SCOTTS VALLEY DUI LAWYER - CRIMINAL ATTORNEY
MICHAEL REHM - (831) 431-0986
FREE CONSULTATIONS
With its proximity to the Santa Cruz mountains and redwood forests, vacationers visit Scotts Valley to enjoy the hiking and biking trails in places like the Glenwood Preserve Open Space. When the sun begins to set, they join local residents at Bruno's for beers, burgers, and wings.
Unfortunately, too many drinks during a fun evening can lead to a traffic stop and an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI). An arrest is a miserable end to a vacation. Facing DUI charges is just as concerning for residents of Scotts Valley.
Scotts Valley DUI Arrests
An average of five drivers are arrested for DUI every month in Scotts Valley. While the number of DUI arrests in a small town can't compare to the arrest rate in nearby San Jose, the Office of Traffic Safety ranked Scotts Valley as having the 70th highest arrest rate of 94 comparable California towns, after adjusting for population and miles driven.
After arresting a driver for a DUI in Scotts Valley, the arresting officer will bring the driver to the Santa Cruz Main Jail for booking. That jail is located at 259 Water Street in Santa Cruz.
If bail is required, it can be posted in the lobby. Arrested drivers are given the opportunity to call a bail bond firm and an attorney. Drivers may be released without being required to post bail. Regardless of whether bail is posted, the driver will be given a court date.
Scotts Valley DUI Charges
The Santa Cruz County District Attorney's office is responsible for filing formal charges against drivers arrested in Scotts Valley for a DUI. Most drivers will be charged with misdemeanor DUI and a companion misdemeanor for driving “at or above the legal limit.”
Some drivers are charged with felonies, usually because they have multiple prior DUI convictions. Causing an injury accident because of impaired driving can also lead to a felony DUI charge. About 4.7% of drivers arrested for DUI in Santa Cruz County are charged with felonies.
Scotts Valley DUI Prosecutions
Charges are filed in the Santa Cruz County Superior Court. The case will be assigned to a judge and will be heard at the Santa Cruz Courthouse, located at 701 Ocean Street in Santa Cruz.
Drivers are entitled to be represented by an attorney. The attorney may be able to handle some court appearances without the driver's personal appearance. Michael Rehm can help drivers who are arrested for DUI in Scotts Valley.
Scotts Valley DUI Outcomes
Lawyers can raise various defenses to DUI charges. An aggressive defense strategy can lead to a reduced charge, a dismissal of charges, or an acquittal. The first goal of any defense strategy is to minimize harm to the driver to the greatest possible extent.
Favorable outcomes are common in Santa Cruz County. Prosecutors obtain a DUI conviction in just 65% of the cases they charge. Plea bargains result in a reduced charge in more than 12% of Santa Cruz County DUI prosecutions.
More than 22% of Santa Cruz County DUI cases end with no criminal conviction of any kind. DUI defense attorney Michael Rehm can scrutinize the facts and advise drivers whether they might be able to avoid a conviction in their case.
To speak directly with Attorney Rehm, call (831) 431-0986 for a free, confidential consultation, anytime.