I've Been Arrested for Drunk Driving in San Diego, Now What?

Being arrested for a DUI can seem a little stressful, especially if this is a first-time offense. All you had was a couple of drinks and next thing you know you've been pulled over. The cops are making you recite the alphabet backwards and they're telling you to blow into a breathalyzer.

DUI laws vary from state to state, but in the state of California, driving with a blood-alcohol content of 0.08 percent is illegal. If this is your first time being arrested for drunk driving, there is the possibility that you'll incur jail time, high fines and fees, license suspension, mandatory rehabilitation classes, or even all of the above. Two or more DUI arrests could result in more severe penalties including mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.

What To Do First

Although it isn't mandatory, it's highly advisable to seek the help of a San Diego DUI lawyer who specializes in drunk driving cases. An experienced DUI lawyer is knowledgeable about all the procedures that need to be followed. You can save time by hiring a lawyer who will investigate all the details of your case. A lawyer will also be the one to schedule a DMV hearing within the 10 day deadline.

It's important to note that in the state of California, if you don't schedule a hearing within 10 days after your arrest, your license will automatically be suspended.

What most people don't know is that a drunk driving case requires research and investigation. Thorough research and investigation plus critical examination of the police report is necessary. A lawyer is able to uncover mistakes and legal issues that have been overlooked by law enforcement.

Meeting With Your Lawyer

Many people make the mistake of hiring a DUI lawyer based on price, but it's important to keep in mind that your driver's license and future driving privileges are on the line. You want a lawyer who has your best interests at heart.

When you meet with your lawyer for the first time, be prepared to answer many questions. Tell your lawyer all the events that occurred before, during, and after your arrest. If you can recall what the arresting police officer(s) said to you and any of the sobriety tests that they conducted, it will help with the investigation. Is it possible that you said something to the arresting officers that could be used as evidence against you during the hearing? The more you remember what happened before, during, and after your arrest, the better. Having witnesses to testify will help the case even more.

The Consequences

If this is your first DUI offense, typically the sentence includes a jail sentence, one to two years of probation, a fine, community service, and DUI classes. Don't think that you can just walk into court, plead guilty, pay a fine, and get it over with.

When you hire a San Diego DUI lawyer to help you with your case, there's the possibility that you could get acquitted and found not guilty.