California DUI law is similar in many respects to DUI law in the rest of the country. For one thing, every state DUI law in the country shares the same format with California DUI Law--they are all based on two alternative counts. That means that you are charged with two separate crimes, however because these are alternative counts, you can only be convicted on one of them. Of the two counts, the first is called the "driving under the influence" or DUI count, and the other is called the "per se" count. Continue reading →

If you are concerned about ending up in jail, there is one way to do your time for a DUI county jail sentence that is safer and more pleasant than going into county.  It is called “City Jail” and it … Continue reading →

Watch this video for an overview of the DUI law enforcement manuals that we have on our site, and why you want to read them.

This is the California Judges DUI Benchguide for 2009.  This manual will give you the Judge’s perspective of your case.  Judge’s Benchguides are something that every judge gets when they go to a new courtroom that focuses on a new … Continue reading →

The California CHP DUI Enforcement Manual is the manual that all California Highway Patrol officers must follow in conducting a DUI investigation. The California CHP DUI Manual covers the initial stop and grounds for a stop, the initial observation of … Continue reading →

This California District Attorney DUI Manual was written by district attorneys for district attorneys.  It  instructs California prosecutors on how to try DUI cases.  A must-read for any DUI Attorney.  Much of this manual actually provides questions for examination and … Continue reading →

PAS Breath Machines- An Introduction In any DUI investigation, there are typically two types of breath tests that are done. One is commonly referred to as a PAS test (“Preliminary Alcohol Screening” Test), often called a breathalyzer, and the other … Continue reading →

Old Breath Machines – Breathalyzers First, let’s be clear.  They don’t call them “breathalyzers” anymore.  The roadside breath test is called a PAS test, and the test at the station is called a “Chemical Breath Test.” Now that this common … Continue reading →

The general rule is that jail time is rarely a problem for a first offender with no extenuating circumstances.  In terms of California DUI penalties, there is very rarely, if ever, jail time.  Instead, you are looking at the Sheriff’s … Continue reading →