OVI Attorney Salinas

Arrested For OVI In The Salinas Area?

If you were arrested on an OVI charge in or around Salinas, you are probably worried about your license, your job, and your record. You may have paperwork from the Monterey County Superior Court and the DMV, and have no idea what happens next.

I focus my criminal defense practice on OVI and drunk driving cases in Monterey County. I understand how these cases move through the Salinas courthouse and through the California DMV, and I take the time to explain each step in plain language. My goal is to give you a clear plan instead of more confusion.

Whether this is your first arrest or you have a prior history, I can review your situation, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions. When you are ready to talk about what happened and what you are facing, you can contact Lavorato & Scott for straightforward guidance.

Facing an OVI charge in Salinas? Connect with a knowledgeable OVI attorney—book your consultation online or call (888) 315-0588 to review your next steps.

How I Handle OVI Cases

When you come to me after an OVI arrest, I start by listening to your side of the story. I want to understand where you were going, how the stop happened, what the officer said or did, and how any field sobriety or roadside tests were handled. These details often matter as much as the final test result.

I then review the evidence that the prosecution and law enforcement typically rely on. This can include the police report, dash or body camera footage if it exists, chemical test records, and any prior driving or criminal history. I look for gaps, inconsistencies, and legal issues that may give us room to challenge parts of the case.

In most OVI cases, there are two tracks. One is the criminal case in the Monterey County Superior Court, and the other is the administrative process with the California DMV. I work to help you understand how these tracks interact and what choices in one can mean for the other. I also discuss possible strategies, from negotiating a resolution to preparing for motions or trial when that is appropriate.

Throughout the case, I focus on clear and direct communication. I explain the options, likely risks, and potential benefits in a way that allows you to decide what is right for you. You will know what to expect at each court date and why we are taking each step.

What To Expect After An OVI Arrest

After an OVI arrest in this part of Monterey County, you typically receive a date to appear in the Monterey County Superior Court in Salinas. That first court date is usually called an arraignment, where the judge explains the charges and you enter an initial plea. For many people, just walking into that courtroom can feel intimidating.

Separate from the court case, the California DMV may start a process that can lead to suspension of your driver’s license. In many situations, you have a limited number of days from the date of arrest to request a hearing. If that deadline is missed, the DMV often proceeds with a suspension based only on the paperwork it has.

Potential consequences of an OVI conviction can include fines, probation, required classes, a license suspension, higher insurance costs, and, in some cases, jail time. The specific penalties usually depend on factors such as your blood alcohol level, whether there was an accident or injuries, and whether you have any prior OVI or DUI-related convictions.

Here are practical steps you can take right away:

• Gather all paperwork from the arrest, including the temporary license, court notice, and any DMV documents.
• Write down everything you remember about the stop, the tests, and any medical issues you had that night.
• Avoid talking about details of the case with anyone other than your attorney, especially on social media.
• Pay close attention to any DMV deadline listed on your paperwork and bring that up when we talk.
• Contact an OVI lawyer Salinas residents can turn to for help understanding both court and DMV issues.

If I represent you, I walk you through what to expect at your first appearance in Salinas, what documents you will see, and what decisions usually need to be made at that stage. Knowing the basic roadmap can significantly reduce the anxiety you feel going into that first court date.

Why Hire A Local OVI Lawyer

OVI law comes from California statutes and case law, but how those laws play out in real cases often depends on local practices. Judges and prosecutors in Monterey County have their own expectations about plea offers, sentencing conditions, and what they consider a fair outcome in various situations. A local attorney who appears regularly in the Salinas courthouse understands these patterns.

I handle OVI matters in the Monterey County Superior Court and have come to know how cases are usually scheduled and resolved here. This local knowledge helps me give you realistic advice about what to expect, from potential plea options to common probation terms. It also helps when planning the timing of your work and family obligations around court dates.

On the DMV side, California has statewide rules, but how hearings are set and how evidence is presented can feel unfamiliar. I work to prepare you for what will likely be discussed in a DMV hearing and how it can affect your driving privilege. My focus is on making sure you are never surprised by a step in the process.

Because I keep my practice centered on OVI and drunk driving defense, I stay current on issues that frequently arise in these cases. That includes developments in breath and blood testing, field sobriety protocols, and sentencing trends. When you hire me, you are not just getting a local lawyer; you are getting someone who regularly deals with the specific kind of charge you are facing.

Defenses & Options In OVI Cases

Many people assume that once a breath or blood test shows a certain number, there is nothing that can be done. In reality, OVI cases often turn on the quality and legality of the evidence, not just the raw result. Part of my job is to examine whether the police and testing agencies followed the rules that apply to your situation.

One area I typically review is the legality of the original traffic stop or contact. If the officer did not have a lawful reason to pull you over or to detain you for investigation, that can affect which evidence is allowed in court. I also look closely at how any field sobriety tests were given and whether medical or physical issues could have affected your performance.

Chemical testing, such as breath or blood analysis, brings its own set of issues. Equipment must be maintained and calibrated, procedures must be followed, and samples must be handled properly. In some cases, there may be reasons to question whether the reported result accurately reflects a person’s condition at the time of driving.

Possible options in an OVI case can range from challenging the charges to negotiating for reduced consequences, depending on the facts and your history. I cannot promise any particular outcome, and results depend on many factors, including the evidence, the judge, and the prosecutor. What I can do is give you a careful assessment of your case, explain the realistic possibilities, and help you choose the approach that fits your priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my license after an OVI?

You can face license suspension through both the DMV and the court. Whether you actually lose your license, and for how long, depends on the specific facts and your record. I review your paperwork, explain possible DMV deadlines, and discuss options that may help you keep driving when possible.

Am I going to jail for this OVI?

Jail is a possible consequence, especially for repeat offenses or cases with aggravating factors. Many first-time cases resolve with probation and other conditions instead, although this is not guaranteed. I look at your situation, the local practices in Monterey County, and work to reduce your exposure where I can.

How can you challenge the breath or blood test?

Breath and blood tests must follow specific procedures, and the equipment must be working properly. I typically review maintenance records, collection methods, and timing to see if there are grounds to question the result. If issues exist, we can raise them in negotiations or through motions in court.

What will it cost to hire you for my OVI?

I discuss fees openly with you at the start so you know what to expect. The total cost usually depends on how complex the case is and how far it goes in court. During our first conversation, I explain my fee structure and any payment options available for your situation.

What happens at my first court date?

At your first appearance in the Monterey County Superior Court in Salinas, the judge explains the charge and your rights and usually takes an initial plea. I can appear with you, speak for you when appropriate, and help you understand what each decision means before we go into the courtroom.

Talk To Me About Your OVI Case

An OVI arrest in or around Salinas can affect your license, your job, your family, and your future. Facing the Monterey County Superior Court and the DMV process can feel overwhelming, especially when deadlines move quickly. Early legal guidance can help you understand what to expect, how the administrative and criminal processes interact, and what steps may help protect your driving privileges and long-term record.

I focus on OVI and drunk driving defense and understand how these cases typically move through the Salinas courthouse and the California DMV system. From reviewing arrest reports and chemical test results to evaluating potential defenses, I provide clear explanations, so you know where you stand. My goal is to give you straightforward information about your options so you can make informed decisions about how to move forward.

Need guidance after an OVI arrest? Book your consultation online or call (888) 315-0588 to speak directly with an experienced OVI attorney about your options.