A Legacy of Advocacy.
A Community of Excellence.

Since 1989, CDLA has brought together DUI defense attorneys and qualified experts to strengthen the practice of impaired-driving defense, advance professional education and protect the principles of fairness and due process.

Who We Are

The California DUI Lawyers Association is a nonprofit professional association dedicated to helping its members provide informed, effective representation to people accused of impaired-driving offenses.

Our work brings together legal education, scientific knowledge, practical experience and professional collaboration. Through advocacy, continuing education and the exchange of ideas, CDLA supports the attorneys and experts whose work helps safeguard the rights of the accused.

Founded on the Power of Shared Knowledge

In 1989, Edward “Fast Eddy” Kuwatch founded the organization originally known as the California Deuce Defenders. It later became the California DUI Lawyers Association.

That beginning established a lasting community for practitioners committed to developing their knowledge, sharing their experience and improving impaired-driving defense. Today, CDLA honors its founder through the annual KUWATCH Conference and the Edward Kuwatch Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Edward Kuwatch
Lifetime Achievement Award

Presented annually in honor of CDLA’s founder.

Recognizing Lasting Contributions

Honoring a Lifetime of Dedication

Presented annually to a deserving honoree, the Edward Kuwatch Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes sustained contributions to CDLA and significant achievement in DUI defense.

It honors a career marked by dedication, service and a lasting impact on the defense community and the clients it serves.

The award statuette pictured here represents this continuing legacy of professional excellence, celebrating those whose work carries forward the commitment to education, advocacy and shared knowledge that helped establish CDLA.

Advocacy That Reaches Beyond Individual Cases

CDLA’s work includes litigation and appellate advocacy addressing issues that affect impaired-driving defense and the rights of California drivers.

Defending Due Process in DMV Hearings

CDLA challenged the fairness of California’s administrative per se driver’s license suspension hearings in litigation filed in 2014.

In April 2022, the California Court of Appeal held that combining the roles of advocate and decision-maker in a single DMV hearing officer violated procedural due process. The decision marked a significant achievement in CDLA’s efforts to secure fair hearings.

Contributing to Appellate Advocacy

CDLA has participated as amicus curiae, or “friend of the court,” in the California Courts of Appeal, the California Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court on significant DUI-related issues.

Continuing the Work Through Education

Strong defense requires continuing study of the law, the science and the practical skills of advocacy. CDLA creates opportunities for members to keep learning and to learn from one another.

• The annual KUWATCH Conference: Professional education and connection within the DUI defense community.
• Lunch & Learns and educational webinars: Programs addressing legal developments, defense practice and relevant expertise.
• On-demand learning: Educational resources that support continued professional development.
• Member collaboration: An active ListServ and professional community for exchanging knowledge and experience.

Meet the Board of Directors

Meet the officers and directors serving CDLA for the 2026–2027 year.

CDLA Board of Directors • 2026 Annual KUWATCH Conference

Executive Director

Samantha M. Phillips

Executive Director

For assistance with membership, educational programs, partnerships or association matters, please contact Samantha.

[email protected]

213-608-2988

Be Part of CDLA’s Next Chapter

Connect with a professional community committed to education, collaboration and excellence in DUI defense.