DMV/DUI Representation

Have you been accused of DUI or some other offense?

Wondering what will happen in court — or at the DMV?

Contrary to what you may have heard, a DUI conviction is not inevitable, nor is the suspension of your right to drive.

Do not panic. You do have options. You must take action!

You or your attorney must contact the DMV within 10 days of the arrest and request a DMV hearing and a stay of the proposed suspension.

I have prevailed in the majority of my Administrative Law DMV hearings from 1988 to the present, in actions on driver’s licenses involving alcohol, questions of advanced age, medical conditions such as seizures, negligent operation, and vehicular manslaughter.

Even in cases of road blocks (sobriety checkpoints) and accidents, I have been able to save the licensee’s driver’s license.

I have also assisted individuals and organizations in administrative law hearings involving professional licensing, whether her clients are interns fighting to stay in their medical programs, auto dealers trying to keep their dealer’s licenses, and professionals with licenses from the Fish and Game department to raise and sell prohibited or rare animal species.

Do you reside out of county or out of state, or would prefer not to take time off from work? I can satisfactorily resolve most misdemeanor cases without your appearance at the court or at the DMV.

Did you know that drug addiction is a disease and that the law now mandates therapeutic dispositions?

I understand recovery, and can also assist you in a counseling capacity if you feel the need.

I am a sensitive and thorough Santa Cruz County attorney and am familiar with the local policies of the Santa Cruz Superior Court and the Santa Cruz Office of the District Attorney. I have been conducting this type of DMV hearing since 1991. Currently, I serve the Santa Cruz Superior Court as Judge Pro Tem, and I have presided over many traffic cases in that capacity. I also have been both a Superior Court Staff Attorney and a Superior Court Arbitrator.

Having the right defense team and keeping a positive attitude can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. Each of my retained cases is evaluated by a highly qualified forensic toxicologist who is State licensed, and who has testified as a forensic toxicology expert in over 3000 alcohol-related criminal and DMV cases. He has also been in charge of both prosecution-oriented and defense-oriented laboratories, has evaluated over 10, 000 cases such as yours, and has the same type of license as the Department of Justice.

My colleagues and I specialize in all criminal driving-related matters, especially those involving allegations of alcohol and drugs. Typically our cases involve one or more of the following charges: Vehicle Code Sections 23152(a)(b), 23153, 14601, 12500, and Health and Safety Code Sections 11550, 11350, 11377 and 11357.

Call today to set up an appointment at our Capitola offices and learn of all your options, in order to make an informed decision about your case, which can affect your driving rights for years to come.

If you are interested in finding out more about your driving rights and responsibilities, at the DMV, in court, and with insurance, please call me directly at 831 684-1077.

Our knowledge and experience can turn things around.

Email Stephania