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.