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DUI Court In Santa Rosa Unmatched Skill, Unwavering Advocacy.

DUI Court in Santa Rosa

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) may be your first criminal charge and your first time navigating the court system in Santa Rosa and Sonoma County. The process may seem overwhelming and confusing, but your criminal defense attorney from Wilber Law Offices will guide you through the process while fighting for you.

What Happens After You Are Released From Jail

The first step in your DUI case is the arraignment. If you are held in jail, your arraignment will be within a few days of your arrest. If you were released, your arraignment will occur within a few weeks. You should hire an experienced DUI attorney before your arraignment because this is when you hear the charges against you and enter your plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.

Entering a plea of not guilty means that you intend to fight your DUI charge, and your case moves towards trial. If you plead guilty or no contest, the judge will sentence you.

Within 10 days of your arrest, your attorney will schedule an administrative hearing with the DMV regarding your driver’s license suspension. This is an administrative hearing, not a criminal trial, and may be in person or by phone. The hearing officer will determine if your driver’s license will remain suspended or if the DMV will reinstate your driver’s license. The outcome of this hearing has no bearing on your criminal trial.

The Court sets a date for your pre-trial hearing, usually a few weeks after the arraignment. Between arraignment and the pre-trial hearing, your attorney may file several motions, including a Discovery Motion to obtain evidence from the prosecution; a Motion to Suppress illegally obtained evidence; a Pitchless Motion to release information in the arresting officer’s personnel file; or a motion for independent testing of your blood or urine sample. If the prosecution’s evidence against you is weak, your attorney may file a Motion to Dismiss and have charges against you dropped.

If the judge does not grant the Motion to Dismiss, or if you do not accept a plea deal offered by the prosecutor, your case moves to trial.

Showing Up for Court

Your DUI trial is a serious matter, and you should dress accordingly. Your clothing should be neat, clean, and fit properly. Dress conservatively, choosing an outfit that you would wear to church or work. Court-appropriate clothing for men includes a sports coat, a suit, or a long-sleeve button-down shirt with tie. For women, a business suit, pants suit, or a conservative top with long pants are appropriate. Shoes should have a closed toe.

The DUI Trial

If your case does not settle before your trial date, you have the right under the California Constitution to a jury trial within 45 days of your arraignment. Your attorney will participate in jury selection to ensure that the jurors are not biased against you before the trial starts.

After jury selection, both sides present their opening statements. The prosecution presents their side first, followed by your defense attorney.

Your attorney will call witnesses and experts to testify in your defense, and the prosecution will call their own witnesses and experts. The jury must decide if they believe you are guilty or not guilty based on the evidence presented. All jurors must agree, otherwise the jury is considered hung, and the prosecutor has the option to refile charges against you. If you are found not guilty, your DUI charges are dismissed. If the jury finds you guilty, the judge will sentence you.

Our Settlements & Verdicts

  • Case Dismissed Client Accused Of Possessing 2-pounds Of Marijuana For Sale
  • Case Dismissed Client Accused Of Possessing 7-pounds Of Methamphetamine With Intent To Sell
  • Case Dismissed Client Accused Of Possessing Marijuana
  • Not Guilty Client Charged With Assault Charges And Gang Enhancements
  • Case Dismissed Client Charged With Battery On A Correctional Officer And Resisting An Officer
  • Case Dismissed Client Charged With Domestic Violence
  • Case Dismissed Client Charged With Domestic Violence, Simple Battery, And Vandalism
  • Case Dismissed Client Charged With Domestic Violence, Simple Battery, And Vandalism
  • Case Dismissed Client Charged With Felony Cultivation Of Marijuana, Possession Of Marijuana For Sale, And Misdemeanor Narcotics Charges
  • Case Dismissed Client Charged With Felony Possession Of A Baton And Misdemeanor Possession Of A Concealed Handgun
  • Case Dismissed Client Charged With Possession
  • Case Dismissed Client Charged With Theft And Elder Fraud

Missing Your Court Date

If you miss your court date, the judge may charge you with Failure to Appear or issue a bench warrant for your arrest. The Court notifies the DMV, and your driver’s license is suspended. To have the arrest warrant and your driver’s license suspension lifted, your attorney and/or you must appear in court.

You may have a valid reason for missing court. These reasons include hospitalization, military duty, or incarceration.

Sonoma County Superior Court Information

DUI hearings are held in the Sonoma County Hall of Justice located at:

600 Administration Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Your attorney will attend all hearings with you.

Sonoma County/Santa Rosa DUI Attorney

If you have been arrested for DUI in Sonoma County or Santa Rosa, you should immediately contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. A DUI is a serious charge, and you need aggressive representation to protect your future. Wilber Law Office is ready to defend you whether you have been charged with misdemeanor or felony DUI. Contact us today online or by phone at (707) 986-4482

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Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Wilber Law Offices, P.C., your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    “If your looking for an experienced trial lawyer this is the team you want to hire.”
    Ryan Wilber & Wilber Law Offices helped me a lot (and that’s an understatement!)  He was able to negotiate a deal for me that saved my career and kept me out of serious trouble. They are the best in Santa Rosa / Sonoma County. If you need legal help I fully recommend them!  If your looking for an experienced trial lawyer this is the team you want to hire.  He acted as a shield in my time of need and is the legal protection you want to hire in the complicated legal process of the court system.
    William H.
    “I’ve consulted Ryan over the last year on several legal matters, both personal and financial. His knowledge of the law is comprehensive and his counsel has been invaluable to me.”
    I’ve consulted Ryan over the last year on several legal matters, both personal and financial. His knowledge of the law is comprehensive and his counsel has been invaluable to me. I’ve talked to a few other lawyers in the past that I felt good about and were knowledgeable, but where Ryan really stood apart from the others was in his ability to help me fully grasp my options and clarify the legal process so I could make hard decisions with confidence. I was getting pushed around and feeling a bit intimidated before he helped me fight back. I’m very thankful to have Ryan there when I need him!
    Former Client
    “Ryan is a consummate professional. I would recommend his services to anyone.”
    Ryan is a consummate professional. I hired him to represent me on a high value fraud case. He was very attentive to my requests, always followed up with me in a timely manner, and ultimately won my case to the tune of over $400,000.
    Chuckles G.
    “One of the best experiences in my life. Professional, courteous and understanding through whole process.”
    One of the best experiences in my life. Professional, courteous and understanding through whole process. Want to point out Ryan Wilber in particular, a special breed of cat. He is smart, intuitive and a brilliant lawyer!
    Scott J.
    “I believe you were God sent because the times where I felt discouraged and felt like giving up your encouragement and support helped me to once again stand and be confident in the type of man I am and the heart that I have”
    I believe you were God sent because the times where I felt discouraged and felt like giving up your encouragement and support helped me to once again stand and be confident in the type of man I am and the heart that I have… I feel a huge burden has been lifted and I finally have closure after all this time and I can finally move forward… your support has really helped me through one of the most traumatic ordeals of my life.
    Former Client
    “Focused, Articulate and Thoughtful. Ryan is an asset to anyone needing legal assistance.”
    Ryan is an asset to anyone needing legal assistance. Whether it is a simple question, a case where you need valuable perspective, or the beginning of a long and arduous process, Ryan has the knowledge and intellect that you want on your side. His thoughtful demeanor, his knowledge of the law and his desire to succeed are all traits that are surprisingly lacking with some other attorneys. I would not hesitate to use Ryan for any of my legal needs now and in the future.
    Jeremiah
    “Rachel you are a great attorney, your arguments were clear and factual. Your attention to detail was over the top and your counter arguing was impressive.”
    There are no words on how to thank you for all you have done for me and our family, especially John Doe. He has been given a second chance at life and I will pray and hope that he will succeed… Rachel you are a great attorney, your arguments were clear and factual. Your attention to detail was over the top and your counter arguing was impressive. You should be highly regarded…
    Former Client
    “Thank You! I am beyond thankful and amazed by their work.”
    Ryan absolutely did magic on my trial, and was able to change my life by dodging an underage DUI. This would have been huge for my life and record for 10 years !  Jake as well was always there when I needed him. Always had time, patient and helped me tremendously with the stress I was going through during the process of my DUI. Both were genuine and caring attorneys who are the best at what they do. Thank You ! I am beyond thankful and amazed by their work.
    Sam