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Denis Hurley White Jr

also known as Law Office of Denis White, Denis White Sacramento DUI Attorney
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Avvo Rating9.7
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed for 26 years
  • Free consultation
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About Denis

While we occasionally assist former clients with other areas of law, our focus is DUI Defense.  If you have questions about a DUI case in Sacramento, Placer, Yolo or El Dorado Counties give us a call.  You'll be pleasantly surprised when you do because we will be giving you information without pushing you to hire us.  We believe that people should make an informed decision when choosing an attorney.  We take a limited number of cases each year, giving us ample time for each person we represent.  Our goal is to have the best clients, not the most. Our clients all have my cell phone number and are invited to call as questions arise, rather than being restricted to Monday through Friday between 8 and 5. 

 

My father, Denis H. White, Sr., is now formally retired but I still visit with him regularly.  He attended night law school while working and raising me, my brother and four sisters.  Then he spent 28 years with the Sacramento County Public Defenders Office, until his retirement in 1998, where he handled every type of criminal case that came through the system.  You simply can't buy the type of experience he brought to this office, for the years he continued to keep his bar card active.

 

My father's father, Judge William A. White, died while I was in law school.  His graduating class at McGeorge Law School in 1937 consisted of exactly eight people.  His years in private practice were spent in the area of Probate Law.  In 1961, he was appointed to the bench in Sacramento County and served in that capacity for the rest of his working years.   What I learned from him, as a boy and later as a man, was less about the practice of law than just treating people fairly and honestly.

 

Our office is devoted, almost entirely, to DUI defense.  On rare occasion, we get involved with run of the mill misdemeanor and felony criminal defense cases for former clients.  If you have questions or think this may be the right law firm for you, please call us at (916) 444-3300.

 

 

Practice areas

Criminal defenseDUI and DWI
  1. DUI and DWI: 95%

    Prefiling where appropriate to prevent formal charges from being filed through Court or Jury Trial. Administrative Per Se DMV hearings dealing with license suspension issues.

    26 years

  2. Criminal defense: 5%

    Drug Offenses, Theft Offenses, Modifications, Expungements,

    26 years

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

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Contact

901 H Street
address map

Law Office of Denis White

901 H Street
Suite 101
Sacramento, CA, 95814

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Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
CAActive199410/28/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers716
Legal guides4
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Peer Review Rating 5.0 of 5.0Martindale-Hubbell2017
Sacramento Magazine's Top Lawyers ListSacramento Magazine2015
AIDUIA 2015 10 BestAIDUIA2015
Client's Choice AwardAVVO2014
Top Contributor AwardAVVO2014
Client's Choice AwardAVVO2013
Top Contributor AwardAVVO2013
Client's Choice AwardAVVO2012
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
AttorneyLaw Office of Denis White1994 - Present
Legal Research AssistantSacramento County Public Defender's Office1993 - 1994
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
California Public Defenders AssociationAttorney Member2012 - Present
Better Business BureauMember Attorney2010 - Present
Martindale-HubbellMember2010 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationLawyer Member2007 - Present
Sacramento County Bar AssociationMember Lawyer1997 - Present
U.S. District Court Eastern District of CaliforniaAttorney Member1995 - Present
California State Bar AssociationAttorney Member1994 - Present
Capitol City Trial Lawyers AssociationLawyer Member2011 - 2012
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
AVVO Legal GuidesIgnition Interlock Device (IID) in PLAIN LANGUAGE2011
AVVO Legal GuidesYolo County Department 9 DUI and Misdemeanor Court2011
AVVO Legal GuidesFIELD SOBRIETY TESTS; THINK YOU PASSED?2010
AVVO Legal GuidesSACRAMENTO DUI & MISDEMEANOR COURTS, DEPARTMENT 3 & 42010
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
California DUI Lawyers Association7 hours Kuwatch Annual All Day DUI Updates2014
California DUI Lawyers Association5 hours DUI Drugs2014
California Public Defenders Association4.75 Hours 5th annual DUI Defense Practice Institute2013
California DUI Lawyers Association7 Hours All Day Kuwatch DUI Seminar2013
California DUI Lawyers Association1.5 Hours Voir Dire in DUI Cases2013
California DUI Lawyers Association1.5 Hours Scientific Evidence in DUI Cases2012
California DUI Lawyers Association7 Hours Occupy DUI San Diego2012
California DUI Lawyers Association5 Hours Occupy Fresno DUI Defense2012
California DUI Lawyers Association1.5 Hours Laboratory Requirements in DUI Defense2012
California DUI Lawyers Association7.0 Hours All Day DUI Defense Seminar San Francisco2012
California DUI Lawyers Association1.5 Hours Change of Venue DUI Defense in Oakland2011
California DUI Lawyers Association2.0 Hours Intro to Gas Chromatograph Part 22011
California DUI Lawyers Assocation4.0 Hours GERD, Trial Strategies, .01 DMV Suspensions2011
California DUI Lawyers Association2.0 Hours Intro Blood Alcohol Chromatographs Part 12011
California DUI lawyers Association2.0 Hours DUI Defense San Francisco2011
California Public Defenders Association1.0 Hour Cross Examination of Criminalist in DUI Cases2011
California DUI Lawyers Association2.0 Hours General DUI Defense Oakland2010
Robert F. La Pier & Associates22.0 Hour SFST Test Certification2009
California DUI Lawyers Association1.5 Hours Rising Blood Alcohol Defense in DUI Cases2009
California DUI Lawyers Association3.0 Hours Partition Ratio in DUI Defense Oakland2009
California DUI Lawyers Association7.0 Hours All Day Seminar 2009 San Francisco2009
Ventura CollegePOST Breath Alcohol Testing Device Certification2008
California DUI Lawyers Association3.0 Hours DUI Defense Fresno2008
California DUI Lawyers Association7.0 Hours 2008 Seminar Rancho Mirage2008
California Deuce Defenders4.0 Hours DMV APS Hearings, Tactics & Strategies2004
Lorman Business Center6.0 Hours DUI Strategies in Handling DUI cases2004
Lincoln Law School of SacramentoJD - Juris Doctor1994
American River Junior CollegeAssociate of Arts1979
California State University, SacramentoN/AN/A
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Effective Representation in Misdemeanor CasesDUI-Sacramento County Bar Association2015
Real DUI Court in Schools, Rio Americano High SchoolDUI Consequences for Under Age Drivers2011
Real DUI Court in Schools, Pleasant Grove High SchoolDUI Consequences for Under Age Drivers2011
Real DUI Court in Schools, Capital Christian SchoolDUI Consequences for Under Age Drivers2011
Real DUI Court in Schools, Rio Linda High SchoolDUI Consequences for Under Age Drivers2010
Real DUI Court in Schools, El Camino High SchoolDUI Consequences for Under Age Drivers2010
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
People v GRDUI case dismissed after filing. No loss of license.
People v. MADUI case rejected after almost one year. DMV APS set aside. No loss of driving privilege.
People v. DMThis second offense DUI case was rejected after nearly one year. No loss of license. Later filed for certificate of detention only, removing record of arrest.
People v. RVWet reckless and previously won DMV APS hearing. No loss of license.
People v. RHResolved as dry reckless, with no loss of driving privilege.
People v. GKDUI case rejected and Won contested DMV APS Hrg. No loss of license.
People v. KGResolved as wet reckless
People v. JGResolved as wet reckless, with Helmandollar, avoiding license suspension
People v. MDDUI case rejected and won contested DMV APS hearing. No loss of license!
People v. JLResolved as wet reckless and avoided AB91 Ignition Interlock Device requirement.
People v. AMresolved as wet reckless
People v. MHResolved as standard 1st with shorter DUI school and no additional time for high BAC. Won DMV APS hearing on technicality, after arguing no good cause for DMV to continue to subpoena officer.
People v. MKDUI case rejected and later filed request for certificate of detention only, to remove record of arrest.
People v. SBDUI case rejected, DMV APS suspension set aside. No loss of license. Later filed for certificate of detention only, removing record of arrest.
People v. CEDUI case rejected and Won contested DMV APS hearing.
People v. RKDUI case rejected. No loss of license.
People v. SMResolved as wet reckless, with Helmandollar, avoiding loss of driving privilege and hold by the CA DMV.
People v. BLDUI case dismissed
People v. GUResolved as wet reckless, with Helmandollar, avoiding license suspension and loss of driving privilege.
People v. JHResolved as dry reckless, with Helmandollar, avoiding loss of license and driving privilege.
People v. DSResolved as VC21950(a) infraction for a fine and no probation
People v. RRResolved as wet reckless, with Helmandollar, avoiding loss of license and driving privilege.
People v. JPResolved as Std 1st, with community service in home state and no DUI school.
People v. DWResolved as wet reckless, with Helmandollar, avoiding license suspension and loss of driving privilege.
People v. STResolved as wet reckless.
People v. HCResolved as wet reckless, with Helmandollar, avoiding license suspension or loss of driving privilege.
People v. LFDUI case rejected. Won Contested DMV APS hearing, avoiding any license suspension or loss of driving privileges. Later filed a request for certificate of detention only, to remove the record of arrest.
People v. LTResolved as wet reckless and the marijuana charge was dismissed.
People v. ADResolved as wet reckless
People v. CMResolved as wet reckless.

Reviews

(91)
5 Star
99%
4 Star
1%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review Denis White

Excellent communication and guidance

Posted by

Denis advised me throughout my DUI case, which took about 8 months to resolve. He guided me through the paperwork with both DMV and the court, and always kept me in the loop. Even when I hadn't heard from him in weeks, I had faith that he was on top of whatever was going on and the delays were likely from other parties involved. He's very knowledgeable in his field of expertise, good humored, and an excellent communicator. If you're looking for a DUI attorney in Sacramento, Denis is a solid choice.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Extremely Satisfied

Posted by

I got arrested for a DUI in February of 2019, and Denis was very helpful throughout the whole process. He was extremely patient, and helped me with getting my license back. When I first got my DUI, I was extremely embarrassed and did not know what do do. Denis was very patient with me and handled my case very well.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Beyond expectations. Always kept in touch.

Posted by

When I found myself in need of an attorney I asked around. Denis came highly referred by a friend of a friend. I reached out online and he reached out within a day. Because I work regular business hours we kept missing each other. He then arranged for a call on a Sunday! He walked me through everything I would expect to face and left it to me whither to continue with hiring him. Although I had the info already, it takes an attorney to navigate the possibilities. I did hire him and it was worth it. He walked me through every step, kept in touch and replied to every call, text or email same day, if not immediately. I visited his office twice and never stepped foot in court. He got the best outcome under the circumstances and exactly as he had predicted in our meetings. He even handled fixing my missing a deadline for next steps. I could not recommend Denis higher. I made a lot of calls and interviewed several attorneys. I am so pleased with this process with him. He handled everything to the point I literally almost forgot to stress.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Extremely satisfied

Posted by

Denis White skillfully handled my DUI case in November of 2012. He was able to get a charge taken off that we felt was unfair and misleading. Just recently, I was hired at a company who inquired further into my 2012 DUI situation. I contacted Denis White to see if I could possibly retrieve any records he still had from my case and he was extremely willing and prompt with sending those documents over to me. Not only did he assist with sending my documents but he also drafted a professional and sophisticated letter for me to give to my new employer. This letter gracefully highlighted the fact that the circumstances surrounding my incident over 6 years ago would not be any valid reason to disqualify me for being considered for employment. Denis White did this out of the goodness of his heart and took this time out of his busy schedule to help me after all these years since my conviction. I would recommend his services to any and all looking for an attorney with integrity, reliability and poise.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Denis White is the best attorney.

Posted by

Me. White is the most amazing attorney. He knows the law amd is so very patient. He will go over in detail with your case and help you understand what are all of your options. I cannot thank him enough with all of his wisdom, professionalism, and guidance. He will always make sure you get the best representation in court. If you need a great lawyer you need to hire Mr. White. He heped me get the best reoresentation for my DUI.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Thank you Denis!

Posted by

Denis is a great guy, that has gone above and beyond for me since my case in 2015. I could not have managed this without his expertise. He is kind, caring, and compassionate. He treats you like a real person.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Denis is amazing!

Posted by

I’m a 20 something female and pretty computer literate, so I checked online DUI attorney reviews before I made my phone calls to DUI attorneys. Denis White shows up prominently on Google and all the listing services like Yelp, AVVO and BBB. Also, he only handles DUI cases unlike many of his competitors that do a little of this and a little of that. I wanted someone that knew the law, the court and all the people that would have a hand in deciding what would happen in my case. I chose wisely, as I learned while my case progressed through the system. I’m embarrassed to say that the facts of my case were kind of nasty and I did some things that I’m not particularly proud of. In fact, I was horrified when I read the reports. Denis suggested that if what I was reading was inconsistent with how I normally behave, then I should consider writing a letter of apology to the officers involved. That little tidbit shaved 25% off the sentence the prosecution originally proposed. Mr. White also arranged things, so as not to interfere with my job or college. After court my boyfriend drove me to his office to pick up the court papers. We needed to make a couple of changes but the court wasn’t open yet and my boyfriend had to get to work. I followed Mr. White around the courthouse while he got people to do things for us. He knows everyone and that really speeds things up. Then he drove me to sign up for work project and they even know him there. They gave me a cushy work project assignment, so I don’t have to pick up trash in the hot sun over the summer. Then he drove me home. I’ve definitely learned my lesson and won’t need a DUI lawyer until it’s time to have my record expunged but I’ll definitely refer anyone I come into contact with to the Law Office of Denis White. This lawyer knows the law and everyone connected to the system. Sometimes it really is who you know!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Denis White

Posted by

I hired Denis back in November of 2013 after I received a DUI. I cannot stress enough how helpful he was through the whole ordeal. He was able to explain the process to me thoroughly, kept my best interests at heart, and fought for my rights. Even after my sentencing he made himself available, to include the expungement process. If you ever find yourself in the same position as I was, I would absolutely recommend that he is your first call.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

DMV Issue

Posted by

I needed some help with a DMV issue, ending up calling Mr. White's office. My intent was to schedule a phone consultation. However, Mr. White was in the office and spoke with me immediately. Mr. White was extremely helpful, a wealth of information along with directing me in the way I should go to resolve my issue. Most important was the follow up email from him. If I should need his services I would not hesitate,
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Exceptional Caring Legal Representation

Posted by

Four years ago I was pulled over and arrested for DUI. I was embarrassed and humiliated, but not just for the standard reasons, although those are good too. Until my retirement, prior to my DUI, I worked for DMV and part of my duties involved working with DUI offenders. I knew better than most what could happen to me if my case was not handled properly. I contacted a variety of attorneys. I was looking for someone who could and would work tirelessly for me. Someone who understood the ins and outs of the system and knew how to achieve a fair and just outcome. Too many attorneys handle DUI's as just an added service, some had little or no actual experience in DUI cases. Denis insisted that I come meet with him before I made a decision to hire him or not. I did not reveal my past work experience with Denis at that time, I wanted to let him explain my options so that I could judge whether or not he could help me. I was impressed beyond belief. Denis clearly outlined my options and made some recommendations on how I could proceed. His understanding of DMV procedures and the realities of how DUI cases are actually handled was spot on. I hired Denis to represent me and he was able to have my charge reduced to a charge of wet reckless. I was borderline on my BAC at .08 but I was not falsely arrested. Three years later when my probation was ended, Denis prepared for submission the documents necessary to have my record sealed. Denis White cares. He is a professional in the best sense of the word. I enthusiastically recommend you contact Denis White if you should unfortunately need the services of an exceptional DUI attorney.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
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Attorney endorsements

(22)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Ryan Kocot, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 6, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Denis is as knowledgeable as they come when it comes to DUI defense. More importantly, Denis treats his clients like family and makes sure there is a constant line of communication with each and every person that retains him as their attorney. If you're looking for an attorney who could write the book on defending a DUI in criminal court and at DMV, you should go with Denis.

Leslie Ramos, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 28, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. White is very skilled and knowledgeable in the area of DUI defense, and has provided me advice and assistance as a fellow attorney. I highly recommend him.

Peter Merrigan, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 23, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Hovanes Margarian

I endorse this lawyer.

John O'Brien, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 4, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible.

Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on May 27, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Denis. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.

Markus Dombois, DUI and DWI Attorney on Nov 20, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Denis is not only an excellent lawyer he is a very ethical person. Should you retain his services you can rely on his word that he will do his utmost to fully represent you. Denis is extremely knowledgeable on DUI law. When I have a question on a complicated issue involving DUI, I know I can speak with Denis, and get excellent information.

Jay Nunez, DUI and DWI Attorney on Nov 19, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Routinely offers excellent advice to Avvo users. I endorse this lawyer.

Eric Ganci, DUI and DWI Attorney on Nov 5, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Denis is well-known regarding DUI defense and criminal procedure/defense in general. He's connected with the California DUI Lawyers Association, and has been an incredible resource for both trials and DMV hearings.

Amie Beighley, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 1, 2013
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

I endorse this lawyer.

Christopher Leroi, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 2, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. White is an exemplary attorney. I would refer anyone and everyone to him on a regular basis. Despite the fact that I have been a judge, magistrate, prosecutor, and private attorney for over 24 years, I continue to learn from him daily from his Avvo posts. I would recommend that you hire him in an instant.

Evan Oshan, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jan 28, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Experience!

Eric Stepanov, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 13, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I sincerely endorse Attorney White. From his answers and time on Avvo, it is clear he is dedicated to serving those in need and his clients. It's rare that lawyers spend so much valuable time helping the community, for free, and I applaud him for doing it to such a great level.

Zachary McCready, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 1, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Denis White is the best DUI attorney in the Sacramento area. I highly recommend him to anyone who must win their DUI case.

Robert Hamilton, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jul 18, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer without reservation. First met Denis White at a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) training in Oakland a number of years ago. He is outstanding in his field because he stays on top of the law, the science, and goes above and beyond the call of duty for his clients. If arrested for DUI in or around Sacramento – call Denis White.

Kelly Babineau, DUI and DWI Attorney on Nov 18, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. White is an intelligent, compassionate and dedicated lawyer. He diligently advocates for his clients, fighting the DA and and DMV relentlessly. I endorse him without reservation.

Nancy King

I met Denis when I was a District Attorney. I experienced first hand his determination and persistence in fighting for his clients. Since leaving the DA's office I have had an opportunity to work alongside Denis. He is extremely knowledgable of the law and works very hard to stay up to date on all the latest changes in the law. I frequently call Denis to talk over cases. I highly recommend him.

Addie Young, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 28, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer. I have had the opportunity to work with Denis on multiple DUI matters. We work together on local DUI cases and other various criminal matters. Other lawyers may be competent to handle a case, but no one will be as responsive, compassionate or as hard-working. Every day I've watched Denis work tirelessly to get his clients results. He knows where to push and when to push. If I was arrested I know where I'd go.

Christian Lassen, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 27, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Christopher Parkhurst, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 16, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Denis has demonstrated to me the characteristics that define our profession in a positive light: a straight-shooter who stays on top of the law, someone who works hard to improve his skills through continuing legal education, and a persistent, creative and determined advocate when handling cases. He also is an active and valued participant in the California DUI Lawyers Association.

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