Arrested for DUI in San Diego? Here’s What You Need to Know

Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) can be terrifying. You may be wondering whether you’ll lose your license, face jail time, or see long-term damage to your record. But here’s the truth: a DUI arrest is not a conviction. You have rights, and with the right legal defense, you may be able to avoid the most serious consequences.

At Law Offices of Anna R. Yum, we’ve helped hundreds of clients in San Diego and across Southern California fight DUI charges. As a former prosecutor now focused exclusively on criminal defense, I understand how the system works and how to challenge it.

Understanding California DUI Law

In California, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with:

A blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or
Impairment due to alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, even if your BAC is below 0.08%.

DUI charges can stem from alcohol, prescription medications, or even over-the-counter drugs. And the consequences can vary depending on whether this is your first offense or a repeat offense.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI?

A first-time DUI conviction in California can include:

Up to 6 months in jail
Fines totaling $2,000+
Mandatory DUI classes
Driver’s license suspension
Probation

Repeat offenses or cases involving accidents, refusing a chemical test, or underage drivers can trigger even harsher penalties.

But penalties aren’t automatic. With skilled legal representation, many DUI charges can be reduced or even dismissed.

Common Defenses Against DUI Charges

Every DUI case is unique. That’s why we analyze every angle to build a custom defense strategy. Common defenses include:

Improper traffic stop: If the officer lacked legal justification, evidence may be suppressed.
Faulty breathalyzer or blood test: Machines fail. Lab results can be flawed.
Rising BAC defense: You may have been under the legal limit while driving, even if you were over it during testing.
Medical conditions or false positives: Acid reflux, diabetes, or certain diets can skew results.

What to Do Immediately After a DUI Arrest

If you’ve been arrested for DUI, time is critical. You have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a DMV hearing to challenge your license suspension.

Here’s what to do:

Do not speak to the police without an attorney present.
Write down everything you remember about the stop, arrest, and testing.
Call a DUI lawyer immediately to preserve your rights.

Why Hire Us

You only get one chance to defend yourself against a DUI charge, and it can affect your job, family, and freedom. Here’s what sets us apart:

Former prosecutor’s insight: I’ve been on the other side. I know their strategies.
Aggressive defense strategies: We challenge every part of the case against you.
24/7 availability: Because emergencies don’t wait until business hours.
5-star reviews and proven results: We’ve helped people just like you walk away with reduced charges or case dismissals.