The attorneys at Gravett & Frater, LLP recognize that a driving under the influence charge is a serious criminal matter with significant consequences and penalties. In the Napa Valley DUI arrests are an unfortunate, but frequent occurrence. In many cases our clients are visiting the Napa Valley from outside the county, are out of state residents or tourists from other countries when they are cited for a violation of the California DUI laws.  Most of our clients have never had any prior driving or criminal offense, and find themselves overwhelmed with the criminal legal proceedings, and the DMV consequences. We have the DUI defense experience and the compassion to help our clients through this difficult process. 

We discretely represent clients in Superior Courts throughout the state, and obtain the most appropriate disposition for each case and client.  Typically, DUI cases are charged as misdemeanors and often you do not ever need to actually appear in court.  In most cases, when we represent out-of-state residents and international clients the matter can be completely handled by telephone or e-mail and exchanging documents through mail or fax.

Whether or not you hire an attorney, you MUST request an Administrative hearing from the DMV within 10 days from the date of your DUI and request a "stay" on your license, or you will lose your driving privileges for up to one year. Once a hearing is set, your license will automatically be stayed (which means the suspension will stop) pending the outcome of your hearing. You must request this hearing in order to contest the suspension of your license. This hearing is SEPARATE from the court date you received on your citation and must be handled separately. ^♦