DUI Lawyer in Dublin & the Bay Area

You are fighting two cases: a criminal prosecution in court and a DMV administrative case that threatens your driver’s license. You have only 10 days to request a DMV hearing or the suspension becomes automatic. A DUI attorney can request the hearing, represent you, and challenge the suspension while preparing your court defense.

Yes. California law allows prosecutors to charge people who are in actual physical control of a vehicle while impaired. Sitting in the driver’s seat with the engine running—even while parked—can support a DUI charge depending on the facts. A defense lawyer can examine the circumstances and push back, often by challenging the evidence outlined in our California DUI penalties overview.

Not automatically, but the DMV can suspend your license 30 days after arrest unless you request a hearing within 10 days. Winning the DMV hearing protects your driving privilege. If you lose, you may qualify for a restricted license by installing an ignition interlock device (IID).

Refusing a chemical test triggers automatic DMV penalties, including a 1-year license suspension for a first offense, and refusal evidence can increase criminal penalties. However, officers must follow strict advisement rules; mistakes can be challenged—start with the refusal checklist in our DMV hearing resource.

Yes. Depending on the evidence a DUI might be reduced to a lesser offense like a wet reckless or even dismissed if the defense shows issues with the stop, testing, or probable cause. Learn how we negotiate charge reductions on our reckless driving and wet reckless page.

A “wet reckless” (Vehicle Code §23103/23103.5) is a reduced charge that carries lighter penalties—typically no license suspension, lower fines, and shorter probation—yet it still counts as a prior DUI if you are charged again within 10 years. See how this plea compares to a DUI conviction on our wet reckless overview.

A DUI stays on your criminal record indefinitely and on your DMV record for 10 years for priorability. After completing probation you may qualify for an expungement (Penal Code §1203.4), which helps with employment and background checks—especially if you avoid new priors as explained in our multiple-offense DUI guide.

Yes. California Vehicle Code §23152(f) prohibits driving under the influence of drugs, including prescription medication and marijuana, if they impair driving ability. These DUID cases carry the same serious consequences as alcohol DUIs—review our drug-related DUI defense strategies for details.

DUI cases move quickly and involve technical rules. A local Bay Area DUI lawyer understands the prosecutors, judges, and diversion options in counties such as Contra Costa and Alameda, and can pursue the best possible outcome while protecting deadlines. Start a free DUI case evaluation to get tailored advice.

Fees vary based on the complexity of your case—blood tests, accidents, priors, or refusal allegations can increase the workload. Most experienced DUI lawyers offer flat-fee representation and free consultations, so you know the cost before retaining counsel. We explain what to expect during our complimentary evaluation.

Many misdemeanor DUIs are eligible for expungement after probation if all conditions were satisfied. Expungement clears the conviction from your criminal record, although the DMV will still keep it on file for 10 years for priorability. We cover the next steps once probation ends on our first-offense DUI resource.