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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Client Testimonials Hear from Real People Who We've Helped
  • “Mr. Middlebrook is the most knowledgeable attorney I have ever worked with.”
    Mr. Middlebrook is the most knowledgeable attorney I have ever worked with. He is honest and attentive to your individual needs. I would never consider going with anyone else, and feel safe and secure in knowing that he is handling my case. I am completely confident that he is THE expert and knows all the ins and outs of the legal process. There are a lot of lawyers out there that will tell you what you want to hear, but Richard is upfront and will tell you what you can expect. He is a genuine person and undeniably, the best asset you can have for your legal matters!
    - Anonymous
  • “Best DUI Attorney Around!”
    Mr Middlebrook came highly recommended by a friend who is also an attorney. Mr Middlebrook's knowledge and experience was immediately evident to me during our first conversation about my DUI citation. While I've heard all too often that it's not worth trying to fight a citation for a DUI, he gave me the confidence to do so when I ended up getting one. From that day forward he and his team took care of everything and kept me well informed throughout the process. He was very responsive to any questions I had and while he provided options at every stage along the way, his advice (which you'd have to be a fool not to follow given his track record in these cases) prompted me to pursue the best outcome possible rather than settle for less. He knew he could win and he did. My case was dismissed by the judge before it ever made it in front of a jury. I couldn't be more thankful to him and to my friend for the reference. Hopefully this recommendation will help others achieve a similar outcome by utilizing his expertise. He's worth every penny. Give him a call and speak to him just once about his experience and advice as it pertains to your specific situation. You'll understand what I mean.
    - Eric
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    Thank you for providing aggressive, informed representation and ensuring me a fair, rational legal process.
    - Aaron Jacobs
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    Just wanted you to know that I think you did an excellent job representing me and my case. I cannot think of anything that you could have said, done, or even a question left not asked that would have affected the outcome of this trial. I was, and still am very impressed with your representation of me, your professionalism, and your presentation of my case. I have a very high opinion of you, and your ability as a defense attorney. Just for your piece of mind, I would highly recommend you to anyone I know, and if ever a need should arise, would not hesitate to use your services again myself. Please let me know that you received this message.
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