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DUI Attorney
updated: Apr 22, 2010, 6:27 AM

Our 23-yr-old son just got nabbed for DUI. Does anyone know of a good local DUI lawyer, one that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

Places People Are Talking About:

Al Bifano	Dan Murphy	Darryl Genis
Law Offices of William C. Makler	Neil Levinson

What People Are Saying:

COMMENT 71014	2010-04-22 09:06 AM
no suck it up and take the punishment. he wont learn a lesson getting off easy. trust me I have seen it. just be happy he didnt kill anyone
COMMENT 71034	2010-04-22 09:32 AM
Send him to rehab.
COMMENT 71037P	2010-04-22 09:34 AM
"Lawyer" and "doesn't cost an arm and a leg" are mutually exclusive.
COMMENT 71043P	2010-04-22 09:49 AM
Bill Makler, Esq. is very good.
COMMENT 71056	2010-04-22 10:09 AM
Most DUI's are pretty much open and shut cases if the driver was over the limit. Police are pretty good at writing reports that show that they had probable cause to pull the person over so you probably won't get very far with that defense. I agree with 71014, suck it up and take the punishment and be glad he didn't kill somebody else or himself.
COMMENT 71067P	2010-04-22 10:25 AM
If you are in a position to help your son, you and he are much better off spending the money to make sure that your son gets help and education in ensuring that he never again gets behind the wheel after drinking. There is no justification for driving after drinking. Going through the system -- including all expense involved and classes, AA, even the police record, etc. will teach him. The best deterrent and lesson is the punishment. Hiring a lawyer to clean his record and get him off will only teach him that consequences can be removed with enough influence and money. Is that really the lesson you want him to take away from all of this?
COMMENT 71069	2010-04-22 10:35 AM
I agree. Too many people aren't willing to take responsibility for their failings. This is a great teaching moment for you and a great learning moment for your son. Taking risks comes with assuming the consequences. If he doesn't learn this now, when will he?
COMMENT 71087	2010-04-22 11:09 AM
Al Bifano is a good lawyer and reasonably priced. He handles DUI's all the time. 427 East Carrillo Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101-1401 (805) 882-1307
COMMENT 71091	2010-04-22 11:24 AM
You're better off saving the money to help him pay for all the fees, classes and higher insurance he will now be paying. They say it is $10-$15K by the time you are finished with all of that and those that get attorneys pretty much waste their money lining their wallets when it will be the same outcome.
COMMENT 71096	2010-04-22 11:29 AM
Your 23 year old son is an adult - let him deal with the consequences and costs of his own actions. If mommy and daddy cover it all, he won't learn this valuable lesson. Sorry, I don't mean to sound harsh and it's easy for me to give you outsider advice. Who know's what I'd do in your situation? I'd probably help my son out too...I'm just REALLY glad no one got hurt. Too many times these stories are tragic.
COMMENT 71098	2010-04-22 11:32 AM
Gee, only two out of nine responders answered this person's direct question directly. Guilty or not, isn't one entitled to decent representation in our legal system?
COMMENT 71101P	2010-04-22 11:42 AM
Someone charged with DUI is "represented" by his/her BAL.
COMMENT 71102	2010-04-22 11:44 AM
Good, cheap lawyer? Sounds a like like, "Stronger, lighter, cheaper - choose two."
COMMENT 71105	2010-04-22 11:48 AM
71098: This is a rather hot topic. The person asking the original question should have known he would be lucky to get any response besides an indignant one. I agree representation is a right granted by our legal system. However, if some one from the family of the guy who killed Bobby I asked the same thing, how do you think that would have gone over? OP: Your son could have killed someone, and he could have killed himself. If you have enough money to get a "decent" lawyer instead of using the court appointed attorney, consider using that money instead to help your son out.
COMMENT 71107	2010-04-22 11:52 AM
commentor 71098, i just got a speeding ticket. does that mean i should go to court and argue I wasnt speeding? when I was. if he blew over the limit, and was arrested. sounds to me like hes guilty. DUI lawyers just try to twist the legal system to get you out of it. if you want decent representation, take a public defender
COMMENT 71110	2010-04-22 11:56 AM
If he was over the limit he is guilty. Except responsibility and move on.
COMMENT 71114	2010-04-22 12:06 PM
ALL You can still get a DUI if you're under the legal limit but fail a sobriety test. In which case, I'd recommend that person get a lawyer. You don't have to give this person a lawyer's name, but immediately assuming you know everything about the situation - just because they got a DUI - is pretty funny.
COMMENT 71117	2010-04-22 12:15 PM
Dan Murphy
COMMENT 71124	2010-04-22 12:48 PM
When hiring someone that works within the legal profession, many times the saying “you get what, you pay for”comes to mind. I agree with the statements, that you do not need to bail out your 23yr old son, he is an adult and needs to take responsibility for his own actions. And accept that those actions have consequences. If you want to help your son, assist him in finding help, for what may turn out to be a drinking problem. Santa Barbara has many resources, for those who are seeking help in recovery from alcohol or drugs. May of which have nominal or no fees. I thank my parents on a daily basis for forcing me, to the see the reality of my actions, at a very young age(21). I now have over 22 years of sobriety. And for that I am truly grateful.
COMMENT 71133P	2010-04-22 01:37 PM
You can also get a DUI -- even if you're under the limit and pass the street sobriety tests -- if you caused an accident in which the other party was injured. It happened to a friend of mine.
COMMENT 71136	2010-04-22 02:06 PM
I am the original poster. I thank all those that had lawyer advice, and I share the sentiments of the rest. He is 23 and needs to grow the f--- up and start taking some responsibility for his actions. Unfortunately, he is a TYPICAL 23 year old. Which tells you a lot about what's going on out there. Unlike a lot of kids his age, he has a job, is living on his own, and is paying his own way. Which in SB that means he has virtually no extra cash. So that is where we as parents come in to help...albeit temporarily (we hope he can and will pay us back). Yes, thank god no one was injured. I hope this was a wake-up call that will lead to better choices down the road. I think the best advice I read was to skimp on the lawyer and concentrate on helping pay for his classes.
COMMENT 71138	2010-04-22 02:12 PM
71136 - OPer, Thank you for your comments. It's great to hear how well you are handling your situation (and I'm sorry you're in it - it's not a fun one to be in!) I wish you and your son luck.
COMMENT 71143	2010-04-22 02:23 PM
I agree - Dan Murphy
COMMENT 71155	2010-04-22 04:23 PM
If he was DUI, then use the public defender, and send him to AA. Both are cheap. No need to waste money on an already set outcome. Unlike what many people who get DUI's believe....most driver NEVER get a DUI. A DUI is a clear indicator of someone with an alcohol problem. Your son needs professional help with his drinking problem. Dont let him kid himself...this is his wake up call....he was lucky..as was the community.
COMMENT 71171	2010-04-22 05:28 PM
A DUI is a clear indicator of someone with a judgment problem. "I'm okay... " "It won't happen to me..." "It's only a few blocks..." We've heard it all before, and know it doesn't work. Rule 1. If you've been drinking, DON'T DRIVE. Period. Don't kid yourself. Rule 2. If you've been drinking, refer to rule number 1 rather than your own judgment. You may think you're okay, but you're not making enough decisions to make that determination. Soon listening to a Judge and have a new judgment to deal with.
COMMENT 71172	2010-04-22 05:29 PM
make that... "Soon he'll be listening to a Judge, and have a new judgment to deal with"
COMMENT 71184	2010-04-22 06:18 PM
Zona Seca is a good starting point. They probably can refer a lawyer--but more importantly have classes that can help. No kissing the boo-boo here. Your son could kill someone someday--including himself. The lawyer should handle the paperwork and see that he gets proper representation--not puff his brain with ideas that the system is at fault. Good luck.
COMMENT 71215	2010-04-22 09:46 PM
71136 Before you decide to where to spend your hard earned money, consider going to an Alanon meeting. The meetings are free, very enlightening and you can talk to people just like yourself that have faced this dilemma themselves. They might even have a good lawyer referral for your son. But, if your son was to go with you or to an A-A meeting he could ask around himself and take care of his own responsiblities. It won't cost a dime and would be a great charactor building exercise. Good luck to you both.
COMMENT 71237P	2010-04-23 07:39 AM
We don't know if the man is guilty or not. He is entitled to a lawyer, in any case. However, I was on a jury for a young man charged with DUI. His parents paid for a lawyer. As the trial went on you could see from the looks on their faces that their son had lied to them. My advice is to make sure you son tells the truth to the lawyer and to you so you know if a trial makes sense.
COMMENT 71241	2010-04-23 07:48 AM
As one who lives in the San Jose area and listens frequently to Len Tillem who is a lawyer from 12 to 1 every weekday and 4 to 7 on Sunday on KGO (810 AM) TRACY 314 has the right advice. Unless the person has a job where a DUI conviction would be the end of their ability to work, he says that you are wasting your time and in particular money getting a lawyer. In fact, if the person qualifies for a Public Defender he/she is the better choice. He says what's needed is somebody who knows the prosecutors and can easily talk with him/her. He says to be going to AA right away and if under age be sure Mother and Dad if at all possible are there. Don't try to argue out of it and ask the Public Defender about trying to get it reduced to a Wet Reckless if at all possible. ADMIT AND BE UPFRONT ABOUT YOUR DRINKING PROBLEM and act as though you are going to tackle the problem. You can also listen to Len Tillem online at I think it is KGO dot com.
COMMENT 71242	2010-04-23 07:52 AM
Darryl Genis 805-966-0812 outstanding DUI Atty.
COMMENT 71253	2010-04-23 08:40 AM
I'd forget the lawyer if I was guilty. I'd plead nolo contendere ( no contest) and start earning money to pay the fine, drunk driving school, bus fare and all the other stuff I'd have to pay for. Oh yeah, if I blew more than a .20 , I'd prepare to spend a few days in jail or public service, even if first offense, a higher fine and longer (read more expensive) dui school. If I were innocent I'd get a lawyer to help me prove it. I'm not a lawyer (obviously) so I am not advising you on what you should do. I would also expect to lose my license for at least 4 months, starting AFTER the court sentence, not including the time up till then. I wouldn't expect to be able to drive in Canada ( we share dui files) and maybe other countries as well.
COMMENT 71259	2010-04-23 09:01 AM
Bill Makler Neil Levinson Dan Murphy All are very good.
COMMENT 71274P	2010-04-23 09:42 AM
I agree that Bill Mackler is very good. Dan Murphy is one of the the highest priced attorneys in town - and he is usually too busy to really put a lot of time int the case. I also recommend Robert Landheer - he is an excellent attorney and very much a humanist. He has children about your son's age and understands the balance between helping and keeping them honest. One thing you and your son might want to remember in your shopping - DUI is a very anti-social offense. So much so that attorneys are never terribly enthusiastic about defending clients on this charge, even though they make money and it's their business.
COMMENT 71275	2010-04-23 09:43 AM
Glad no Edhat commenters have ever had a drink or made a bad decision.
COMMENT 71276	2010-04-23 09:48 AM
Larry H. Parker. I saw this dude on TV and he said he would get me mo' money. I was tired a sitting in the doublewide watching "Price is Right" and waiting for another wellfare check before I could head down to Wallmart wasn't doing nothing for me neither. He walked me through the process of figuing out how nothing was really my fault and that if I could get behind that everyone else was to blame then I could sue 'em and make some money. So far my brother n law and my two half sisters have settled with me. Mom and Dad ain't rolling over too easily but Larry H Parker.....says "Its my money" and not to give up. This is a great attorney and he makes America great. He make me richer too!
COMMENT 71310P	2010-04-23 11:43 AM
Lawyers do cost a lot of money. If this is a first offense and the BAL was just over the limit, I'm not sure if a pricey lawyer will be much more help than a public defender anyway, but you never know. The penalty will definitely include moderately pricey classes at Zona Seca in any case, and potential cost of "electronic monitoring" in lieu of possible 1-3 days in jail, in addition to at least $1K in fines, which can be paid on a payment plan. All these hoops to jump through should make anyone think twice, and thank the universe that things didn't turn out worse. People can do "bad" things or make stupid mistakes without being "bad people." Make sure he knows that and thinks about how bad the consequences could have been. Zona Seca classes do a good job at that too -- if he can sign up for a time slot taught by Oceana Connelly there, she's a really good one. Oh, and the comment about "anyone who gets a DUI clearly has a drinking problem and probably needs AA" is deluded... though it's certainly good to think about whether there are warning signs of that due to other behavior.
COMMENT 71331	2010-04-23 01:15 PM
Dad, You seem to spray the responsibility all over the place except on your son. You are not responsible - he is. Not Santa Barbra prices, not the world, not whatever is going on "out there." Teach him responsibility and guide him in figuring out how to pay for himself in reality.
COMMENT 71340	2010-04-23 01:45 PM
all attorneys cost an arm and a leg. dui or otherwise.
COMMENT 71341	2010-04-23 01:47 PM
Do not, under any circumstances, even consider Daryl Genis. Unless you have a really good case, I would recommend that you take your punishment like a wo/man and, hopefully, you will have learned a lesson.
COMMENT 71396P	2010-04-23 08:22 PM
Perhaps Edda should have answered this question? It has the flavor of other questions submitted to her.
COMMENT 71428	2010-04-24 09:56 AM
Yeah, I know a good lawyer. The Judge. Man up and have your son take his lumps..... He learned a valuable and otherwise lucky lesson. Too often these end tragically.
COMMENT 71534	2010-04-25 10:10 AM
If you find a decent DUI attorney, find out how many cases he has actually won before you spend your money. Its really not worth the added expense. Please be happy that he didn't kill anyone, damage property, or resist arrest and get injured himself. Take the court ordered punishment, call it a learning lesson and don't do it again.
COMMENT 72134	2010-04-27 12:42 PM
It's not an assumption - I really do know everything about the situation.
COMMENT 123088	2010-11-21 09:37 AM
When I need to find a lawyer for my son (minor in possession in IV), I called the S B County Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service. They helped me to find the best lawyer who was reasonable and competent. When I called them, I was so worried! I'd called a bunch of different attorneys and didn't know who to use. THis service was a big help to me when I really needed it!
COMMENT 377354	2013-02-22 07:54 AM
I have experience with Roger Lytel as a DUI attorney. Mr. Lytel is aggressive in court and with the DA settlements, has reasonable rates (I negotiated him down) and has a great record in delivering results. Just do a google search on him and read the reviews - one in which I wrote. Good luck!
COMMENT 377394	2013-02-22 09:04 AM
Roger Lytel is really good - great rates and very personable. Have used him in the past and referred friends - all were very happy with the results.
COMMENT 404118P	2013-05-01 09:49 PM
Yes Dan Murphy has a lot of experience with alcohol. Perhaps he will represent himself one day.