Criminal Defense Attorney in Contra Costa County

DUI Defense for Contra Costa County Courts & DMV Hearings

The Blalock Law Firm, PC devotes its entire practice to DUI defense. Attorney Anthony Blalock personally handles every case from the first call through final resolution, appearing at every court hearing and every DMV suspension hearing himself. No delegation to associates. No hand-offs mid-case.

A DUI arrest in Contra Costa County immediately sets two separate legal proceedings in motion: a criminal case through Contra Costa County Superior Court and a license suspension action through the DMV’s Administrative Per Se (APS) process. Missing a deadline in either track can affect your license or your defense options, which is why having a dedicated defense attorney who manages both tracks simultaneously matters from day one.

The clock starts the moment of arrest. Call our firm at (925) 259-3270 for a free consultation and a realistic picture of where you stand.

The 10-Day Deadline Contra Costa County Drivers Can’t Afford to Miss

After a DUI arrest, drivers have only 10 days to request a DMV APS hearing. The APS hearing is an administrative proceeding, entirely separate from the criminal court case, that determines whether your driver’s license is suspended. Miss that 10-day window and the license suspension becomes automatic 30 days after arrest, regardless of what happens in the criminal case.

As part of our representation, we send a free letter to the DMV within that 10-day window to preserve your right to a hearing. A conviction under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 can affect driving privileges, insurance rates, and in some cases employment or professional licensing. Managing the DMV track aggressively from the start is as important as defending the criminal charge itself.

Where Your Case Will Be Heard in Contra Costa County

Contra Costa County Superior Court handles DUI proceedings at multiple courthouses. Where your case lands depends largely on where the arrest occurred.

• Wakefield Taylor Courthouse & A.F. Bray Courthouse (Martinez) serve the central county area and house many of the county’s criminal departments
• George D. Carroll Courthouse (Richmond) handles cases from the west county area
• Richard E. Arnason Justice Center (Pittsburg) covers the east county area
• Walnut Creek Juvenile and Traffic Center (Walnut Creek) handles cases from the central/east corridor

Most Contra Costa County DUI arrests are charged as misdemeanors. A fourth offense within 10 years, or a DUI causing injury, can be charged as felony DUI under California law, which carries significantly heavier consequences. DMV APS hearings for Contra Costa County drivers are processed through the Oakland DMV Driver Safety Office.

Why Contra Costa County Clients Choose The Blalock Law Firm, PC

Attorney Blalock received training in DUI defense at Harvard Law School, bringing a rigorous analytical approach to evidence review and case strategy. That framework shapes how we examine breathalyzer calibration records, blood test chain of custody, field sobriety test administration, and officer conduct during the stop.

Our firm reports that 99% of clients avoid additional jail time, reflecting our experience across the DUI cases we defend. That figure reflects outcomes, not promises, and every case turns on its own facts. What we offer is Attorney Blalock’s personal attention to yours.

We charge a flat-rate fee with flexible payment plans. You know the cost upfront, with no billing surprises as the case progresses.

What Our DUI Defense Representation Covers

From the first review of your arrest record through final resolution, here is what our representation includes:

• Case Evaluation: Every detail of the arrest and charges is analyzed for procedural errors, constitutional violations, and viable defenses
• Evidence Review: Breathalyzer results, blood alcohol concentration readings, blood test results, police reports, and field sobriety test administration are examined for inconsistencies and inaccuracies
• Court Representation: Attorney Blalock appears personally at every Contra Costa County Superior Court hearing; in many cases you won’t need to appear yourself
• DMV Hearing Representation: We contest the license suspension at the APS hearing on your behalf
• Plea Bargaining: We negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties; alternatives such as a wet reckless reduction, community service, DUI school, or work release may be available depending on case facts
• Trial Representation: When no acceptable plea agreement is reached, we take the case to trial
• License Restoration & Expungement: Where applicable, we assist with restoring your driving privileges and pursuing DUI expungement to clear your record