IN THE MEDIA

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Joshua M. Dale, Esq.—Legal Commentary and Community Contributions

Welcome to the media room of Joshua M. Dale, Esq., where I highlight my contributions to legal discourse and community advocacy. As a Sonoma County-based Northern CA criminal DUI defense lawyer with over 30 years of experience, I’ve dedicated much of my career to defending clients and advancing fairer legal systems. Beyond my practice, I’ve provided legal commentary, spoken at seminars, and contributed to critical judicial issues, particularly through my long-term involvement with the California DUI Lawyers Association (CDLA). Below, you’ll find highlights of my media coverage and public engagements.

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Seminar Speaker for CDLA and California Public Defenders Association
In the 1990s and early 2000s, I was a seminar speaker for the California DUI Lawyers Association (CDLA) and the California Public Defenders Association, sharing my expertise on DUI defense strategies and criminal law. These sessions, often attended by fellow attorneys and public defenders across California, focused on practical approaches to defending clients, challenging evidence, and navigating DMV hearings. My role as a speaker stemmed from my deep experience as a former US Army Military Police Sergeant (1981-1985, MOS 95B20, honorable discharge) and Traffic Accident Investigator at Fort Bragg, where I earned the Army Good Conduct Medal and Army Achievement Medal, as well as my legal career starting in San Francisco in 1992.

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KGO 810 Talk Radio Appearance on Police Recordings for DUI Defense
In the early 2000s, I was a guest on KGO 810, a prominent Bay Area talk radio station, to discuss the need for police dash and body cameras in California. I argued that all cops should be recorded during every interaction to ensure fairness in DUI cases. With BAC levels often so low these days—sometimes just 0.08% or below—people don’t always “look” drunk, yet officers historically embellished reports to justify arrests, relying on their word against the accused. As a defense attorney, I emphasized that recordings, whether from dashcams, body cams, or other means, are critical for the defense to adequately challenge these claims and protect the accused’s rights. My perspective drew from my experience as a former MP and Cabrillo College Campus Police officer (1988-1989), where I saw firsthand how evidence can make or break a case.

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Dedicated Advocacy with the California DUI Lawyers Association (CDLA)
For many years, I poured my efforts into the CDLA, serving as a specialist and Executive Director (1996-2019). My focus was on improving DUI defense practices and advocating for fairer legal processes rather than seeking personal media attention. A key achievement was my role in CDLA v. DMV (2022), which ensured independent hearing officers at DMV hearings, giving my clients a better shot at saving their licenses. As a Founding Member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA) and a Member of the National College for DUI Defense (attending multiple summer sessions in the 2000s held at Harvard Law School buildings), I’ve consistently worked to elevate standards in DUI defense, benefiting clients across Sonoma, Marin, Napa, Solano, and beyond.

Serving Clients Across California

From my Santa Rosa, CA, area home office (since 2008) and while assisting my mother with Alzheimer’s in Santa Cruz since May 2023, I continue to serve clients throughout California. My media contributions, though selective, reflect my commitment to justice and transparency in the legal system. If you’d like to discuss your case or learn more about my work, contact me for a free consultation.

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Get in Touch
Phone: (707) 520-4350
Email: jdale@joshdale.com
Website: joshdale.com

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Disclaimer: This is general information, not a guarantee of results. Every case is unique. Contact Joshua M. Dale, Esq., for tailored advice. Joshua M. Dale, Esq., California State Bar #170126.