Sonoma Out-of-State Residents DUI Defense

Legal Information for Tourists Charged with Drunk Driving in Sonoma County

Thousands of visitors come to Sonoma County each year for wine tasting events and cultural attractions. The local police patrol these areas heavily and make thousands of DUI arrests. If you are an out-of-state resident arrested for DUI in Sonoma, the process can be frightening and confusing. To deal with the charges and understand the process, it behooves you to retain a properly trained and experienced DUI lawyer.

Sonoma County Out-of-State DUI Process

If you are an out-of-state resident, and a police officer arrested you for drunk or drugged driving, you have probably already spent some time in jail and maybe missed your flight home. You have also been given notice that your California driving privileges are going to be suspended by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which can result in a suspension by your home state's licensing department.

You have just 10 days from the date you receive the notice to challenge the suspension of your California driving privileges. If you fail to act within the 10-day window, there is no further opportunity to prevent the suspension from taking effect. Even though you do not live in California, it is in your best interests to request a DMV administrative hearing to challenge the suspension. This will delay the loss of your driving privileges in California until after your hearing, giving you much-needed time to favorably resolve your case.

In addition to the California DMV administrative proceeding, a DUI arrest also initiates a criminal proceeding before the Sonoma County Superior Court in Santa Rosa. In most cases, area tourists arrested for drunk driving are charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. However, local police and the California Highway Patrol have been known to arrest tourists leaving wineries or casinos even if their BAC is below .08 percent.

Defending a Sonoma County DUI Charge from Out-of-State

Visitors to wine country who face drunk driving charges are at a disadvantage in having to deal with their case remotely. The good news is that unless you are charged with a felony, your lawyer can appear in court on your behalf, so you do not have to travel back to Santa Rosa and appear personally. An experienced drunk driving defense attorney can analyze your case and determine the best way to handle the situation. Oftentimes, there are weaknesses in the case against you that can be used to negotiate a reduction of charges or a dismissal. With so much at stake, it is important to have someone representing you who understands California DUI laws and how they are applied in Sonoma County.

Speak with a Board-Certified Sonoma County DUI Lawyer

Since 1985, attorney Paul Burglin has successfully defended hundreds of out-of-state tourists charged with drunk driving in Sonoma County. Attorney Paul Burglin is one of only five lawyers in California who is Board-Certified by the National College of DUI Defense (as approved by the American Bar Association). For over 10 years, he has been a Regent for the College. This gives him access to a wide network of reputable lawyers across the country who can provide skilled guidance on the legal ramifications of a California DUI in your home state.

For a personalized consultation with attorney Paul Burglin, contact our office today at 707-320-4007. We serve clients arrested in Santa Rosa, as well as the surrounding cities, towns, and unincorporated areas of Sonoma County.