Walnut Creek DUI Attorney

Defending Those Facing DUI Charges in Contra Costa County

I am Tom McKenna, a Walnut Creek DUI defense lawyer providing skilled and effective representation throughout Oakland and the East Bay area. Few criminal defense lawyers can match my 30+ years of experience in challenging license suspensions and protecting the rights of people accused of drunk driving.

Call (925) 744-8404 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online to learn more.

DUI Laws & Penalties in California

To be arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in California, a driver who is 21 years of age or older must have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least .08 percent. However, the BAC limit for commercial drivers is .04 percent, while it is .01 percent for underage motorists.

A first DUI conviction can carry a maximum jail term of 6 months, a fine of up to $1,000, and driver’s license suspension for up to 6 months, depending on the circumstances and how the court applies the law. Getting convicted can also result in having a criminal record, which can negatively affect your professional reputation and personal life.

In addition to these criminal penalties, a DUI case in Contra Costa County usually triggers a separate action against your driving privilege by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and you generally have only a short window of time to request a hearing to fight a suspension. The impact of a conviction can be felt in many areas of your life, including higher insurance premiums, problems with professional licensing, and difficulties passing background checks for jobs or housing.

Do I Need an Attorney for a DUI in Walnut Creek, CA?

If you have been accused of driving under the influence, you need an attorney who can immediately begin the work of:

• Keeping you out of jail
• Reducing fines
• Challenging the state’s evidence
• Saving your license

When you are stopped by law enforcement on I-680, Highway 24, or a local street in Walnut Creek, the decisions you make in the first few days can affect both your court case and your DMV proceedings. Having a dedicated DUI attorney to explain what to expect at the Walnut Creek courthouse, help you avoid damaging statements, and begin investigating the traffic stop and testing procedures can give you a clearer path forward and reduce the chaos that often follows an arrest.

Contact The Law Office of Thomas F. McKenna today at (925) 744-8404 to schedule a FREE initial consultation!

DUI Charges I Defend Against

Many complications can affect a DUI charge; often, these additional factors can lead to harsher punishments, such as increased fines and longer sentences. No matter what kind of DUI charge has been made against you, I will build the strongest possible case in your defense to protect your rights.

As a DUI lawyer in Walnut Creek, I have successfully defended countless clients against:

• Felony DUI charges
• DUIs resulting in the injury or death of others
• Multiple DUIs

I have the knowledge and experience to challenge the evidence produced by breath and blood-alcohol tests. I provide strong, assertive representation in both DMV hearings and in criminal court that can help you to get back a suspended license or avoid jail time.

In many cases, a drunk driving lawyer must also address related issues such as alleged refusal to submit to testing, prior out-of-county convictions, or probation violations that may be pending at the same time. By carefully reviewing police reports, calibration records, and any video from the arrest, I work to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop strategies that fit the facts of your situation rather than treating your case like a file on a shelf.

Understanding the DUI Process in Walnut Creek

After a DUI arrest in Walnut Creek, your case usually follows two tracks: the criminal court case and the administrative process with the DMV, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed by both. You can expect an arraignment at the local Contra Costa County courthouse, where you will hear the charges and enter a plea, followed by pretrial conferences where negotiations and motions often occur. At the same time, strict deadlines apply to requesting a DMV hearing to challenge the proposed suspension of your driver’s license. My role as your DUI defense lawyer is to guide you through each step, explain your options in clear terms, and help you make informed choices about how to proceed.

Throughout this process, you may have questions about whether you will be able to keep driving to work, what types of alcohol education programs are available in Contra Costa County, and how a conviction might affect professional licenses or immigration status. I take the time to review your background, your goals, and the particular facts of the stop, field sobriety tests, and chemical testing so that we can evaluate possible defenses and potential resolutions. By paying close attention to the evidence and the way the officers handled the investigation, I work to protect your rights at every stage and to minimize the long-term impact of a DUI charge on your life.

Get Help from a Proven DUI Defense Lawyer in Walnut Creek

If you have been charged with a DUI, the stakes are high. With my knowledge and experience, I can help you to challenge the accusations made against you and protect your license and your future.

As a DUI defense attorney who has appeared for years in Contra Costa County courts, including the Walnut Creek and Martinez courthouses, I understand how local judges and prosecutors tend to approach these cases and how to prepare you for each hearing. When we meet, I will walk you through the likely timelines, possible outcomes, and practical steps you can take to protect your job, your family, and your ability to drive while your case is pending.

Contact the Law Office of Thomas F. McKenna today at (925) 744-8404 to get started on your defense with an experienced Walnut Creek DUI attorney.