Simi Valley DUI and Criminal Defense Attorney

Here is a fact that surprises almost everyone arrested in Simi Valley: yes, there is a courthouse in Simi Valley, and no, it will not hear your case. The East County courthouse handles infractions only. Every misdemeanor and felony from Simi Valley is heard across the county at the Hall of Justice on Victoria Avenue in Ventura, the courthouse where I have spent nearly every working day of my 30-year career, making more than 20,000 court appearances. If you or a family member has been arrested in Simi Valley, call me at 805-889-9000. I answer my own phone, 24/7, and the consultation is free.

DUI in Simi Valley: The Charge I See Most

Simi Valley has a reputation as one of the safest cities in America, and that is exactly why most of the criminal cases I see from Simi are DUIs. In a safe, family-oriented commuter city, DUI is the great equalizer: the 118 corridor, a dinner in town, one stop on the way home, and a person who has never been in trouble in their life is suddenly facing a criminal charge, a license suspension, and a court date forty minutes away. If that is your situation, here is what matters right now:

1. The 10-day deadline. You have 10 days from your arrest to request a DMV hearing, or your license is suspended automatically. Request it in time and you keep driving until the hearing is decided; win it, and there is no suspension at all.
2. First-offense DUIs end better than people fear. Between the defenses these cases carry (the legality of the stop, the field sobriety testing, breath machine calibration, blood-draw handling) and California’s ignition interlock rules that let most first offenders keep driving without interruption, a Simi Valley DUI handled correctly is a manageable problem, not a life sentence. I have defended thousands of DUIs in the Ventura County courts, and I will tell you exactly what yours is worth in one free call.
3. You will not be making that drive to Ventura. On all misdemeanors, and that includes most DUIs, I appear in court for you. No missed work, no trek across the county, no sitting in a courtroom. I handle each appearance and call you with exactly what happened and what is next.

Cases I Defend

While DUI leads the list in Simi Valley, I defend every kind of criminal charge filed in the Ventura County courts:

• DUI/DWI
• Felony DUI Causing Injury
• Driving While Suspended & DMV Issues (including medical suspensions)
• Drug Crimes
• Assault and Battery
• Burglary
• Robbery
• Theft & Shoplifting
• Judicial Diversion in Ventura County
• Domestic Violence
• Sex Crimes
• Three Strikes Cases
• Conspiracy
• Carjacking
• Vehicular Manslaughter
• Homicide (overview)
• Criminal Threats, Firearms Offenses, Hit and Run & Other Crimes
• Expungement & Record Clearing
• Probation Violations
• Getting Charges Reduced
• Getting a Bail Bond

Whatever the charge, my three questions never change: Can I get it dismissed? If not, can I get it reduced? And can I keep you out of jail?

Many Simi Valley Misdemeanors Can Be Dismissed Entirely

If your charge is a misdemeanor, though not a DUI, which the law excludes, know this: under California’s judicial diversion law (PC 1001.95), the judge can place most misdemeanor cases on diversion even over the DA’s objection. Complete the court’s terms and the case is dismissed, with no conviction; for nearly all purposes, the arrest is treated as if it never happened. In my experience, the Ventura County courts grant diversion routinely in appropriate cases, and it is one of the first things I evaluate in every misdemeanor I take. Full details on my Judicial Diversion in Ventura County page.

A County Native in the Courthouse That Decides Simi Valley Cases

I grew up in Ventura County and have practiced criminal defense here, and only here, for 30 years. The Victoria Avenue courthouse where your Simi Valley case will be heard is where the overwhelming majority of my 20,000+ appearances have taken place; I know its judges, its prosecutors, and how cases from every corner of this county actually get resolved there. When you call 805-889-9000, you get me: no secretary, no paralegal, no associate. Flat fees quoted up front, free phone consultation, available 24/7.

How to Choose the Right DUI Attorney in Ventura County

Choosing the right DUI attorney is an important decision. Experience in the local courts, knowledge of DUI defense, DMV hearing experience, and personal communication with your attorney are all factors you should consider before hiring a lawyer.

I have written a detailed guide explaining what to look for when choosing a DUI attorney, including the questions you should ask and why local Ventura County experience matters.

Read: How to Choose the Best DUI Attorney in Ventura County.

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