California DUI Lawyers Association

Membership That Makes You Better at What You Do

Build your knowledge. Strengthen your practice. Connect with California's DUI defense community.

CDLA brings together attorneys and qualified professionals committed to advancing excellence in impaired-driving defense through education, collaboration and the exchange of knowledge.

Why Join CDLA?

Hundreds of Colleagues. One Question Away.

Through the CDLA Member ListServ, connect with colleagues about motions, scientific evidence, DMV proceedings, experts and trial strategy. Share practical resources and learn from attorneys handling the same challenges.

Education Relevant to Your Practice

Explore monthly Lunch & Learns, webinars, advanced Master Classes, regional programs and the annual KUWATCH Conference.

Monthly Lunch & Learns are complimentary for members. Other programs may have separate registration fees. See each event for pricing and MCLE details.

Explore Events & MCLE

Professional Relationships and Shared Experience

Build connections with trial attorneys, appellate advocates, educators and technical professionals throughout California. Exchange ideas, develop professional relationships and benefit from a community dedicated to stronger DUI defense.

Membership Categories & Annual Dues

Explore our membership categories to determine which option best fits your professional background.

Regular Membership

$200 annually

For attorneys actively involved in impaired-driving defense.

Regular Membership is available to individuals who:

  • Regularly participate in the defense of individuals accused of impaired driving.
  • Support CDLA's mission and Statement of Purpose.
  • Are not involved in prosecution, law enforcement or organizations whose interests include the prosecution of impaired-driving defendants.

Regular Members enjoy CDLA's membership benefits, educational opportunities, and professional resources.

Public Defender Membership

$100 annually

For eligible public defenders engaged in impaired-driving defense.

CDLA offers a reduced membership rate to help make its educational resources and professional community accessible to attorneys serving individuals through public defense.

Public Defender Membership is intended for attorneys who:

  • Work as public defenders and participate in criminal defense, including impaired-driving cases.
  • Meet CDLA's general membership eligibility requirements.
  • Can verify their qualifying public defender employment when requested.

This discounted rate supports public defense attorneys while maintaining access to CDLA's professional education and resources.

Specialist Membership

$250 annually

For experienced California attorneys who have demonstrated advanced expertise in impaired-driving defense.

Specialist Membership recognizes attorneys who meet CDLA's established standards for litigation experience and continuing legal education.

Applicants must:

  • Have been members in good standing of the State Bar of California for at least five years.
  • Have served as defense counsel in at least 20 California impaired-driving jury trials submitted for decision.
  • Have handled at least 50 additional impaired-driving matters through disposition.
  • Meet at least two of the additional experience qualifications listed below.
  • Have completed or instructed at least 20 hours of qualifying MCLE education in impaired-driving or related criminal defense within the preceding three years.

Additional Experience Qualifications

  • Five or more evidentiary hearings under Penal Code §1538.5.
  • Five or more extraordinary writ proceedings resulting in decisions after hearing.
  • Three or more appellate appearances resulting in written opinions.
  • Ten or more additional jury trials submitted for decision.

Alternative Qualification: Attorneys with substantial comparable experience in other areas of impaired-driving practice may qualify under CDLA's alternative experience provisions.

Contact CDLA About Specialist Membership

Expert Membership

Complimentary

For qualified professionals whose specialized knowledge contributes to effective impaired-driving defense.

Expert Membership is designed for individuals with significant specialized knowledge, skills, training, education or experience relevant to DUI defense.

Eligible professionals must:

  • Demonstrate expertise in a field relevant to impaired-driving defense.
  • Provide a detailed professional résumé outlining their qualifications.
  • Support CDLA's mission and professional standards.
  • Meet CDLA's conflict-of-interest and confidentiality requirements.
  • Be willing to share relevant technical knowledge and educational information with CDLA members.

Expert Members are encouraged to participate in CDLA educational programs and professional discussions.

Membership Term: Expert Membership is granted for five years. Renewal of the classification requires reapplication.

Expert Members also qualify for the discounted Public Defender registration rate at CDLA's annual KUWATCH Conference.

Contact CDLA About Expert Membership

Strengthen Your Practice. Expand Your Resources.

Join a professional community dedicated to knowledge, connection and excellence in DUI defense.

Join CDLA

Questions about eligibility or the right membership category?
[email protected]
213-608-2988