DUI & criminal defense blog
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Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in California? Understand the Risks
You are driving home when flashing lights appear behind you, and a routine traffic stop quickly turns serious. After a few questions and field sobriety tests, an officer asks you to take a breath test. You may have heard different advice about whether to refuse or comply, but in that moment, the decision must be…
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A Practical Guide to the Writ of Mandamus in California
Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer can feel challenging, especially when every firm seems to make the same promises in cases involving local government agencies, as determined by the state legislature. At Gressley & Donaldson, we let our work speak for itself, and we are proud that other attorneys often turn to us for insight.…
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The Role of Child Endangerment in DUI Cases: What to Know if You’re Facing Charges in California
A DUI stop is stressful on its own. When a child is in the vehicle, the situation becomes far more serious. California law treats DUI cases involving minors with heightened concern, and prosecutors often seek harsher penalties from the start. A single traffic stop can quickly turn into multiple charges with long-term consequences. At Gressley…
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The Consequences of a DUI for Under-21 Drivers in California: Penalties and Long-Term Impact
California enforces strict laws against underage drinking and driving, including the zero-tolerance law. For drivers under 21, even a small amount of alcohol can lead to immediate and lasting penalties. At Gressley & Donaldson, we defend DUI cases across California and understand how these charges affect both DMV records and court outcomes. In this guide,…
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Legal Strategies for Reducing Felony Charges to Misdemeanors in California
A felony record and felony conviction can significantly impact nearly every aspect of life. Employment, housing, voting rights, and even travel can become more difficult with a felony conviction. California law, however, provides certain opportunities for reducing a felony conviction to a misdemeanor. At Gressley & Donaldson, we assist clients in pursuing post-conviction remedies to…
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How Bodily Injury Affects Sentencing in Felony DUI Cases
One late-night collision can turn a regular DUI into a life-changing felony. When someone gets hurt, California courts and prosecutors treat the case very differently. At Gressley & Donaldson, LLP, we have seen how a DUI causing injury can subject someone to a much greater sentence, raise fines, and threaten a driver’s future. The sections…
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Refusing a Blood Test During a DUI Stop in California: What Are Your Rights?
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be dangerous. California’s implied consent law aims to protect the public by facilitating the enforcement of the state’s DUI laws by law enforcement officers. Many drivers are unaware of the implications of the implied consent law and refuse a chemical test without understanding the consequences. The…
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Facing Jail Time for DUI Child Endangerment in California: What You Need to Know
Imagine getting pulled over after having a few drinks, thinking you were okay to drive. Now, picture an officer noticing a child in the back seat. All of a sudden, your DUI charge turns into something much worse—DUI child endangerment. The penalties? Harsher than you ever expected for a DUI with a child in the vehicle.…
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Defense Attorneys Have the Right (and often the duty) to Interview Jurors to Investigate Potential Juror Misconduct
The rules governing contact with jurors are very clear. However, prosecutors often misstate or misunderstand those rules. There is a recent high-profile murder case where prosecutors sought sanctions against private defense counsel based on contact with jurors. The prosecutors misstated the rules and the media reported the motion for sanctions, restating the erroneous description of the rules. In…
