Thomas Vinson Nash

Tom Nash, widely known as "The DUI Guy" has been trying and winning DUI cases for over 35 years in Monterey County. Past President of the Monterey County Trial Lawyers Association, featured as a contributor to the authoritative California Book, "California Drunk Driving Law" and a long time member of California DUI Lawyers Association, as well as the National College of Drunk Driving Defense, NACDL, CACJ, and other California and National criminal defense organizations, Tom is the lawyer other lawyers turn to for advice on the defense of Driving Under the Influence charges in Monterey County.

DUI & DWI

Criminal Law

Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted

California

Since 1984

Federal Circuit

Since 1984

Founder

The Law Offices of Thomas Vinson Nash

Current

Distinguished Service

Sixth District Appellate Program

2000

Recognition for more than 10 years as board representative from Monterey County Bar Association

National College of Drunk Driving Defense

Member

Current

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

Current

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Member

Current

Monterey County Trial Lawyers Association

Past President

1985 - Current

CALIFORNIA DUI LAWYERS ASSOCIATION

Member

1985 - Current

State Bar of California  # 112734

Member

1984 - Current

Administration of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Q. Should I reinstate my license at first opportunity or wait for my court date?

November 5, 2021

A: You may have to pay two reinstatement fees but it is definitely worth it to keep your license at this stage. Should you get caught driving without a license now, you are likely to be charged with CVC 14601.2(a), "Driving while suspended for DUI" even though you haven't been convicted of a DUI. The second thing that comes to mind with your situation is that you should NOT finish your driving school at this time. You should contact them and tell them you need a leave of absence, etc. Otherwise you will be required to take the whole class over again after your conviction, if you are convicted. As long as it's still pending, unfinished at the time of your conviction or plea, then you will be able to finish it, even if it's only one class and get credit. It's always better to contact an experienced DUI lawyer in your immediate area, ASAP.

Q. I am applying for teacher credential and my.dui paperwork shows pled nolo contendere and got probation misd DUI.. put?

May 18, 2021

A: A nolo or no contest plea is the same as a guilty plea for purposes of a criminal court. So you must divulge it. Depending on what County you were convicted in, you would be on either a three year or a five year probation. Most probably you were convicted of either 23152 (a) or 23152 (b), not both. Most counties have a computer portal where you could find that information or, if you were represented by counsel, contact them.

Q. How can a person sue the dmv? (Asking for a friend) Pulled over on suspected dui Breath scored .039 & .037 Blood .02.

January 1, 2021

A: Your friend can go to the California state court and have a lawyer apply for a writ of mandamus, overturning the DMV's decision. However I suspect that the DMV's decision was based on your friends refusal to take a test of her/his breath or blood. If your friend was properly admonished by the officer of the arresting agency, then their failure to submit to a test of their breath or blood could be held against them when no urine test was deemed available or sufficient. Generally, these days, urine tests are reserved for tests as an alternative to blood tests, when drugs are suspected, rather than alcohol.

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