Aug
14
CDLA held its annual two-day conference in Monterey, California on Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 8, 2026.
The following were recognized for their significant accomplishments and achievements for the past year:
BLOG
Jul
06
EARLY/DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION ENDS THIS FRIDAY, JULY 10! REGISTER NOW!
For the first time in its 37-year history, CDLA will be holding its annual two-day conference in Monterey, California!
As usual, our conference rates are among the lowest in the country. Also, we have secured a limited number of rooms at the Hyatt at the super-low room rate of $275/night. The Education Committee has developed a truly exceptional program with eight featured speakers. There will also be ample opportunity for social interaction and networking throughout the two days. Reduced/early registration rates are effective until July 10, 2026. Please contact me if you need additional information and/or experience any issues with registration.
ANNUAL KUWATCH CONFERENCE 2026
DATES: Friday, August 7 & Saturday, August 8, 2026
LOCATION: Hyatt Regency Hotel & Spa Monterey; Monterey, California
PROGRAM, SCHEDULE, COST, HOTEL, & MORE! See Trifold Tab on CDLA Website
FEATURED PRESENTERS:
Elizabeth Little: High-Profile Trial to Everyday Practice: Strategies from the Karen Read Case
Anthony Palacios: SFSTs in Action - Insights from the Expert
Richard Middlebrook: DMV Litigation Update - Key Appellate Rulings Every DUI Lawyer Should Know
Al Menaster: DUI Case Law Update - One Battle After Another (virtual)
Aaron Olson: Finding the Flaws - Toxicology Errors and How to Expose Them
Patrick Kolasinski & Lara Gressley: Using AI to Streamline Your DUI Practice &
AI in DUI Defense - Ethical Boundaries & Best Practices
Lucy McAllister: Defending Professional Licenses in California - Crossover Cases Involving Drug & Alcohol Issues
Bubba Head: Winning the Unwinnable DUI - Impeaching Officer Credibility in Court
MCLE: 9 credit hours, including 1 credit hour in Technology and 1 credit hour in ethics
REGISTRATION: https://www.californiaduilawyers.org/conference-2026
INTERESTED IN JOINING CDLA? NEED MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR CONFERENCE?
Dr. Roger C. Andersen
Executive Director
California DUI Lawyers Association
May
05
For the first time in its 37-year history, CDLA will be holding its annual two-day conference in Monterey, California!
As usual, our conference rates are among the lowest in the country. Also, we have secured a limited number of rooms at the Hyatt at the super-low room rate of $275/night. The Education Committee has developed a truly exceptional program with eight featured speakers. There will also be ample opportunity for social interaction and networking throughout the two days. Reduced/early registration rates are effective until July 10, 2026. Please contact me if you need additional information and/or experience any issues with registration.
ANNUAL KUWATCH CONFERENCE 2026
DATES: Friday, August 7 & Saturday, August 8, 2026
LOCATION: Hyatt Regency Hotel & Spa Monterey; Monterey, California
PROGRAM, SCHEDULE, COST, HOTEL, & MORE! See Trifold Tab on CDLA Website
FEATURED PRESENTERS:
Elizabeth Little: High-Profile Trial to Everyday Practice: Strategies from the Karen Read Case
Anthony Palacios: SFSTs in Action - Insights from the Expert
Richard Middlebrook: DMV Litigation Update - Key Appellate Rulings Every DUI Lawyer Should Know
Al Menaster: DUI Case Law Update - One Battle After Another (virtual)
Aaron Olson: Finding the Flaws - Toxicology Errors and How to Expose Them
Patrick Kolasinski & Lara Gressley: Using AI to Streamline Your DUI Practice &
AI in DUI Defense - Ethical Boundaries & Best Practices
Lucy McAllister: Defending Professional Licenses in California - Crossover Cases Involving Drug & Alcohol Issues
Bubba Head: Winning the Unwinnable DUI - Impeaching Officer Credibility in Court
MCLE: 9 credit hours, including 1 credit hour in Technology and 1 credit hour in ethics
REGISTRATION: https://www.californiaduilawyers.org/conference-2026
INTERESTED IN JOINING CDLA? NEED MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR CONFERENCE?
Dr. Roger C. Andersen
Executive Director
California DUI Lawyers Association
Apr
21
NOTE: If you are not a CDLA member and would like to attend this dinner meeting, please send an email to Executive Director Dr. Roger C. Andersen ([email protected]) who will register you as his guest and send you an invoice for payment.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SPRING DINNER MEETING
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Gulliver's Restaurant
14482 Macarthur Blvd.
Irvine, CA 92612
NETWORKING RECEPTION: 6:00 - 7:00 pm
DINNER & PROGRAM: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
COST FOR MEMBER: $130/person
COST FOR SPOUSE/GUEST: $130/person
COST INCLUDES: Dinner, drink coupon, raffle ticket!
MCLE: 2.0. credit hours
REGISTRATION LINK: https://www.californiaduilawyers.org/cdla-spring-dinner-meeting
PROGRAM: Building Your DUI Case from the Ground Up: DMV Through Trial
PRESENTERS: Joshua Price & Dewayne Beckner
Based in San Diego, California, attorney Joshua Price has been practicing DUI Defense exclusively since 2009 throughout Southern California, although the last few years he primarily practices in San Diego County. Attorney Joshua Price is the founder and owner of Defending Rights Law Center, Inc., which is a full-service DUI Law Firm. He and his team handle everything from pretrial hearings, motions, trials, DMV hearings, writs and appeals. He is a CDLA Specialist Member, past president and presently serves as a member of the CDLA Board of Directors.
A Forensic Toxicologist and Blood Alcohol Consultant, Dewayne Beckner is a former supervisor for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Crime Lab responsible for all DUI alcohol testing. He has testified over 3500 times as a recognized expert in DUI and vehicular manslaughter cases.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
In this two-hour interactive program, Josh and Dewayne will walk you through real examples of DMV wins using an expert witness for DMV. Learn a DMV expert's thoughts on what attorneys could be doing better at DMV as Josh and Dewayne review several actual case demonstrations.
Topics to be covered:
1. How to win a refusal based on lack of probable cause when client looks good on video and the officer bungles the administration of FST's with an expert witness; And
2. How to win a refusal just based on client testifying: No Expert;
3. How to win a close call DMV hearing with an expert:
A. Rising BAC;
B. Uncertainty of Measurement.
HOTEL WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF RESTAURANT
Hilton Irvine Orange County Airport
18800 MacArthur Blvd.
Irvine, California
877-504-0819
HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION?
Contact Dr. Roger C. Andersen, Executive Director, at [email protected]
Mar
16
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SPRING DINNER MEETING
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Gulliver's Restaurant
14482 Macarthur Blvd.
Irvine, CA 92612
NETWORKING RECEPTION: 6:00 - 7:00 pm
DINNER & PROGRAM: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
COST FOR MEMBER: $130/person
COST FOR SPOUSE/GUEST: $130/person
COST INCLUDES: Dinner, drink coupon, raffle ticket!
MCLE: 2.0. credit hours
REGISTRATION LINK: https://www.californiaduilawyers.org/cdla-spring-dinner-meeting
PROGRAM: Building Your DUI Case from the Ground Up: DMV Through Trial
PRESENTERS: Joshua Price & Dewayne Beckner
Based in San Diego, California, attorney Joshua Price has been practicing DUI Defense exclusively since 2009 throughout Southern California, although the last few years he primarily practices in San Diego County. Attorney Joshua Price is the founder and owner of Defending Rights Law Center, Inc., which is a full-service DUI Law Firm. He and his team handle everything from pretrial hearings, motions, trials, DMV hearings, writs and appeals. He is a CDLA Specialist Member, past president and presently serves as a member of the CDLA Board of Directors.
A Forensic Toxicologist and Blood Alcohol Consultant, Dewayne Beckner is a former supervisor for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Crime Lab responsible for all DUI alcohol testing.He has testified over 3500 times as a recognized expert in DUI and vehicular manslaughter cases.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
In this two-hour interactive program, Josh and Dewayne will walk you through real examples of DMV wins using an expert witness for DMV. Learn a DMV expert's thoughts on what attorneys could be doing better at DMV as Josh and Dewayne review several actual case demonstrations.
Topics to be covered:
1. How to win a refusal based on lack of probable cause when client looks good on video and the officer bungles the administration of FST's with an expert witness; And
2. How to win a refusal just based on client testifying: No Expert;
3. How to win a close call DMV hearing with an expert:
A. Rising BAC;
B. Uncertainty of Measurement.
HOTEL WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF RESTAURANT
Hilton Irvine Orange County Airport
18800 MacArthur Blvd.
Irvine, California
877-504-0819
NOT A MEMBER BUT WANT TO ATTEND?
HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION?
Contact Dr. Roger C. Andersen, Executive Director, at [email protected]
Happy Birthday to our Founder!
Category: uncategorized
Mar
06
Sunday (March 8th) marks the birthday of CDLA's late Founder, Edward “Fast Eddie” Kuwatch.
Eddie was a prominent California attorney who founded the California DUI Deuce Defenders in 1989 - which became the California DUI Lawyers Association. A colorful expert in DUI law who called himself “Fast Eddie” and once ran for California attorney general, Eddie passed away on February 26, 2005 at the age of 57.
Eddie published many books through his Fast Eddie Publishing Co., including the popular two-volume “California Drunk Driving Law” and its frequent updates.
CDLA's annual conference as well as its most prestigious award is named after Eddie Kuwatch.
CDLA's 2026 Annual Kuwatch Conference is scheduled for Friday, August 7 & Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in Monterey, California.
CDLA President Richard Middlebrook will be presenting the Edward Kuwatch Lifetime Achievement Award during Saturday's Awards Luncheon.
Feb
12
Registration is underway for the second of a new series of premium, in-depth webinars and in-person programs to be offered in 2026.
Program:
AMP Masterclass: Botched Blood Draws and Suppression
Brief Description (flyer on CDLA website)
Attendees will learn how to identify legal and medical flaws in blood draw procedures, obtain and use expert-driven discovery, craft suppression motions, obtain and use expert-driven discovery, craft suppression motions, question witnesses, and make compelling arguments - all while training inside a fully equipped courtroom environment.
Dates & Times:
Friday, February 20, 2026 (1:00 to 5:00 pm)
Saturday, February 21, 2026 (8:30 am to 5:00 pm)
Venue:
California Desert Trial Academy College of Law
Desert Center for Legal Education
45-290 Fargo Street
Indio, CA 92201
Cost:
$1,750 for CDLA members
$2,000 for non-members.
Presenters:
Lara Gressley
Mike Donaldson
Peter Johnson
Michael Kennedy
Samantha Helms
Jeanne Normandeau
Joshua Price
Paul Stucker
MCLE:
11.0 credit hours
Special Hotel Rates:
Holiday Inn Express - Indio $249 (plus tax)
Signature Inn - Indio $229 (plus tax)
This Masterclass program is limited to twenty (20) people.
Registration Link: https://www.californiaduilawyers.org/botched-blood-draws
Please contact me if you need additional information or experience any issues with registration.
Dr. Roger C. Andersen
Executive Director, California DUI Lawyers Association
Feb
05
The California DUI Lawyers Association's 2026 Annual Kuwatch Conference will be held on Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 8 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa.
Early/discounted registration will open on Monday, May 4, 2026.
However, please save these dates to join us for an exceptional two-day conference in this beautiful new venue for CDLA!
Thanks.
Dr. Roger C. Andersen
Executive Director
California DUI Lawyers Association
Jan
26
CDLA is pleased to announce the launch of the second of a new series of premium, in-depth webinars and in-person programs to be offered in 2026.
Unlike the monthly Lunch & Learn webinars, these programs are designed for a deep dive into the subject area.
The flyer on the CDLA website for this two-day, intensive program provides an overview with expected outcomes, the program schedule, materials participants will receive, and the eight (8) presenters.
AMP Masterclass: Botched Blood Draws and Suppression
A CDLA Masterclass Program
Friday, February 20 & Saturday, February 21, 2026
California Desert Trial Academy College of Law
Desert Center for Legal Education
45-290 Fargo Street
Indio, CA 92201
The registration cost is $1,750 for CDLA members and $2,000 for non-CDLA members.
Attendees will receive 11.0 CLE credit hours.
This Masterclass program is limited to twenty (20) people.
Registration Link: https://www.californiaduilawyers.org/botched-blood-draws
Please contact me if you need additional information or experience any issues with registration.
Dr. Roger C. Andersen
Executive Director
California DUI Lawyers Association
Dec
31
Are you in need of a DUI Attorney in California?
If so, you have definitely come to the right place!
Read More
Dec
27
CDLA is pleased to announce the launch of the second of a new series of premium, in-depth webinars and in-person programs to be offered in 2026.
Unlike the monthly Lunch & Learn webinars, these programs are designed for a deep dive into the subject area.
The flyer on the CDLA website for this two-day, intensive program provides an overview with expected outcomes, the program schedule, materials participants will receive, and the eight (8) presenters.
AMP Masterclass: Botched Blood Draws and Suppression
A CDLA Masterclass Program
Friday, February 20 & Saturday, February 21, 2026
California Desert Trial Academy College of Law
Desert Center for Legal Education
45-290 Fargo Street
Indio, CA 92201
The early registration cost is $1,750 for CDLA members and $2,000 for non-CDLA members. (Note that these rates increase after January 20, 2026.)
Attendees will receive 11.0 CLE credit hours.
This Masterclass program is limited to twenty (20) people.
Registration Link: https://www.californiaduilawyers.org/botched-blood-draws
Please contact me if you need additional information or experience any issues with registration.
Dr. Roger C. Andersen
Executive Director
California DUI Lawyers Association
Dec
16
CDLA is pleased to announce the launch of a new series of premium, in-depth Masterclass webinars and in-person programs to be offered in 2026.
Unlike the monthly Lunch & Learn webinars offered free to CDLA members, these programs are designed for a deep dive into the subject area.
Read More
Nov
19
Are you in need of a DUI Attorney in California?
If so, you have definitely come to the right place!
Read More
Nov
14
CDLA is pleased to announce the launch of a new series of premium, in-depth webinars and in-person programs.
Unlike the monthly Lunch & Learn webinars, these programs are designed for a deep dive into the subject area.
Inside the DMV with Richard Middlebrook: A Masterclass on APS Hearings will be presented on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.
Richard will be joined by Drivers Safety Hearing Officer (retired) Karyn James-Thomas and CDLA Attorney and Expert Ronald L. Moore.
The cost is $195 for CDLA members and $350 for non-CDLA members.
Attendees will receive 2.0 CLE credit hours and a complete copy of all presentation materials.
Registration Link: https://www.californiaduilawyers.org/inside-the-dmv
Please contact me if you need additional information or experience any issues with registration.
Dr. Roger C. Andersen
Executive Director
California DUI Lawyers Association
Interested in joining CDLA?
Category: uncategorized
Oct
20
Are you a California attorney who handles a significant number of DUI cases as part of your legal practice?
As Executive Director of the California DUI Lawyers Association (CDLA), I encourage you to join our vibrant group of 360+ lawyers, "home of the top DUI attorneys in California."
CDLA offers 9 free webinars annually. All qualify for MCLE credit. We also host in-person meetings in both Northern California and Southern California. Our "signature" event is a two-day conference in mid-August. (The 2024 Annual Kuwatch Conference was recently held in San Francisco and was attended by 07 people.
Our listserv is a heavily used interactive forum that assists lawyers by requesting and sharing advice about specific legal matters, seeking referrals or appearances, providing updates on key court cases, etc. CDLA also features an extensive Law Library.
For a one-year period of membership, the following categories and rates apply:
General (attorneys): $200
Associate (non-attorney; out-of-state attorney): $100
General/PD (attorney - public defenders): $100
Specialist (attorneys qualified as specialists): $275 (requires review and approval)
Application can be made using the JOIN/RENEW NOW button on the main page of our website:
Please let me know if you need any additional information regarding our Association.
Dr. Roger C. Andersen, Executive Director, California DUI Lawyers Association
Aug
31
Are you in need of a DUI Attorney in California?
If so, you have definitely come to the right place!
Read More
Aug
31
Are you in need of a DUI Attorney in California?
If so, you have definitely come to the right place!
Read More
Aug
19
This past Saturday afternoon at the CDLA Annual Awards Luncheon, President Richard Middlebrook presented awards to two of our distinguished and accomplished members.
PRESIDENT’S AWARD
The President's Award is given to a CDLA member in recognition of steadfast commitment to CDLA and to freedom, and for outstanding efforts in defending the accused that zealously guard our Constitutional rights.
The recipient of this award has devoted countless hours this year providing financial reports at all Board meetings, monitoring our checking account, and dealing with various financial changes during the past 12 months.
The 2025 President's Award was presented to CDLA Treasurer Philip Gagnon.
EDWARD KUWATCH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
CDLA's highest award is given annually to a CDLA member who, over an extended period of time, has made significant contributions to the mission, goals, and growth of CDLA and who has had a substantial positive impact in the lives of hundreds of clients accused of driving under the influence and related offenses in his or her legal career.
· The CDLA member selected for this award has represented more than 7,000 individuals charged with DUI since 1985.
· He has been the lead counsel in more than 130 DUI jury trials in his 40-year career, and he is widely known and respected by prosecutors and judges as a tenacious advocate for his clients.
· He regularly attends the annual National College of DUI Defense (NCDD) seminar presented at Harvard Law School on DUI defense, and he is Dean Emeritus of the NCDD after having served for 12 years on its Board of Regents.
· He has co-authored the two-volume treatise California Drunk Driving Law since 2004 and is a graduate of the University of Indiana's comprehensive course on chemical testing and scientific protocols in DUI cases.
The 2025 Edward Kuwatch Lifetime Achievement Award recipient was presented to Paul Burglin.
Please extend your congratulations to Philip and Paul for receiving these prestigious CDLA awards.
Aug
19
This past Saturday afternoon at the CDLA Annual Awards Luncheon, President Richard Middlebrook presented awards to two of our distinguished and accomplished members.
PRESIDENT’S AWARD
The President's Award is given to a CDLA member in recognition of steadfast commitment to CDLA and to freedom, and for outstanding efforts in defending the accused that zealously guard our Constitutional rights.
The recipient of this award has devoted countless hours this year providing financial reports at all Board meetings, monitoring our checking account, and dealing with various financial changes during the past 12 months.
The 2025 President's Award was presented to CDLA Treasurer Philip Gagnon.
EDWARD KUWATCH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
CDLA's highest award is given annually to a CDLA member who, over an extended period of time, has made significant contributions to the mission, goals, and growth of CDLA and who has had a substantial positive impact in the lives of hundreds of clients accused of driving under the influence and related offenses in his or her legal career.
· The CDLA member selected for this award has represented more than 7,000 individuals charged with DUI since 1985.
· He has been the lead counsel in more than 130 DUI jury trials in his 40-year career, and he is widely known and respected by prosecutors and judges as a tenacious advocate for his clients.
· He regularly attends the annual National College of DUI Defense (NCDD) seminar presented at Harvard Law School on DUI defense, and he is Dean Emeritus of the NCDD after having served for 12 years on its Board of Regents.
· He has co-authored the two-volume treatise California Drunk Driving Law since 2004 and is a graduate of the University of Indiana's comprehensive course on chemical testing and scientific protocols in DUI cases.
The 2025 Edward Kuwatch Lifetime Achievement Award recipient was presented to Paul Burglin.
Please extend your congratulations to Philip and Paul for receiving these prestigious CDLA awards.
Aug
12
CDLA's 2025 Annual Kuwatch Conference starts this Friday (August 15).
ANNUAL KUWATCH CONFERENCE 2025
DATES: Friday, August 15 & Saturday, August 16, 2025
LOCATION: Margaritaville at Gaslamp Quarter; San Diego, California
PROGRAM, SCHEDULE, COST, HOTEL & MORE!
PRESENTERS:
Judge Christopher Plourd Richard Middlebrook Lara Gressley
Joshua Price Peter Johnson Dr. Adam Kaye
Jan Semenoff Ron Lopez Suzanne Perry
Don Hammond Debra Erickson
CONFERENCE THEME: Defending DUI Cases: Science, Strategy, and Hands-On Workshops
OVERVIEW: At CDLA’s annual two-day conference, attorneys will learn how to attack and litigate blood test results, breathalyzer evidence, and drug-related DUI cases—from pre-trial strategy to courtroom execution—all in a relaxed, coastal setting perfect for sharpening skills in beautiful downtown San Diego. Attendees will earn 10.5 MCLE credit hours.
Please contact me for additional information or if you have any issues with registration.
Dr. Roger C. Andersen
Executive Director
California DUI Lawyers Association