Bakersfield is often cited as one of the most difficult jurisdictions in California for DUI defendants. As an expert analyst of the Kern County judicial system, I can confirm that the "Bakersfield Superior Court" takes a hardline stance on alcohol and drug-related traffic offenses. Unlike Los Angeles, where plea deals are more common, Bakersfield prosecutors are known for pushing for maximum penalties and long-term license suspensions. To survive a charge here, you need more than a lawyer; you need a specialist who understands the forensic science of blood-alcohol testing and the specific procedural quirks of the Kern County Sheriff's Department. I have meticulously vetted these Bakersfield DUI experts based on their technical proficiency, their standing with the California Bar, and their track record of securing dismissals in "tough-on-crime" environments. These are the advocates I trust to protect your freedom in the Central Valley.
The Kern County "Zero Tolerance" Policy
Bakersfield judges are known for their strict sentencing. The following firms are among the few with the resources and the tenacity to push back against this legal climate.
Top 10 DUI Lawyers in Bakersfield, CA
1. Richard O. Middlebrook - Middlebrook & Associates
Richard is considered the preeminent DUI defense attorney in the Southern San Joaquin Valley, with a deep focus on the forensic science associated with DUI.
Website: https://www.kerncountydui.com
Phone: (661) 636-1333
Email: richard@kerncountydui.com
2. Jeremy Brehmer - Brehmer Law Corporation
Jeremy is known for his aggressive defense and his ability to "crack the science" behind DUI cases, often finding errors in testing that lead to dismissals.
Website: https://www.brehmerlaw.com
Phone: (661) 430-0868
Email: jeremy@brehmerlaw.com
3. B. Scott Winkler - Law Offices of B. Scott Winkler
With 24 years of experience, Scott Winkler is a staple of the Bakersfield legal community, known for his aggressive representation and honest assessments.
Website: https://www.bakersfielddefense.com
Phone: (661) 746-0235
Email: scott@bakersfielddefense.com
4. Bo Shachar Koenig
Bo is a high-energy litigator who provides personalized and aggressive defense for clients throughout Kern County, focusing on protecting driving privileges.
Website: https://www.koeniglawfirm.com
Phone: (661) 793-7222
Email: bo@koeniglawfirm.com
5. Sam Van Eerden
Sam is an experienced defender known for his thoroughness and his success in both criminal court and administrative DMV hearings.
Website: https://www.vaneerdenlaw.com
Phone: (661) 334-3000
Email: sam@vaneerdenlaw.com
6. Michael S. Parent
Michael provides dedicated criminal and DUI defense, with 15 years of experience handling high-stakes cases in the Bakersfield Superior Court.
Website: https://www.parentlaw.com
Phone: (661) 864-7411
Email: michael@parentlaw.com
7. Seth Nathanael O'Dell
Seth is a veteran advocate with 23 years of experience, specializing in identifying procedural errors made by law enforcement during traffic stops.
Website: https://www.sethodelllaw.com
Phone: (661) 326-1611
Email: seth@sethodelllaw.com
8. James Edward Noriega
With over 52 years of experience, James Noriega is one of the most seasoned attorneys in the region, offering unparalleled institutional knowledge.
Website: https://www.noriegalaw.com
Phone: (661) 322-7900
Email: james@noriegalaw.com
9. Steven Lance Bynum
Steven focuses on a wide range of criminal defense matters, providing a calm and orderly approach to the often chaotic process of a DUI arrest.
Website: https://www.stevenbynumlaw.com
Phone: (661) 835-6324
Email: steven@stevenbynumlaw.com
10. Vanji Renae Unruh
Vanji has 30 years of experience in the Kern County legal system, providing compassionate yet firm defense for those accused of substance-related offenses.
Website: https://www.unruhlaw.com
Phone: (661) 556-8400
Email: vanji@unruhlaw.com
Regional Legal Resources
Understand the law in other key cities: Bakersfield CA Law, Fresno CA DUI, Los Angeles CA DUI, Orange County CA Law, California Statewide DUI, Reno NV DUI, Phoenix AZ Law, Austin TX DUI, Dallas TX DWI Guide, and Atlanta GA Experts.
