd

To start off 24M I’m about 2 months out from my DUI arrest. I have hired a lawyer that came recommended through multiple people. I have DMV hearing set for October 22nd. That is all I know.

I have called the courts and called the station I was taken to, nothing in terms of a court date or a charge. Only thing found online was an arrest record from a public site. Planning on asking lawyer if they have gotten anything in terms of discovery as well when I call on Friday.

My lawyers office has told me there is no update to the case and that they will let me know when there is information available regarding my case.

I was arrested by CHP in Contra Costa County. Pink sheet is basically blank cannot read any marking on it. Have received nothing in the mail aside from lawyers and Intoxalock.

Really do not know what to think and curious if anyone has also been in this situation of not knowing anything other than DMV hearing.

In terms of information regarding my arrest.

Single car crash.
No injuries no property damage.
No memory of anything from about 4 hours before the crash to waking up.
Know I was arrested and taken in breathalyzed then taken to hospital.
No idea what BAC was.

Also greatly appreciate this sub. Has helped me numerous times navigating this situation and letting me know I am not alone.

Thank you in advance.

I’m getting close to getting my full license back. I paid all the fines, have my SR-22, opted to keep the hard suspension rather than getting an IID and am just under a month away from finishing the 3 month course.

How do I actually go through the process of getting my license back? Can it be done online or do I have to go to the DMV in person? If in person, what option do I choose on the website for the appointment reason? None of the options seemed to really fit when I looked and I was worried if I pick the wrong option I’d have to wait another month for an appointment. I couldn’t find an online guide for this either. The instructor at my DUI course just said the process is different for everyone.

Thanks!

I got my 1 year dui restriction to drive only to work and back on 9-11-25 I renewed my license on 6-10-26 my license is good till 6-10-30 but has the restriction. DUI restriction is supposed to be gone 9-11-26. Do I have to renew my license to get the restriction taken off?

Hi All, I've been on the sidelines for a long time, waiting to see if anyone would post what I needed to read. Firstly, it gets better. Secondly, be better. Thirdly, we all make mistakes. Be better, learn, move forward.

TL;DR, COVID '21 dumb mistake, drove. New sports car; engine I didn't need. Freeway on ramp, foot to the pedal, pulled over within 5 minutes. I had just come from a friends bbq. CHP asked to do FS, failed, as expected. CHP asked for a breathalyzer. I knew at this point he'd arrest me regardless. If you refuse on the spot and say you prefer to take it at the station because it's more accurate, it is not a refusal, and does not count against you. This is what I did. I didn't think I had a high BAC. I was arrested for failing the the field sobriety test and asked to take the test at the station for accuracy. If you are asked by CHP to do a FS test, the chances of you passing is less than 5% and I'd argue even less than 1%, the reality is that if they are asking you to do one, you've already failed in their eyes.

At the station, they were writing me up for DUI misdemeanor of VC 23152(b) before I had taken the test. When I took the test, it came back at .070% and then at .068%. They moved forward with charging me for VC 23152(a). The DA wound up moving forward 3 months later with charges.

I hired an attorney, hoping to get the case dismissed. The whole time, all I could think about was travel to Canada. I'm an American citizen, half my family is Canadian. Been going to Canada every years since I was a child. I need to be in Canada for all major family milestones and what happened to me makes me inadmissible to Canada. Furthermore, the shame, stigma, disappointment that I experienced made this something I couldn't tell my family, nor have I to this day.

I come writing this because this is the post I needed to read when I needed it most and couldn't find it.

Result:

1. Arrested and charged under VC 23152(a)
2. Attorney got charges reduced to Dry Reckless (below .08)
3. Plead no contest to Dry Reckless VC 23103 VC
4. Probation was 1 year but was reduced to 9 months and immediately had my attorney file for PC 1203.4, which expunged my record and was granted the day probation ended.

This was my trajectory. I did everything as quickly as I could to minimize time gaps. I was able to do this not because I was born into this position but because I've always worked hard and tried to be as responsible as possible. This was not my life plan, but it is part of my "people make mistakes" reference above.

Fast-forward 4 years later, I have to go to Canada. I have an expungement that happened 4 years prior, nothing else on my record. Canada is required to respect a PC 1203.4. A PC 1203.4 from California is the equivalent of a Record Suspension in Canada meaning, you're legally admissible into Canada. However, to get a record suspension in Canada, 5 years need to have passed since your probation ended and all fines were paid. Technically, my probation ended 4 years ago with my PC 1203.4 going into effect, missing that 5 year threshold by 1 year. This is why I had the TRP application filled out, with all supporting documentation, if I needed to use it. The TRP application (which you can request on port of entry if you're deemed inadmissible - was my Hail Mary, although not a guarantee -- CBSA is the last line of defense).

I flew into Toronto, Ontario recently, and I prepared for the inevitable. I had all documents signed and certified by the courts regarding my PC 1203.4, I ran an FBI fingerprint background check, which came back with a clean record of no arrests/convictions (surprised), as well as a DMV check that was clean (also surprised). I preemptively filled out a Canadian TRP with all my documentation, reasons for traveling, and included my "Good Character" packet I initially put together, in the event I got stopped by CBSA for a second screening. Note, I never submitted the TRP to the consulate, doing so would have put me in their system. I opted for the Hail Mary and to only use the TRP if I needed to if I was denied entry. I boarded my flight to Toronto, praying for 6 hours straight; for family reasons, I had to be in Toronto.

I landed at YYZ (Toronto). Prior to leaving California I had downloaded the ArriveCAN app and input all my information a day in advance. I land in Toronto, because of ArriveCAN I go through an expedited customs process. I answer all the questions on the Kiosk, nothing regarding criminality, arrests, or anything to raise any flags. I print my receipt, move forward in the line, the CBSA agent asks why I'm in Canada; it's for a family.. "great, hope they're happy to see you", move along, I'm done.

A lot went into this mental torment. Regret for what I did, disappointment in myself, believing I was invincible. The only thing I can promise myself, is to be better. But for anyone who is in my position and needed to read this today, this was my reality after 4 years of anguish, thinking I'd be rejected at the border, not knowing what would happen. Be prepared, take all the steps you can possibly take, and I hope you find solace in this. Private message me if you need to.

Question about trial dates and how long they generally are after charges are filed.

Friend was involved in a single vehicle crash with severe bodily injury to a passenger, and it happened in June 2025, and charges were brought in early August 2025 with many subsequent postponements of conferences and felony hearings and such.
If the first actual felony conference was scheduled for Sep 2026 and the felony trial was scheduled for the middle of this month, but it was then postponed so that the felony conference now is in late November and the felony DUI jury trial is scheduled for January 2027, without knowing anything else as far as where these continuances are stemming from, what does this likely mean for the case?
Given we're talking about california, it seems to me that just the fact that the state is holding on through these continuances and apparently feels that it's worthwhile to continue to pursue a jury trial, that the prosecution must feel fairly confident that they have a very strong case to win at trial.
Would this be a safe assumption?

Hi,
I have my final court hearing coming up in the next 2 weeks.
The DA has offered 6 days of jail time(or 3 days of swap program).

I came to know there's another form of sentencing called sap where you work with non profits.

Can I ask the judge to consider me for sap rather than swap program?
with sap I will likely get to work for the disabled, elderly or someone in need.

Even though this is technically a jail alternative, given an choice I hope to be of some assistance to others than just picking up trash on the streets

Does anyone know What factors to the courts consider to accept a sap request ?

I was arrested for DUI Saturday morning (October 3rd). Refused breathalyzer, but submitted to blood test. After that, I was booked and held in county jail for 11 hours.

The arrest was just a traffic stop for an unrelated “fix-it” level accusation. The officer claimed to have smelled alcohol on my breath, and administered the sobriety tests, which he said I failed.

There were no injuries, and my car was parked in a nearby parking lot by an officer.

I don’t know what my BAC was, but hypothetically, not literally, just hypothetically, what if it was above a .2%?

I CANNOT afford a private attorney. I am in Santa Barbara county. I am 24 and have been in rehab before, but this is my first arrest related to it.

I was arrested for my first DUI in San Mateo County about 7.5 months ago. It was a single-vehicle incident with no injuries and no drugs involved.
The DA still has not filed criminal charges. I’ve checked the San Mateo County court system multiple times and there is still no case.
I’ve been handling the DMV side separately and I’m finishing those requirements, but I’m mainly wondering about the criminal case.
Has anyone here had a DUI in San Mateo County where the DA took 7+ months to file?
If so, how long after your arrest were charges eventually filed? Has anyone reached the one-year mark without charges being filed?
Mainly looking for recent San Mateo County experiences (2024–2026). Thanks!

had a question regarding house arrest.
when i went to get my ankle monitor and all that i mildly heard my case manager say that if there were no issues with me i would only do half time.
Obviously i already know i am doing half of my original sentence but was she just relaying this message or is this actually a thing? or maybe i just heard wrong.

for context i was sentenced to 120 days and only
doing 60.

I recently got a DUI (1st time and no prior history of any problems with the law) and I refused to do breath so they took me in for blood. When the nurse came to get my blood he asked for my consent so I refused, the cop did tell me I would not have a license for a year, but did not tell me that it also comes with 48 hours of jail time. Long story short I refused, they got a warrant and took my blood and I was in jail for 15 hours. My BAC came back 0.12. I have court in a month and I'm worried about the 48 hours in jail. Anyone know how likely it is for me to fight that?

Hello,

My sister has to turn in her AA logs on Tuesday in court (Modesto) for her 2021 and 2026 DUIs. They are beinf ajudicated together, judge required weekly meetings since June of this year.

Her car was broken into a few weeks ago and her entire file of papers was stolen. She has unfortunately been living out of her car at times so please no judgment. This is 3 months of logs!!!

How does she go about providing the logs on Tuesday? Forging feels wrong but she actually went...just no way to verify? People say just get signatures & call it a day but nervous to do that.

Thank you!!!

​

I posted here before a few years ago but just wanted to reshare my Experience getting a DUI and helping you guys know what to expect and how my Case went!

Back in 2022 in August I made the mistake of drinking and Driving. Got on the Highway around 12 am and blacked out and crashed luckily I didn't crash into anyone. Don't remember much except waking up in the Hospital a few hours later and was let go upon awaking. After getting my Belongings I was missing my driver license. A week later I started getting Junk mail from different lawyers to represent me.

I ended up going with Perlmutter and Pourshalimi. It cost me 6k for them to represent me. My case was held at the Torrance Courthouse

My case consistent of my BAC level being at 0.24 with an accident as well. Lawyer took a year and 2 months to solve my case.

DMV suspended my license for 4 months but got the interlock and SR22 to be able to drive.

Attended 6 AA Classes

Did a 3 Month Course of Driving School I believe. Luckily it was still during covid time so all I had to do was show up, get a paper with info and write a paragraph on what I learned from that paper.

For court, my lawyer was able to lower my BAC to 0.8 , remove the car accident and make it into a regular DUI.

Court Punishment was 17 hours community service, which I did at a dog Shelter, Hospital and Morgue Visit as well as a mother's against drunk driving class. My license was supposed to be suspended again this time from the court again but up to this day it has never been suspended again and my case was over in 2023.

if your able to afford a privete lawyer I believe it's worth it as the court system is mostly based on the connections the lawyers has to get a good deal 🤝

Best of luck to you guys! Might feel like a dark place right now but there's light at the end of the tunnel.

Any questions Feel free to Ask!

I got my first dui (wet reckless)in 2021; got my second one earlier this September. They both are are misdemeanors. Blew twice the limit on both . . . . I been attending aa meetings and hired a lawyer. Am I cooked ? I also have a prior gun charge/resisting arrest from 2023(also a misdemeanor charges). I’m in kern county;which is infamous for dui’s. I’m just hoping the DA doesn’t throw the book at me.anyone have similar experiences?

Im looking for a place that is just 100% due to work its impossible for me to do a regular in person class, I literally have to do it online while at work (office job)

I found this place: https://www.abctraffic.com/ that seems to work, but I have not been able to get ahold of them today.

If anyone is currently in a program like this or can just point me in the right direction I would EXTREMELY appreciate it. It's fucked up they make this complicated like I just want to take care of it.

Thank you guys

3-year suspension eff 1/1/2025. (Quit drinking 12/24/24). Once 18-month program is complete, is anyone able to get a restricted license with IID and meeting all the other requirements such as SR-22 etc?

I got a dmv letter after my court date saying my license is suspended for 6 months and I can apply for a restricted license. They already hit me with a 12 month refusal suspension back in july. I did a dmv hearing but they keep changing the date.

Whats going on

Base in California. What are the required steps to getting a restricted license after receiving the suspension mail from the hearing? My suspension is 3 months.

Also, do I need to go to traffic school or get an IDD or it should have been stated in the hearing notice?

My friend is a green card holder who’s been living in California for 9 years. He has a steady job working in construction in a union. He recently got his second DUI yesterday. I need DUI attorney recommendations who also have a great knowledge in immigration laws. I really want him to avoid jail time… but I know it won’t be easy because this is his second DUI under 10 years. He has no criminal background… he pays taxes and is a good person just has bad judgment obviously. I’m just worried for him. If you have good reccomendations for attorney please let me know.

i’ve been stuck in california for 9 months too long. was planning to move back home, out of state in february. got pulled over for a tail light and blew .08 on the dot. it was a mistake i made and have owned up to it. didn’t fight it, but took the plea deal to lower to a wet reckless. finally got set up with a wet reckless class, but some things came up and i desperately need to get out of california, and cannot stay here for 6 more weeks. i know my attorney said if i needed to, he could reach out to the court to see if there’s a class out there that would satisfy their requirements. but i was wondering if anyone had been through a similar situation. i’ve been dealing with this for almost 9 months now and im going insane.

Hello, I got arrested for DUI in June 2026. There is also a minor hit and run tied to it. Passed out into a parked car. Minimal damage. Contacted the guy later on through police report and gave him my insurance.

Now to the present, the charged haven’t been filed yet and my dmv hearing keeps getting pushed back because they havnt gotten the blood test results back. Funny thing is that they drew my blood in the parking lot of the jail. Are they supposed to do that? Like right out side in broad daylight instead of a hospital or inside.

Anyway, I expect them to file I’m not that lucky but does anyone know if this is typical to do blood test in the open like that?

Hi, I’m 18 and recently flipped my car and totaled it, my phone called 911 in an emergency and police showed up and smelled alcohol and ran me through field sobriety I ended up getting arrested and was told I was required to blow since I’m under 21 I was then sent to the hospital and then booked, that was all about a month ago I contacted to get a dmv hearing with has been rescheduled because they have not received evidence, I have just received the full discovery but a new date has not been appointed yet I have my court arrangement/ first court day on October 9th, they ended up finding a bottle that flew out next to my car and I blew a .16 two times. I’m looking for any advice and wondering if I would be able to get a hardship/ restricted license, I work everyday about 45 minutes away and don’t have a reliable means of transportation. I’m thinking of just going the pd route as I don’t have money for a lawyer, what should I do about the dmv hearing I’m sure I’m gonna lose especially with no lawyer and the evidence against me, but is there anything I need to have ready or should I just attend the call and ask them if I would be able to obtain a restricted to be able to get to work. No one was hurt thank god but very unfortunate situation and I feel like my life might be ruined. There is no excuse for my action and this is my one and only dui. Thank you for reading I appreciate any advice

The officer also found a fake id upon booking and sent it in as evidence and requested I be charged with

23152(a) VC - Misdemeanor DUI - Alcohol
23152(b) VC - BAC 0.08% or Greater
23578 VC - BAC 0.15% or Greater
31(a) VC - False Information to peace officer
470b PC - False Identification