After a DUI arrest, many people immediately search “DUI attorney near me.” That reaction makes sense, especially when you’re stressed and unsure what comes next. But in California, physical distance is often far less important than people think. What matters most is whether the attorney regularly handles DUI cases in the right courts and understands the DMV process that affects your license.
In a California DUI, the location of your arrest determines which court has jurisdiction. Your case is not tied to where you live or where the attorney’s office is located. Instead, it is tied to the courthouse and prosecutor handling DUI cases in that county.
Because of this, an attorney does not need to be physically down the street from you to effectively represent you. What matters is familiarity with the specific court, judges, and prosecutors involved in your case.
DUI cases are heavily influenced by local court practices. Each courthouse operates a little differently, and prosecutors often have their own policies on plea offers, evidentiary issues, and sentencing recommendations.
An attorney who regularly appears in your courthouse is more likely to understand:
That experience is usually more important than how close the office is to your home.
Yes. California attorneys can represent clients statewide, and many DUI cases are handled by firms with multiple offices or regional coverage. Much of the early work in a DUI case happens outside the courtroom, including evidence review, DMV hearings, and negotiations with the prosecutor.
DMV Administrative Per Se hearings are often handled by phone or video, and consultations with your attorney can typically be done remotely. What matters is whether the attorney regularly handles DUI cases in your county, not whether they commute from the same city you live in.
When comparing DUI attorneys, it helps to look beyond location and focus on factors that actually affect outcomes, such as:
An attorney who checks these boxes is often a better choice than someone who is simply nearby.
Firms with multiple California offices often handle DUI cases across several counties and appear in DUI courts regularly. This allows them to combine local court experience with broader resources, including dedicated DUI teams and established procedures for handling evidence and DMV matters.
If you want to understand how evidence is obtained early in a DUI case, you may find it helpful to read our guide on how to get DUI arrest video and evidence.
One common misconception is that waiting to find a “nearby” lawyer won’t affect your case. In reality, strict DMV deadlines apply regardless of where your attorney is located. Missing a DMV hearing request can result in an automatic license suspension even if no court case has been filed yet.
If you are unsure why your DUI case has not appeared in court, our article explaining why a California DUI case may not be filed right away provides helpful context.
If you are searching for a DUI attorney near you and want to understand your options, The H Law Group can help. Our attorneys handle DUI cases throughout California and regularly appear in DUI courts across multiple counties. To discuss your situation, call (888) 499-4948 for a free consultation.
Yes, marijuana is absolutely a DUI offense in California. Under Vehicle Code Section 23152(f), driving under the influence of any drug - including legal marijuana - is illegal. The fact that recreational marijuana is legal for adults 21 and older does not permit driving while impaired. This is similar to alcohol: legal to consume, illegal to drive while impaired.
Even if you have a valid medical marijuana recommendation, you can still be arrested and charged with DUI if you are driving while impaired. California DUI laws make no exception for medical marijuana patients.
A felony DUI charge can be challenged in several ways, such as questioning the legality of the traffic stop, disputing the accuracy of breath or blood tests, or proving there was no impairment. An experienced attorney will review the case and explore all potential defenses.
Penalties for a DUI can include fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, community service, probation, and jail time. The severity of the penalties often depends on whether it is a first or repeat offense.
A DUI can remain on your criminal record for several years, typically ranging from 5 to 10 years, depending on state laws. A DUI may affect future employment opportunities, insurance rates, and more.
You can refuse chemical testing, but it comes with serious consequences. California's implied consent law means that by driving, you've already consented to chemical testing if arrested for DUI. Refusing can result in:
Learn more about chemical test refusal consequences
