DUI Defense Attorney
in Grover Beach, CA

Protecting Your License, Your Record, and Your Future

Experienced Central Coast DUI defense since 1993. Immediate help with arrests, checkpoints, DMV hearings, and court. Free consultations.

Schedule a Free DUI Consultation

Fast Action on DUI Cases

DMV and court deadlines move quickly after a DUI arrest. Early representation protects your license and your options.

Local Central Coast Experience

Decades handling DUI cases in San Luis Obispo County, Santa Maria, and the surrounding areas.

Personalized Defense

Every case is different. Strategies are built around the specific facts, your record, and your goals.

About Steven L. Crawford

Attorney at Law | California Native | Serving the Community Since 1993

Steven L. Crawford at the beach in Grover Beach

“I know what it's like to face, and overcome, hardship.”

— Steven L. Crawford

Attorney Steve Crawford is a native Californian with his principal office in the Central Coast city of Grover Beach. He earned his law degree from San Joaquin College of Law in 1993 and was admitted to the California State Bar the same year.

Since 1993, Mr. Crawford has been involved in many high-profile jury trials, including capital cases involving murder with special circumstances. He has handled every type of criminal case ranging from simple DUI matters to complex conspiracy and murder cases.

Bar Admissions

  • California State Bar (#166488)
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Professional Associations

  • San Luis Obispo County Bar Association
  • Fresno County Bar Association
  • California Public Defenders Association
  • Complex Criminal Felony Panel, Eastern District of California
  • Conflict Panel, San Luis Obispo Superior Court
  • Capital Panel, California Supreme Court

“I am truly passionate about helping my fellow Californians overcome their tough legal situations.”

DUI & Criminal Defense

Primary focus on DUI defense, with additional experience in other criminal and personal injury matters.

Central Coast sunset

DUI Defense

A DUI charge in California can affect your license, job, insurance, and freedom. Immediate, knowledgeable representation is critical — especially with DMV deadlines.

I handle first-time and repeat DUI cases throughout the Central Coast, including checkpoints, chemical test issues, and administrative hearings.

  • First-time and multiple DUIs
  • DUI checkpoints
  • Chemical test refusal
  • DMV administrative hearings
  • Cannabis / drug DUI
  • Under-21 DUI
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Other Criminal & Personal Injury

While DUI is a core focus, I also represent clients in other criminal matters and personal injury cases.

Decades of trial experience, including complex cases, means practical, results-oriented advocacy.

  • Other misdemeanors & felonies
  • Drug offenses
  • Auto accidents
  • Premises liability
  • Dog bites
  • Wrongful death
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Testimonials

Let my former clients tell you what sets me apart.

Surfer at sunset on the Central Coast

“Steven Crawford handled my federal drug offenses case and got it dismissed. He was professional, knowledgeable, and always kept me informed.”

— Oscar G.

“He fought my federal tax charges all the way and obtained a not guilty verdict. The case was dismissed. I am forever grateful.”

— Rodney M.

“My drug case sentence was reduced to probation. Steven gave me my life back. I highly recommend him.”

— Juan P.

Weekly DUI Articles

Practical, clear information on California DUI law for drivers on the Central Coast. New article every week.

Police traffic stop at dusk
October 26, 2026

What Happens If You Refuse a Chemical Test After a DUI Arrest in California?

Getting pulled over on Highway 101 near Grover Beach or on a San Luis Obispo County road can feel overwhelming. Officers may ask you to take a breath or blood test after an arrest. Many drivers wonder whether they can simply say no. In California, refusing the official chemical test after a lawful DUI arrest carries serious, separate consequences under the state’s implied consent law—even if you are never convicted of DUI.

Implied Consent and the Official Chemical Test

California’s implied consent law means that by driving on public roads, you have already agreed to submit to a chemical test (breath or blood) if you are lawfully arrested for DUI. This is different from the preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) breath test that officers sometimes offer at the roadside before an arrest. The PAS test is generally optional for most adult drivers. The official chemical test after arrest is not.

What Happens If You Refuse

If you refuse the official chemical test after a lawful arrest, the DMV can suspend your driver’s license for one year (or longer if you have prior DUI-related suspensions). This suspension is administrative and happens even if the criminal case is later dismissed or you are found not guilty. The refusal can also be used as evidence against you in the criminal case. Officers will typically read you a statement explaining these consequences before recording a refusal.

The 10-Day Deadline Still Applies

A refusal does not eliminate the need to act quickly on the DMV side. You normally have only 10 days from the date of arrest to request a DMV hearing to challenge the license suspension. Missing that deadline usually means the suspension takes effect automatically. An attorney can request the hearing for you and help preserve your driving privileges while the case proceeds.

Practical Next Steps

If you refused a chemical test after a DUI stop in San Luis Obispo County or elsewhere on the Central Coast, contact a DUI defense attorney promptly. Early review of the police report, any video, and the exact circumstances of the refusal can identify defenses on both the criminal and DMV sides. The Law Office of Steven L. Crawford offers free consultations. Call (805) 489-2335 to discuss what happened and the steps available to protect your license and record.

New Article Every Monday

A fresh, practical DUI article is written each week specifically for Central Coast drivers. Topics include checkpoints, chemical test refusals, DMV hearings, first-time penalties, cannabis DUI, and more.

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Contact

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Law Office of Steven L. Crawford

Address:
192 N 11th Street
Grover Beach, CA 93433

Phone: (805) 489-2335

Email: slcrawfordlaw@gmail.com

Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: By Appointment
After Hours: By Appointment

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