San Diego DUI

If you are stopped in San Diego on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), it is important to remember that being stopped does not necessarily equal being convicted. A San Diego police officer may suspect you of drunk driving, however, at times it may be your responses to the officer’s inquiries that end up becoming the compelling evidence that gets you convicted of DUI at trial. It is important that you politely refuse to answer questions such as have you been drinking? How much have you had to drink? What kinds of beverages were they? Refusing to answer the San Diego police officer’s questions are part of your Miranda Rights as a suspect of drunk driving. If the San Diego police officer does not read you your Miranda Rights, it may be to your advantage in the courtroom. Whether the officer reads you your Miranda Rights or not, you are still entitled to them. You still have the right to refuse to answer questions without your attorney present.

San Diego DMV Hearings

If you have been arrested and charged with DUI in San Diego, CA, it is important to realize that if you do not contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within ten (10) days of your arrest, you will be subject to the automatic suspension of your driver’s license on the thirtieth (30th) day following your arrest. Contact the CA DMV as soon as possible after your arrest to request a hearing as the California DMV has ultimate authority over the issuance, suspension and revocation of California driver’s licenses. Should you win the hearing with the DMV, you might not have your driver’s license suspended despite a subsequent loss in criminal court when you are formally tried for drunk driving in San Diego. Driver’s license suspension is automatic if you do not request a hearing.

Contact a San Diego DUI Lawyer

San Diego and California drunk driving laws are intricate. There are subtleties to the law which a qualified San Diego DUI lawyer will know very well. To protect your rights, it is best to contact a San Diego lawyer specializing in the defense of drunk driving cases as soon as you have been charged with drunk driving in San Diego.