Kern County DUI Arrests

About DUI Arrests in Bakersfield

The DUI Process in Kern County, CA

There are steps associated with most DUI arrests and criminal charges in the Kern County area. Understanding these and contacting a Bakersfield DUI attorney as soon as possible after your arrest can help ensure the protection of your legal rights and interests when you need it most.

Commonly, when someone is arrested for a DUI in Kern County, they go through the following:

  • A police officer observes or receives a tip of a driver who is driving erratically (swerving in and out of a lane, violating traffic laws, driving too slowly, etc.)
  • The officer turns on the siren and pulls the driver over to the side of the road, where he or she asks for the driver's license and registration.
  • At this time, the officer will also observe the driver for outward signs of intoxication (slurred speech, the smell of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, etc.). The officer may ask the driver if he or she has been drinking or where he or she was going.
  • Depending on the officer's observations of the driver, he or she may ask the driver to step out of the vehicle and perform field sobriety tests.
  • Field sobriety tests are administered to determine whether a driver's abilities are impaired by alcohol or drugs.
  • Depending on the results of the field sobriety tests, statements the driver may have made, and the officer's observations of the driver, the officer may make an arrest for DUI at this point.
  • After the driver is arrested for DUI in Kern County, he or she will be taken to the police station where law enforcement will request that he or she take a breath or blood test to determine his or her blood alcohol concentration.

The evidence obtained in a Kern County DUI arrest will typically provide the primary foundation for the state's case against you. Make sure you have a skilled DUI lawyer to counter this evidence and testimony by the arresting officer at every stage of your case.


Contact our skilled DUI attorney by calling (661) 874-1325 or filling out our online form today. 


Why Choose Middlebrook & Associates?

  • 38 Years of Collective Legal Experience
  • Over 250 DUI Trials Handled - With a 97.4% Success Rate
  • Handled More Than 8,500 DMV Hearings in Kern County
  • Expert Member of California DUI Lawyers Association
  • ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer - Scientist Designation
  • AV Rated by martindale.com - Leading Authority on Attorney Ratings
  • Teaches Lawyers & Scientists - DUIDLA, American Academy of Forensic Science & American Chemical Society
  • Founding & Board Member - DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA)
  • Top 100 Lawyers in America - DUI Defense

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  • “Richard provided very knowledgeable advice and counsel, and, in fact, every court action played out exactly as he anticipated.”
    Of course he knew the law and the precedents, but more importantly he knows the court, the judges and commissioners, and the other attorneys involved. His greatest value was in knowing how this particular court (Kern County Superior Court - family law division) works, the main players involved, and anticipating each player's actions and responses. No one can tell you for sure what will happen in court, but Richard provided very knowledgeable advice and counsel, and, in fact, every court action played out exactly as he anticipated. He was a little more expensive (in terms of hourly rate) than the other attorneys I interviewed, but he was worth it because he got me exactly what I wanted.
    - Katie T.
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    My wife and I just wanted to express our gratitude for what Mr. Middlebrook has done for our son. We were afraid of the worst possible outcome. Not only did he offer us comfort but he delivered a terrific outcome on the case. We thank you so much and would suggest to anyone that they hire Richard Middlebrook if they should ever need the best damn DUI attorney available!
    - John F
  • “If I am ever in need of an attorney again, there is no doubt I would hire Mr. Middlebrook's firm.”
    I was arrested for driving under the influence. After meeting with several lawyers, I retained Mr. Middlebrook to represent me. He took the time to listen and his advice and counsel was more than I could have asked for. Not only did he get my case dismissed, his fees were fair too. I have since referred my friend to Mr. Middlebrook and his case was dismissed too. If I am ever in need of an attorney again, there is no doubt I would hire Mr. Middlebrook's firm.
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