Bakersfield · Kern County
Bakersfield DUI Defense Lawyer
Arrested for DUI in Kern County? Protect your license, your record, and your future before deadlines pass.
A DUI arrest can trigger both a criminal case and a DMV license action. Christopher Martens is a trial-tested Bakersfield criminal defense attorney who has handled thousands of criminal cases since 2005, including DUI cases involving breath tests, blood tests, field sobriety tests, and questionable traffic stops. Call now for a free confidential consultation.
California DUI arrests can involve a short DMV hearing deadline. Do not wait to get advice.
Memberships & Affiliations
Thousands of criminal cases handled
Defending clients since 2005
DUI and domestic violence focus
Bakersfield and Kern County courts
A DUI Arrest Starts More Than One Problem
Many people think the first court date is the only deadline that matters. In California DUI cases, your driving privilege can also become an immediate issue through the DMV. The earlier Martens Law Firm gets involved, the faster the defense can begin reviewing the stop, testing process, police reports, video, and witness issues.
One Arrest. Two Cases At Once.
A DUI in California typically opens parallel DMV and criminal proceedings.
DMV Case
Your driver's license
- Short window to request a DMV hearing
- Possible administrative suspension
- Hearing focuses on a narrow set of issues
Criminal Court
Fines, probation, jail exposure, record
- Charges filed by the prosecution
- Court appearances and possible negotiation
- Trial if the case is not resolved
What Martens Law Firm Looks For
Every DUI case turns on the details. The defense reviews the stop, the testing, the report, and the available video before deciding the strategy.
CHECK 01
Was the traffic stop legal?
CHECK 02
Was there proof of actual driving?
CHECK 03
Were field sobriety tests administered correctly?
CHECK 04
Was the breath device maintained and calibrated?
CHECK 05
Was the blood draw handled properly?
CHECK 06
Did the officer make assumptions in the report?
CHECK 07
Is there bodycam, dashcam, dispatch, or booking video?
CHECK 08
Are there medical, fatigue, or environmental explanations?
DUI Defense Timeline
A general view of how DUI cases move. Your timeline depends on the facts of your case.
- 1
Arrest
- 2
Temporary license notice
- 3
DMV hearing deadline
- 4
Arraignment
- 5
Evidence review
- 6
Negotiation or motions
- 7
Trial preparation
- 8
Resolution
Quick License Risk Snapshot
Answer a few questions to see how time-sensitive your situation may be. This tool helps you understand urgency — not predict the outcome of your case.
- • DMV hearing requests are time-sensitive.
- • Commercial drivers face stricter rules.
- • Refusals and accidents can change the picture.
License Risk Snapshot
A quick urgency check — not legal advice or an outcome prediction.
This tool is for general information only and does not predict legal outcomes. Speak with a lawyer about your case.
Local DUI Defense In Bakersfield And Kern County
Martens Law Firm represents people facing DUI charges in Bakersfield and throughout Kern County. Local experience matters because court procedures, prosecutors, calendars, and negotiation patterns can vary by branch.
Kern County Court Locations
- Metropolitan Division, Bakersfield
- Metropolitan Traffic Division, Bakersfield
- Delano
- Lamont
- Mojave
- Ridgecrest
- Shafter
What A DUI Can Affect
| Issue | Why It Matters | How Martens Law Firm Can Help |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's license | Suspension can affect work and family logistics | Address DMV deadlines and contest evidence |
| Jail exposure | Penalties depend on priors and aggravating facts | Negotiation, motions, and trial preparation |
| Fines and fees | Court costs can stack with other consequences | Evaluate pleas and alternative resolutions |
| Insurance rates | DUI convictions often raise premiums | Reduce risk of conviction where possible |
| Employment | Some jobs require disclosure or screening | Discuss record-related options |
| Commercial driving | Stricter limits apply to CDL holders | Move quickly to protect commercial privileges |
| Immigration / professional licensing | May trigger separate review processes | Coordinate strategy with the case facts |
| Criminal record | Long-term impact on housing, school, jobs | Pursue reductions or dismissals where possible |
Reported Case Result
DUI Case Result: Driving Was Not Proven
Martens Law Firm has reported a DUI case where the client was charged with misdemeanor DUI and driving with a .08% or more blood alcohol concentration, but the prosecution failed to prove the client was driving because the car was parked and was not moving.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different.
What Clients Say About Martens Law Firm
Verified reviews from Avvo. Read more on our testimonials page.
The Attorney You Need
"I hired Mr. Martens to represent me in Kings County. The criminal charges against me had me looking at being sentenced to life. He took my case to trial and we walked away with 3 not guilty verdicts. During my case, I had acquired 4 different lawyers and not a single one of them wanted to take my case."
Thankful For Martens
"Thanks to the law office of Christopher Martens, they spoke on my and my family's behalf, and showed the judge the person I am now and not to judge me by my past. I picked up an assault charge that would have given me my third strike, but with their help we got a much better outcome."
Very Informative And Professional
"I hired Mr. Martens for a case I thought was going to completely derail my life, but Mr. Martens and his staff helped me every step of the way. They handled everything with the utmost professionalism and were readily available to answer my questions."
Martens Is An Excellent Attorney
"I hired Christopher Martens to handle my son's case! Best choice was going with him and his amazing team to help us through the tough times. We got the results we wanted and needed. I really recommend him if you or a loved one is in need of a criminal attorney — he knows what he's doing and fights for you."
Best Decision
"Hiring Martens Law Firm was the best decision. I had searched for a lawyer I was truly happy with, and his staff was very supportive and helpful. The end results were beyond exceeded. Thank you for giving me this second chance."
An Outstanding Lawyer
"Mr. Christopher R. Martens did a fantastic job in my case with an awesome outcome in the end. What was best — he took care of everything. I did not even have to be in front of the judge once. I totally appreciated his knowledge and professionalism."
Testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee the outcome of any future case.
Work Directly With A Trial-Tested Defense Attorney
Christopher Martens has represented clients in misdemeanor and felony criminal cases since 2005, with over 20 years of experience and more than 100 jury trials. His approach is direct: listen carefully, investigate independently, challenge weak evidence, and prepare every case with the seriousness it deserves.
- ✓ 20+ years defending Kern County
- ✓ 100+ jury trials
- ✓ Thousands of cases handled
- ✓ Misdemeanor and felony defense
DUI Defense — Frequently Asked Questions
Should I call a lawyer before my first DUI court date?+
Yes. Early action can help protect your rights, preserve evidence, and address DMV license issues before deadlines pass.
Can a DUI be fought if the breath test was over .08?+
Yes. Breath test results can be challenged based on the stop, testing procedure, calibration, timing, medical issues, and whether the prosecution can prove every required element.
What if I refused a breath or blood test?+
Refusal cases can carry serious license consequences. Talk to a DUI lawyer quickly so the facts and DMV issues can be reviewed.
Will I lose my license after a DUI arrest?+
A DUI arrest can trigger DMV action, but deadlines and options depend on the facts. Call as soon as possible.
Do I have to go to court?+
It depends on the charge, court, and whether an attorney can appear for certain hearings. Ask Martens Law Firm about your specific situation.
Can Martens Law Firm help if I was arrested outside Bakersfield?+
Yes. The firm handles criminal defense matters throughout Kern County, including branch courts.
Do Not Wait For The Case To Move Without You
The sooner you act, the sooner your defense can start. Call Martens Law Firm now for a free confidential consultation about your DUI arrest.