Serving Sacramento County and Beyond Yuba County DUI Defense

We represent good people who find themselves, on occasion, on the wrong side of the law. We have extensive trial experience and are proven litigators. We have handled every type of criminal case from A to Z.

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Step 1: The Arrest

Don’t let the police take advantage of you while you’re in custody. Call Walsh Law right away, and we’ll get to work protecting your rights so you don’t inadvertently self-incriminate.
Step 2: The Arraignment

Walsh Law is an aggressive Folsom criminal defense firm that can argue for reasonable bail and help you await the end of your case from the comfort of your home.
Step 3: Pre-Trial Hearings

We’ll evaluate the prosecution’s case, challenge weak evidence and inconsistencies, and do our due diligence to get the charges against you reduced or dropped.

Yuba County DUI Defense Attorneys

Defending DUI Charges in Marysville, Linda, Olivehurst & Wheatland

Walsh Law defends people arrested for DUI throughout Yuba County, including Marysville, Linda, Olivehurst, and Wheatland. We represent clients in Yuba County Superior Court and handle the separate DMV proceeding that can threaten their driving privileges after an arrest.

Why clients turn to Walsh Law:

Former prosecutors who understand DUI cases from the government's side
Attorney Stephany Garcia previously handled DUI cases as a Yuba County deputy public defender
Personal attention and direct attorney communication
Trial-tested lawyers prepared to fight charges in court
A record of dismissed, reduced, and no-jail DUI resolutions

If you were arrested for DUI in Yuba County, call (916) 610-3558 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.

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Values You Can Relate To

Our Client Testimonials

“I have permanently added him to my contacts for any future needs. THANK YOU CHRIS!!”
“I am always able to get ahold of him directly either by cell or text including after hours and if for some reason he isn’t immediately available, he responds as soon as he can.”

- Melissa C.
“Mr Walsh is the very best!!”
“He was compassionate and explained to me what to expect in an easy way for me to understand. He was straightforward and delivered on what he said he could do for me!”

- Claudia H.
“I would like to thank Chris for helping me achieve a better deal.”
“I was in a bit of a situation and public defenders weren’t doing anything to help my case as if they didn’t have time. Which they don’t, but Chris Walsh did and came up with a few methods to fight my case.”

- Dewan P.

Former Prosecutors Who Know How DUI Cases Are Built

Chris Walsh and Colin Child spent years prosecuting criminal cases before moving to defense. Chris served as Chief Assistant District Attorney in Nevada County and was twice named Prosecutor of the Year in Fresno County. Colin prosecuted DUI and felony cases across several California jurisdictions.

We use that experience to examine how the stop was handled, how the evidence was gathered, and whether the charge can be challenged, reduced, or dismissed.

DUI Cases We Handle

A prior conviction, accident, alleged test refusal, or other aggravating factor can substantially change the government’s case. We defend clients facing:

First-Time DUI. A first offense is typically prosecuted as a misdemeanor, but it can still result in jail, fines, DUI education, probation, and license consequences.
Multiple DUI. A second or third DUI within 10 years carries increased minimum custody requirements and longer license suspensions or revocations.
Felony DUI. A fourth qualifying DUI within 10 years may be prosecuted as a felony. Certain prior felony DUI convictions can also affect how a new case is charged.
DUI Causing Injury. Under Vehicle Code § 23153, an alleged DUI that injures another person can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony.
High-BAC and Test-Refusal Cases. A particularly high alleged BAC or refusal to complete a required post-arrest chemical test can increase the potential court and DMV consequences.
Underage DUI. Drivers under 21 face a separate zero-tolerance rule at 0.01% BAC, in addition to California’s ordinary DUI laws.
Commercial Vehicle DUI. California prohibits driving a commercial motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.04% or higher. A conviction can also create serious commercial-licensing consequences.
Drug DUI. Prescription medication, over-the-counter drugs, controlled substances, and combinations of drugs and alcohol can support DUI charges when the government alleges impairment.
DUI Probation Violations. A new arrest while on DUI probation may lead to a new prosecution and proceedings in the earlier case.

Criminal Court and the DMV: The Two Cases You Are Facing

A DUI arrest starts two separate proceedings, and they run on different timelines.
The criminal case proceeds through the Yuba County Superior Court’s Criminal Division in Marysville. At arraignment, you are formally advised of the charge and enter a plea. The case then moves into its pretrial stage, where the evidence can be reviewed, challenged through motions, and addressed through negotiations or trial preparation.
The DMV case runs independently. After an arrest covered by California’s Administrative Per Se law, an officer may confiscate the physical license and issue a temporary license that is generally valid for 30 days. You generally have 10 days after receiving the suspension order to request a DMV hearing. Missing that deadline can allow the suspension to take effect without a hearing first.
We can represent clients in both proceedings. A result in one does not necessarily determine what happens in the other.

Call (916) 610-3558 or contact us online for a FREE consultation with our Yuba County DUI defense team.

Penalties for a Yuba County DUI Conviction

California generally imposes a statutory base fine of $390 to $1,000 for first, second, third, and fourth violations of Vehicle Code § 23152. Assessments, DUI programs, ignition-interlock requirements, and other expenses can make the total cost much higher.

First Offense

A first misdemeanor DUI can carry up to six months in county jail and a license suspension of six or 10 months. Restricted-license options may be available depending on the circumstances and the requirements the driver completes.

Second Offense Within 10 Years

The standard sentencing provision calls for 90 days to one year in county jail and a two-year license suspension. California also imposes increased DUI-program and ignition-interlock requirements.

Third Offense Within 10 Years

A third DUI can carry 120 days to one year in county jail and a three-year license revocation. The driver is also designated a habitual traffic offender for three years.
A DUI causing injury or a fourth qualifying offense within 10 years may be prosecuted as a felony, with potential consequences beyond those associated with a standard misdemeanor DUI.

What Can We Challenge in the Government’s DUI Case?

A police report can make the evidence appear more settled than it is. We examine the stop, roadside investigation, recordings, chemical-test records, and officer accounts to determine whether the government’s version holds up.

The traffic stop. An officer needs a lawful basis to stop or detain a driver. Dash-camera footage, body-camera recordings, dispatch information, and the officer’s stated observations may show whether that standard was met.
Field sobriety tests. Standardized tests depend on proper instructions, administration, and scoring. Lighting, road conditions, footwear, fatigue, age, injuries, and medical conditions can affect performance and the weight the results deserve.
Breath and blood testing. Breath devices require calibration, maintenance, and proper operation. Blood evidence raises separate questions involving collection, labeling, storage, transportation, laboratory testing, and chain of custody.
Rising BAC. Alcohol may continue entering the bloodstream after a person stops driving. Depending on the timing of drinking and testing, a later chemical result may not accurately establish the BAC while the vehicle was being operated.
The officer’s observations. Red eyes, an unsteady appearance, slow responses, and other reported symptoms can have explanations unrelated to intoxication. Available video may also present a different picture than the written report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Get a Restricted License While My Case Is Pending?

In some cases, yes. Eligibility depends on the alleged offense, prior driving history, the type of DMV action imposed, and whether the driver completes requirements such as enrollment in a DUI program, filing proof of insurance, or installing an ignition-interlock device.

What Happens If I Refuse the Chemical Test?

A refusal can trigger a one-year license suspension for a first incident, with longer revocation periods when qualifying prior convictions or administrative actions exist. The refusal allegation may be challenged at a DMV hearing, but the deadline to request one is short.

Will a DUI Conviction Show Up on a Background Check?

A DUI is a criminal conviction and may appear during employment or professional-licensing reviews. It can also remain relevant as a prior offense under California’s 10-year DUI lookback rules and affect driving privileges and insurance costs.

Can a DUI Be Reduced to a Wet Reckless?

A prosecutor may agree to resolve a DUI case through a wet reckless plea when weaknesses in the evidence or mitigating circumstances support a reduction. It is not available automatically and can count as a prior offense if the driver is convicted of another DUI within 10 years.

What If I Am in the Military or Stationed Near Beale Air Force Base?

An off-base DUI arrest in Yuba County generally proceeds through the civilian court and DMV systems. An arrest or conviction may also create separate concerns involving command reporting, driving duties, professional responsibilities, or a security clearance. Those consequences should be considered when evaluating the defense and any proposed resolution.

Call For a FREE Consultation: (916) 610-3558

The DMV hearing deadline begins running quickly, and evidence can become harder to obtain as time passes. Early action gives us time to address the license proceeding and begin examining the government’s case.

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Meet Our Team

We know it’s easy to get swept up with emotions and confusion in the aftermath of being charged with a crime. That’s why our Folsom criminal defense attorneys aim to shoulder as much of the burden as we can, providing reassurance plus honest insight and advice where you need it.

Learn More About Us

Why Walsh Law?

Walsh Law’s mission is to be the gold standard of criminal defense by providing superior legal advocacy in the face of potentially life-changing consequences.

Chris Walsh is a former prosecutor, so we know what you’re up against when you face criminal charges. Now, clients like you get to benefit from what we’ve learned in our careers and how we apply what we know to get the results you’re after.

Reach Out For a Free Consultation

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Authenticity
White-glove service with a healthy dose of blue-collar attitude. We're straight shooters driven by our strong fighting spirit to prevail.
Determination
It's the hallmark of our style of practice. We'll contest every case as far as necessary, are laser-focused on getting results, and we'll press on even if the going gets tough.
Excellence
We strive to achieve the best results possible but are never satisfied with just that. We constantly seek opportunities for improvement and follow through to get better.
Intelligence
We work smart and hard. We know the intricacies of the law and won't miss a chance to jump on a case's weak spots. Our strengths lie in skillfully sifting through case details to identify what's most important to a jury and presenting the facts persuasively.
Quality
We take pride in what we do and our record of results. No matter what our clients are going through, we're committed to protecting their rights and acting in their best interest.