How to Deal With a DUI in San Diego, California

Understand San Diego DUI Laws

In California, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits are:

• 0.08% for most drivers over 21
  
  
• 0.04% for commercial drivers
  
  
• 0.01% for drivers under 21
  
  

A DUI arrest in San Diego can lead to:

• Fines and court fees that can exceed $2,000
  
  
• Driver’s license suspension for 4–10 months (longer for repeat offenses)
  
  
• Mandatory DUI classes
  
  
• Possible jail time
  
  

Local law enforcement — including San Diego Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department — actively patrol and run DUI checkpoints, especially on weekends and holidays.

Take Action Immediately After Arrest

If you are arrested for DUI in San Diego:

1. Stay calm and respectful : anything you say can be used against you.
   
   
2. Ask for a lawyer immediately : you are not required to answer investigative questions without representation.
   
   
3. Mark the DMV hearing deadline : you have 10 days from your arrest to request a hearing to challenge your license suspension.

Our team of top rated DUI lawyers guide you through the entire process and take care of both the DMV hearing and the court appearances.

How DUI Cases Work in San Diego County

DUI cases are typically heard in one of the following courthouses:

• San Diego Central Courthouse
  
  
• Chula Vista Courthouse
  
  
• El Cajon Courthouse
  
  
• Vista Courthouse
  
  

The process often includes:

• Arraignment (formal charges and plea entry)
  
  
• Pre-trial hearings (negotiations, motions, evidence review)
  
  
• Trial (if the case does not resolve earlier)
  
  

Why Local Legal Representation Matters

San Diego’s DUI prosecutors and judges may have case-handling patterns that an out-of-area attorney won’t know. A local DUI defense lawyer can:

• Identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
  
  
• Challenge breath or blood test procedures
  
  
• Negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing
  
  
• Provide representation at the DMV hearing
  
  

The H Law Group has defended hundreds of DUI cases in San Diego County and understands how to navigate both the court system and the DMV process.

Feel free to visit our office at 600 W Broadway Suite 700, San Diego, CA 92101 to get the best defense for your San Diego DUI case

Possible DUI Defenses in California

Common defenses include:

• Faulty breathalyzer or blood test results
  
  
• Lack of probable cause for the traffic stop
  
  
• Improper police procedure or rights violations
  
  
• Medical conditions that affect BAC readings
  
  

Take the Next Step

A DUI conviction can impact your job, your finances, and your freedom. Acting quickly gives you the best chance at a favorable outcome.

Call The H Law Group at +1 619-257-6655 for a free DUI case evaluation with an experienced San Diego DUI lawyer today.

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