San Francisco DUI Court Information

San Francisco driving under the influence of alcohol cases are complex and require significantly more work than other counties to obtain the best possible outcome.  San Francisco DUI arrests are prosecuted by the San Francisco District Attorney's Office or the United States Attorney's Office if the arrest occurred on federal land, i.e. the Presidio.  Most San Francisco driving under the influence arrests are made by the California Highway Patrol and the San Francisco Police Department.   A San Francisco driving under the influence of alcohol case can be prosecuted either as a misdemeanor or a felony.  A San Francisco DUI is charged as a felony when there's a collision that causes substantial injuries to another individual, whether that be a a passenger or the driver of another vehicle.  If someone has been previously convicted of a felony DUI or has four DUI arrests within ten years, that case will also be a felony DUI.  Otherwise, the great majority of driving under the influence of alcohol cases in San Francisco are charged as misdemeanors.  

Like all driving under the influence arrests, San Francisco DUI arrests involve two distinct cases: a criminal case which is prosecuted at 850 Bryant Street in San Francisco and a Administrative Per Se or "APS" case or "DMV Case" which is handled at the Department of Motor Vehicles, DMV Driver's Safety Office at 1377 Fell Street, Second Floor.  A DMV hearing must be requested within ten days of service of the Temporary License, which is typically on the date of arrest.  The Temporary License is usually a pink colored carbon copy type of document and is served on the arrestee at the time of release from jail along with a citation or notice to appear in court.  If the DMV hearing is not requested within 10 days, a request can still be made, however the individual is likely to be denied a hearing and a stay of suspension which means that their Temporary License will expire thirty days from the date of arrest.

The second case is the DUI criminal case.  San Francisco DUI defendants are usually charged with two offenses, driving under the influence of alcohol pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) and driving a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration greater than .08%.  If the DUI arrest involved injuries or is charged as a felony, then the district attorney will file charges against the DUI defendant pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 23153, driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury. In addition to the DUI charges, a San Francisco DUI defendant is also likely to face one or multiple DUI Enhancements which significantly increase the penalties.  Typical DUI enhancements include driving with a blood alcohol concentration above .15% (excessive BAC), refusal to submit to a chemical test, driving recklessly with speed in excess 20 or 30 miles per hour depending on the roadway and driving with minor passengers in the vehicle who are under 14 years old.  

It's difficult to define a standard outcome or sentence for a San Francisco DUI case because settlement offers for these cases can vary wildly depending on the assistant district attorney assigned to the case, your defense lawyer and the facts specific to the client's DUI case.  Nevertheless, for first offense and second offense DUI cases a defendant can expect a settlement offer to include probation, an approximate $2,000, fine,  mandatory completion of a DUI school, a jail sentence typically served through some form of community services like the Sheriff's Work Alternative Program or SWAP, and a suspension of their California Driver's License.  All of these punishments come in ranges, so again it's critical that you have a local and experienced San Francisco DUI defense attorney on your side to make sure that you get the best possible outcome.  

The first court hearing at the San Francisco Hall of Justice is called the arraignment.  This court date will usually be on the citation or notice to appear in court that the DUI defendant is given by the arresting officer at the time of release from the county jail.  The arraignment will likely be scheduled for a morning about six to eight weeks from the date of the DUI arrest.  Normally, a San Francisco driving under the influence of alcohol or DUI defendant will be required to personally appear for this hearing unless they're represented by a privately retained attorney.  Generally speaking, the arraignment is for the defendant to appear and and answer to the charges which have been filed by the San Francisco District Attorney's Office in a legal document called a complaint.  The answer is always a plea of not guilty and then the DUI criminal case is scheduled for a secondary hearing called a pretrial conference which is usually about another six weeks out from the arraignment date.  It's always best to have a privately retained DUI defense attorney who will appear on your behalf for the arraignment because depending on the DUI case, the prosecutor and or judge can make onerous pretrial release orders on a defendant which will remain in effect until the case is resolved.  Typical pretrial release orders include mandatory attendance at alcoholics anonymous or AA meetings, pretrial suspension of the defendant's ability to continue driving a motor vehicle, an order that the defendant wear an ankle monitor that detects if they've consumed any alcohol know as a SCRAM device, or even order the defendant remanded to court jail and order a bail bond for their continued pretrial release.  While a DUI defense lawyer may not be able to avoid these outcomes altogether, they may be able to put limits on them which will be necessary particularly for DUI cases that take several months or even years to resolve.  Regrettably, San Francisco driving under the influence cases take longer to conclude than DUI cases in any other San Francisco Bay Area County.  

After all of the pretrial conferences and motion hearings, it's possible that a driving under the influence case in San Francisco could end up in a jury trial.  This is a rare outcome, but it does happen.  San Francisco DUI jury trials can take several weeks to conclude and if you're not successful, you can expect the trial judge to punish you significantly more than any settlement offer you received pretrial.  So if you're going to go to trial on a DUI charge in San Francisco, you better win!

The Hall of Justice is a very busy courthouse and difficult to navigate not only for defendants, but also for inexperienced or out of town DUI attorneys.  San Francisco DUI attorney Nors Davidson has handled countless cases in this courthouse and believes that persistence and the ability to play "long ball" are keys to obtaining the best results.  It's important to keep in mind that a DUI attorney has to work for results, not just rushing a client to plead guilty so he can close his file.  

Of all the Bay Area counties where driving under the influence of alcohol cases are handled, San Francisco is possibly only second to Alameda County Oakland in terms of leniency of DUI sentence.  San Francisco prosecutors are given wide authority to resolve DUI cases and for that reason, creative solutions can be applied to fix almost any DUI problem.  

San Francisco DUI cases are prosecuted by the San Francisco District Attorney's Office, usually by an "assistant district attorney."  Misdemeanor DUI cases are handled in Department 17 at 850 Bryant Street while felony DUI cases are heard on the 1st floor in one of the lower number departments, i.e. 9-12.   The following is the purported mission statement of the the San Francisco District Attorney:

"The mission of the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office is to promote public safety. District Attorney Jenkins believes responsible reform does not have to come at the expense of public safety. And public safety does not have to come at the expense of reform. The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office is committed to balancing both in the promotion of justice and safety for all.

The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office is responsible for restoring accountability and consequences to the criminal justice system in San Francisco. Violent and repeat offenders will no longer be allowed to victimize San Francisco without consequence.  The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office believes in giving offenders the opportunity to address the root causes of their criminal behavior and the opportunity at a second chance.  The office is dedicated to prioritizing the creation of innovative new programs that can also serve as tools for rehabilitation. This includes enhancing the programs that serve as important alternatives to incarceration for offenders who are serious about turning their lives around."

The San Francisco District Attorney's Office is located at 350 Rhode Island Street, North Building, Suite 400N in San Francisco, California 94103 and their telephone is answered Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (628) 652-4000.  If you or someone you know has a pending San Francisco DUI or criminal case, it's best not to call the District Attorney's Office without first consulting with a DUI or criminal defense attorney.  

If you are someone you know has been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs as either a felony or a misdemeanor, an experienced San Francisco DUI defense attorney is a must. With over 1000 prior DUI cases under his belt at the Hall of Justice alone, San Francisco DUI defense lawyer Nors Davidson knows how to help to make sure that your punishments are minimized, your case is dismissed or even how to present the best trial defenses.  To get the best result for your DUI case at 850 Bryant Street, you need a local and experienced attorney dedicated to the defense of driving under the influence of alcohol cases.  So what do you have to lose? Call San Francisco DUI Attorney Nors Davidson today for a free consultation and see how he can help you navigate through this difficult time in your life.  

RECENT SAN FRANCISCO DUI CASES RESULTS

Outcome Three Years DUI Probation, $1900 Fine, 18 Month DUI School, 1 MADD Class, 1 Year IID and NO JAIL OR SWAP. REFUSAL WON AT DMV

Description Client was arrested for DUI by the SFPD after she collided with three parked cars. Client submitted to PAS with results of .14% BAC and a later blood test which returned a result of .13% BAC. Complicating matters further, client had a prior San Mateo County DUI in 2016. Today, we settled the case for a plea t the DUI charge for DUI Probation Granted: 3 Years, $1900 Fine, 18 Month multiple offender DUI School, 1 MADD Class, 1 Year IID and NO JAIL OR SWAP. Considering that second offense DUI's  typically get around 30  to 60 days SWAP, this was an exceptional result only matched by the fact that we convinced the DMV to drop the DUI Refusal Allegation which would have resulted in a two year license suspension with no restriction.  Instead, Client was immediately able to get a restricted license with installation of the IID. Getting the DUI refusal down to a regular second offense DUI was no small task and it took several extra hearings, but it was worth it in the end for this San Francisco DUI client.

San Francisco DUI Second Offense DUI Drugs

Outcome DUI CHARGES DISMISSED & Case Reduced to Reckless Driving: 1 Year DUI Probation, $800 Fine, 12 Hour DUI School, 1 MADD Class & NO LICENSE SUSPENSION

Description Client was arrested for DUI by the California Highway Patrol after he was found asleep in his car at the Golden Gate Bridge toll plaza. Client had a prior DUI within ten years and submitted to a blood test which was positive for Xanax and Marijuana. After two years, I finally settled this case for a tremendous result: DUI CHARGES DISMISSED & Case Reduced to Reckless Driving: 1 Year Probation, $800 Fine, 12 Hour DUI School, 1 MADD Class & NO LICENSE SUSPENSION. By resisting the temptation to settle this case early, I saved this client more than triple the amount he paid me and gave him an opportunity to turn his life around.

San Francisco DUI .15% BAC First Offense DUI Collision High BAC DUI Enhancement

Outcome DUI CHARGES DISMISSED & Case Reduced to Reckless Driving: 1 Year DUI Probation, $800 Fine, 3 Month DUI School and 1 MADD Class.

Description Client arrested for DUI by the California Highway Patrol after being involved in a collision on I-280. Client submitted to PAS tests with results of .16% and .15% and a later blood test of .15% BAC. After nearly two years, I finally settled this case for DUI CHARGES DISMISSED & Case Reduced to Reckless Driving: 1 Year Probation, $800 Fine, 3 Month DUI School and 1 MADD Class. By working this case and refusing settlement, I saved this client two years of probation, $1200 and a DUI conviction.

San Francisco DUI .17% BAC First Offense DUI High BAC DUI Enhancement

Outcome 3 Years DUI Probation, Reduced Fine of $390, 3 Month DUI School and 1 MADD Class

Description Client arrested for DUI by the California Highway Patrol after being observed driving 90 MPH on the Bay Bridge. Client refused PAS and submitted to breath tests of .17% and .16% BAC. Settled case today for Probation Granted: 3 Years, Reduced Fine of $390, 3 Month DUI School and 1 MADD Class.  I saved this DUI client almost $2,000 off his fine.

San Francisco DUI .18% BAC First Offense DUI Forced Blood Draw Refusal High BAC DUI Enhancement

Outcome ALL CHARGES DISMISSED AND RECORDS SEALED: Successful Completion of Diversion: 8 Months, 3 Month DUI School, 10 Parenting Classes, 1 MADD Class and 25 AA Meetings

Description Client was stopped by the California Highway Patrol on the Bay Bridge after being observed weaving in and out of her lane. Client refused to cooperate with the DUI investigation and a warrant was obtained for her blood which was tested with a result of .18% BAC. Today, I obtained a complete DISMISSAL OF ALL CHARGES pursuant to successful completion of primary care diversion (client was a single mom). All records relating to clients arrest were sealed and destroyed as a condition of client remaining arrest free for 8 months, completion of 3 month DUI school, 25 AA meetings, 10 parenting classes and one MADD class.

San Francisco DUI .10% BAC First Offense DUI

Outcome DUI CHARGES DISMISSED: CASE REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING: 1 Year DUI Probation, $785 Fine, 3 Month DUI School, 1 MADD Class

Description Client's car broke down early in the morning and she was approached by officers from the California Highway Patrol ("CHP"). The officers smelled alcohol and a DUI investigation ensued. Although Client refused PAS test, she did submit to a blood test which returned a result of .10% BAC. Technically, this was Client's first DUI offense in ten years, however, she did have a "stale" DUI prior (older than 10 years) and a prior public intoxication conviction. Nevertheless, we we still able to settle Client's case today for a DISMISSAL OF ALL DUI CHARGES in exchange for a plea to "Reckless Driving". Client received highly reduced sentence of: 1 Year Informal Probation, Fine of $785, 3 Month DUI School & One MADD class.

San Francisco DUI .14% BAC First Offense DUI Collision

Outcome DUI CHARGES DISMISSED: CASE REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING: 1 Year DUI Probation, $785 Fine, 3 Month DUI School & MADD Class

Description Client was in a motor vehicle collision in the early morning hours at 7th Street & Harrison Streets which was subsequently investigated by the California Highway Patrol ("CHP"). Although the CHP didn't observe client driving, they concluded she was the driver and after a DUI investigation, Client submitted to a breath test with result of .14% BAC. Today, we successfully settled Client's case for a DISMISSAL OF ALL DUI CHARGES and a plea to the reduced charge of "Reckless Driving." Client's sentence significantly reduced; 1 year informal probation, $785 Fine, 3 Month DUI school (online) and one MADD class.

San Francisco DUI .17% BAC First Offense DUI Collision High BAC DUI Enhancement

Outcome DUI CHARGES & ENHANCEMENTS DISMISSED for Reckless Driving. 1 YEAR DUI Probation; $785 Fine; 3 month DUI School; MADD class & 55 AA meetings

Description Client was driving a Revel scooter in the city after Santa-Con and accidently rear ended another vehicle at Bush and Grant Streets. San Francisco Police responded and conducted a DUI investigation. Client refused PAS test, but a later breath test revealed results of .17% BAC, over twice the limit. Client arrested and charged with DUI and enhancement for BAC in excess of .15%. Today, we settled client's case for a DISMISSAL OF ALL DUI CHARGES, and a plea to the reduced charge of "Reckless Driving." Client received substantially reduced sentence of 1 year probation, $785 fine, 3 Month DUI School (online), a one time MADD class.

San Francisco DUI .21% BAC First Offense DUI Collision High BAC DUI Enhancement

Outcome ENHANCEMENT DISMISSED & NO DUI PROBATION. Fine of $1,561 & 3 Month DUI School

Description Client was involved in a motor vehicle collision after exiting the Bay Bridge. The California Highway Patrol investigated and client was arrested for DUI and ultimately submitted to a blood test which returned a result of .21% BAC which qualified him for the highest BAC enhancement available. Today we successfully resolved this case for a plea to DUI for NO PROBATION, fine of $1,561 and a 3 month DUI school (9 month is typically required in cases like this). It was an excellent result in that since client was not sentenced to probation, he became immediately eligible to have conviction expunged from his record. This is the first DUI case I've settled for no probation.

San Francisco Driving on Suspended License Vehicle Code Section 14601.2

Outcome MISDEMEANOR CHARGES DISMISSED. Client referred to traffic school, $600 fine.

Description Client was cited for misdemeanor driving on suspended license and for driving the wrong way on a one way street by the San Francisco Police Department. License was previously suspended for San Francisco DUI conviction. Today I resolved the case for a dismissal of the misdemeanor charge in lieu of a plea to an infraction for driving without license in possession and traffic school for the moving violation. Fines of approximately $600.

San Francisco DUI .14% BAC Second Offense DUI Refusal 

Outcome: DUI CHARGES & ENHANCEMENTS DISMISSED for Reckless Driving. 3 years probation; $809 Fine; 9 month DUI School; 25 hours community service; 20 AA meetings; and MADD class

Description: Client was stopped by the San Francisco Police Department for "speeding and reckless driving" on Fell Street after midnight. Client submitted to "field sobriety tests," but refused to take a preliminary breath test ("PAS"). Once at the station, client also refused a blood test so a warrant was obtained and his blood subsequently take and analyzed with a result of .14% BAC. Today, we successfully settled client's case for a dismissal of all DUI charges and enhancements for a plea to the reduced charge of "Reckless Driving" (Wet). Client sentenced to three years adult probation, 9 month DUI school, 25 hours of community service, 20 AA meetings and attendance in the MADD DUI awareness class. Since this was a "second refusal," client's license suspended by DMV for two years. 

San Francisco DUI  .10% BAC First Offense DUI

Outcome: ALL CHARGES DISMISSED AND RECORDS SEALED PER SUCCESSFUL DIVERSION

Description: Client was stopped by the CHP for speeding, approximately 85 mph on US 101 South a 65 mph zone and was ultimately arrested for DUI. Client refused PAS and submitted to blood test with result of .10% BAC. Client was employed with auto dealership and would be terminated if convicted of DUI. Today, we were one of the last DUI defendants for long time, to have completed a diversion program which consisted of a DUI school and community service for six months. Client did so and as a result, all charges were dismissed this morning and records of his arrest ordered sealed.

San Francisco DUI .08% BAC First Offense DUI

Outcome: DISMISSAL OF ALL CHARGES for a Parking Ticket: 3 Month DUI School & 40 Hours Community Service

Description: Client arrested by CHP for DUI after being stopped for speeding. PAS .08% and Breath Test .08% BAC. Settled case today for DISMISSAL OF ALL CHARGES for a Parking Ticket: 3 Month DUI School & 40 Hours Community Service.

San Francisco DUI .09% BAC Second Offense DUI

Outcome: DUI CHARGES DISMISSED: Case reduced to Reckless Driving: 3yr Probation, $909 & 9 Month DUI School

Description: Client was stopped on the Bay Bridge by the CHP for driving with an expired registration. Client submitted to PAS test with results of .08 and .09% BAC. Client then submitted to a breath test at the station with the exact same results. Client then submitted to a blood test which came in at a .08% BAC. Client had previously been convicted of a DUI approximately 9 years prior to this arrest, so he was facing a second offense with pretty steep probation terms. After nearly two years, today we settled the case for a very favorable result: DUI charges were dismissed and client accepted offer of "reckless driving" (wet) for three years of probation, fine of $819, and 9 month DUI school. Client not sentenced to ANY jail, SWAP or community service.

San Francisco DUI .20% BAC First Offense DUI Collision High BAC Enhancement

Outcome: ENHANCEMENT DISMISSED: 3 MONTH DUI SCHOOL

Description: Client crashed a Scoot rental scooter into a vehicle after attending a street fair in the City. Client subsequently charged with DUI with a high BAC enhancement. After nearly a year, we settled the case today with the high BAC enhancement dismissed. Client sentenced to three years probation, fine of $1,900, 3 MONTH DUI SCHOOL, and 200 hours of community service.

San Francisco DUI .08% BAC First Offense DUI

Outcome: CASE SETTLED FOR PARKING TICKET w/ DUI School and 40 Hours Community Service

Description: Client was stopped by the CHP for excessive vehicle noise just South of Market Street. Client submitted to PAS and breath tests all with results of .08% BAC. After appearing many times in the case, the offer went between a "wet" and "dry" reckless. Today, we settled the case for a PARKING TICKET. Client was ordered to complete 40 hours of community service and attend a 3 month DUI School.

San Francisco DUI .16% BAC First Offense DUI Collision High BAC Enhancement

Outcome: DUI CHARGES DISMISSED: Case reduced to Reckless Driving: 3yr Probation, $909 & 3 Month DUI School w/ 40 hours Community Service

Description: Client arrested by the CHP after a rear-end collision. Client submits to PAS test with results of .09 and .13% BAC. After arrest, client submits to two breath tests with results of .15 and .16% BAC. Client subsequently charged with enhanced DUI. After multiple hearings, I successfully negotiated a resolution for a "wet" reckless driving misdemeanor. Client received three years of probation, fine of $819 and a 3 month DUI school (online) with 40 hours of community service. No jail or SWAP. License suspended for 4 months.

San Francisco DUI .12% BAC First Offense DUI

Outcome: DUI CHARGES DISMISSED: Case reduced to Reckless Driving: 18 mo. Probation, $954 & 12 Hour DUI School

Description: Client stopped by CHP for driving without license plate. Client submitted to PAS test with results of .11% BAC and then later completed a breath test which returned result of .12% BAC. After multiple Pre-Trial Conference hearings, I was able to settle the case today for the client for a DISMISSAL of the DUI charges and a plea to a reduced charge of Reckless Driving. Client's sentence was significantly reduced: 18 months court probation, Fine of approximately $900 and a 12 hour DUI School.

San Francisco DUI .21% BAC First Offense DUI Collision High BAC Enhancement

Outcome: Probation Granted: 3 Years, 9 Month DUI School & 100 Hours Community Service

Description: Client arrested for DUI by UCSF Police Department after being involved in a collision with a curb. Client submitted to PAS test of .18% BAC and later blood test of .21% BAC. Settled case today for Probation Granted: 3 Years, 9 Month DUI School & 100 Hours Community Service.

San Francisco DUI .21% BAC First Offense DUI Hit and Run Collision High BAC Enhancement

Outcome: ENHANCMENTS & HIT AND RUN DISMISSED: 3 yr Probation, Fine $1,900, 3 MONTH DUI SCHOOL & 8 Days SWAP

Description: Client was involved in a motor vehicle collision in which her vehicle continued to travel a short distance after the collision. San Francisco Police Department investigated the incident and ultimately arrested her on suspicion of DUI. Client refused PAS test and no field sobriety tests were conducted. Client submitted to blood test which returned a BAC of .21%. The District Attorney charged client with misdemeanor DUI and “Hit and Run” along with a special enhancement for excessive BAC above .15% and an infraction for having an open container, i.e. a bottle of tequila, in the front seat of the vehicle. We settled the case today at the 2nd Pre-Trial Conference for a very good result. Client pled “no contest” to the DUI but all other charges and enhancements were dismissed. Client sentenced to 3 years of probation, fine of approximately $2,000, 3 MONTH DUI SCHOOL, and 8 days of SWAP in lieu of actual jail. DA originally offered a 9 month DUI school, so by waiting it out, we saved the client six months of school, thousands of dollars and and a 10 month license suspension.

San Francisco DUI First Offense DUI Drugs Collision

Outcome: DUI Charges Dismissed & Case Reduced to Reckless Driving: NO LICENSE SUSPENSION & NO SR 22

Description: Client arrested by SFPD after a collision near SF State. Client chose blood test, which came back positive for Xanax and other drugs. Obtained a "set aside" of the DMV hearing, so client had no license suspension, but it took two Pre-Trial Conferences to get the DA to agree to reduce the offense to Reckless Driving and dismiss the DUI charges. DUI drug cases result in a minimum 1 year suspension if the client is convicted of DUI. However, if the case is reduced to reckless driving, it's extremely likely that the case will not result in ANY license suspension or an SR 22. Thus, this result saved the client thousands of dollars in addition to his driver's license.

San Francisco DUI .21% BAC Second Offense FELONY DUI Injury Collision High BAC Enhancement

Outcome: MISDEMEANOR: Probation Granted 3 Years Formal, 18 Month DUI School, 4 Days of SWAP, IID & Restitution.

Description: Client arrested by San Francisco Police Department for Felony DUI with injuries. Client had prior felony DUI out of Yolo County. Settled today for MISDEMEANOR: Probation Granted 3 Years Formal, 18 Month DUI School, 4 Days of SWAP, IID & Restitution.

San Francisco DUI .17% BAC First Offense DUI Forced Blood Draw Refusal High BAC Enhancement

Outcome: Probation Granted: 3 Years, Fine of $1900, 3 Month DUI School and 4 Days SWAP

Description: Client arrested for DUI by San Francisco Police Department after being observed driving the wrong way on a one way street. Client refused chemical test and a warrant was obtained for his blood which returned a result of .17% BAC. Settled case today for Probation Granted: 3 Years, Fine of $1900, 3 Month DUI School and 4 Days SWAP. Refusal Allegation Dismissed but one year suspension handed down from DMV.

San Francisco Assault and Battery Case

Outcome: ALL CHARGES DISMISSED

Description: I represented client previously for DUI and later expungement. In this instance, he was arrested following a domestic dispute in which he was alleged to have assaulted a family member. I was able to negotiate a referral to "community court," where after completing some anger management classes, client's case was completely dismissed.

San Francisco DUI First Offense DUI Warrant

Outcome: ALL CHARGES DISMISSED

Description: Client had a DUI arrest from several years ago that had gone to warrant. I was retained to recall the warrant and filed a motion to dismiss based on a violation of client's right to a speedy trial. Motion was granted and case dismissed.

San Francisco DUI .08% BAC First Offense DUI

Outcome: DUI CHARGES DISMISSED & CASE REDUCED TO INFRACTION: No Probation, 3 Month DUI School & 50 Hours Community Service

Description: Client observed speeding and arrested for DUI by CHP. Client submitted to PAS and breath test all with the result of .08% BAC. Today, DUI CHARGES DISMISSED & CASE REDUCED TO INFRACTION: No Probation, 3 Month DUI School & 50 Hours Community Service.

San Francisco DUI .25% BAC Second Offense DUI Collision Resisting Arrest and Driving on Suspended License 14601.2

Outcome: Client Substituted Another Attorney for Trial: Client Convicted

Description: I worked this case for over a year to get client a very good settlement, however, she rejected it and decided to hire another lawyer to take her case to trial. I heard that they lost and she received a very harsh sentence.

San Francisco DUI .15% BAC First Offense DUI High BAC Enhancement

Outcome: Probation Granted: 3 Years, $1918 Fine, 3 Month DUI School & NO SWAP

Description: Client arrested for DUI by CHP after being observed lane straddling. Client submitted to two Breath Tests with results of .15% and .14% BAC. Settled case today for Probation Granted: 3 Years, $1918 Fine, 3 Month DUI School & NO SWAP.

San Francisco County Felony Assault and Battery Case

Outcome: CASE REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR DISTURBING THE PEACE: 18 MONTHS PROBATION

Description: Client charged with felony assault after a bar fight. After a through investigation, I obtained security footage from a nearby business which seemed to show that the alleged victim was actually the aggressor. Today, we settled the case for a misdemeanor "disturbing the peace" for 18 months probation.

San Francisco DUI .10% BAC First Offense DUI Collision

Outcome: ALL CHARGES DISMISSED

Description: Client involved in collision and arrested by CHP with PAS results of .11% BAC and breath test of .10% BAC. ALL CHARGES DISMISSED today on the day of trial.

San Francisco DUI .15% BAC First Offense FELONY DUI Injury Collision High BAC Enhancement

Outcome: FELONY CHARGES DISMISSED: Probation Granted 3 years, $1900 fine, 3 Month DUI School and 4 Days of Sheriff's Work Alternative Program or SWAP

Description: Client arrested by SFPD following a collision on Lombard which left her and her passenger with minor injuries. Client charged with felony DUI due to the injuries and submitted to blood test with result of .15% BAC. Today, we settled the case for a standard misdemeanor DUI for minimum punishment: three years probation, fine of $1,900, 3 Month DUI School and 4 days of SWAP in lieu of actual jail time. This was an amazing result!

San Francisco DUI .14% BAC First Offense DUI

Outcome: ALL CHARGES DISMISSED 

Description: CHP arrested client on Bay Bridge and she submitted to blood test of .14% BAC. DA failed to prosecute case within the statute of limitations and case was subsequently dismissed.

San Francisco DUI .12% BAC First Offense DUI Collision

Outcome: DUI CHARGES DISMISSED & CASE REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING

Description: Client involved in property damage only collision and arrested for DUI by CHP who conducted breath test of .12% BAC. Settled case today for dismissal of DUI and plea to "reckless driving" for 3 years probation, fine of $889, 3 month DUI School and 150 hours volunteer work.

San Francisco DUI .20% BAC First Offense DUI High BAC Enhancement

Outcome: Enhancement Dismissed: THREE MONTH DUI SCHOOL & NO SWAP

Description: Client stopped by San Francisco Police Department for "rolling a stop sign" and subsequently arrested for DUI. Client submits to PAS test of .11% BAC but later blood test returns result of .20% BAC. Case settled today for dismissal of high BAC enhancement and minimum sentence of 3 years probation, fine of $1,883, THREE MONTH DUI SCHOOL AND NO SWAP. License suspended for 30 days followed by 5 month restriction.

San Francisco DUI .25% BAC First Offense DUI Hit and Run Collision High BAC Enhancement

Outcome: ENHANCEMENT & HIT & RUN DISMISSED w. 3 MONTH DUI SCHOOL

Description: Client crashed into parked car in the Marina and was arrested by the San Francisco Police Department for DUI and hit and run. Blood test returned result of .25% BAC. Settled case today for dismissal of high BAC enhancement and "hit and run" misdemeanor. Sentence of 3 years probation, $1883 fine, 3 MONTH DUI SCHOOL, and 5 days SWAP in lieu of jail.

San Francisco DUI  .14% BAC First Offense DUI Hit and Run Collision

Outcome: ENHANCEMENT & HIT & RUN DISMISSED w/ NO SWAP 

Description: Client arrested by San Francisco Police Department for drunk driving and hit and run after a property damage only collision in the City. Settled case today for bare minimum sentence of 3 years probation, fine of $1883 and 3 month DUI School. No SWAP.

San Francisco DUI .14% BAC First Offense DUI

Outcome: DISMISSAL OF DUI CHARGES, Case reduced to Reckless Driving: 3 Years Probation, $900 Fine & 3 Month DUI School with NO SWAP 

Description: Client arrested for DUI by the CHP after a 911 caller reported him. PAS results of .13% and .14% and breath test of .14% BAC. Case resolved today for DISMISSAL OF DUI CHARGES, Case reduced to Reckless Driving: 3 Years Probation, $900 Fine & 3 Month DUI School with NO Sheriff's Work Alternative Program.

San Francisco DUI .16% BAC First Offense Under 21 DUI Collision High BAC Enhancement

Outcome: ENHANCEMENT DISMISSED & NO JAIL OR SWAP

Description: 18 year old client involved in hit and run collision on Bay Bridge submitted to breath test with .16% BAC after being arrested by the California Highway Patrol. During search of client after arrest, CHP found a pair of brass knuckles, which was ultimately charged as a misdemeanor (it's a potential felony wobbler). Settled the case today for favorable outcome: 3 years informal probation, 3 month DUI School & NO JAIL OR SWAP. Client's license suspended by DMV for 1 year since she was under 21 at the time of the offense.

San Francisco DUI .15% BAC Third Offense DUI High BAC Enhancement

Outcome: Probation Granted: 3 Years, Fine of $1900, 18 Month DUI School, IID & 7 Days SWAP

Description: Client arrested by California Highway Patrol after being observed speeding on Bay Bridge. Client submitted to PAS and breath test with all returning result of .15% BAC. Client had two prior DUI's, one over ten years old. Settled case today for Probation Granted: 3 Years, Fine of $1900, 18 Month DUI School, IID & 7 Days Sheriff's  Work Alternative Program.

San Francisco DUI .18% BAC Forced Blood Draw Refusal DUI Hit and Run Collision

Outcome: Enhancements Dismissed: 3 yrs Probation, $1900 fine, 3 Month DUI School & 3 SWAP

Description: Client strikes parked vehicle and is arrested by San Francisco Police Department who charged him with driving under the influence and "hit and run." Client refuses any tests so officers get a warrant for his blood which came back at enhancement level of .18% BAC. Case settled today for minimum DUI sentence with all other charges and enhancements dismissed.

San Francisco DUI .38% BAC Second Offense DUI Collision High BAC Enhancement

Outcome: CASE DISMISSED 

Description: Blood test of .38% BAC, but DA and CHP fail to file within one year statute of limitations. Case dismissed but I nevertheless still helped this client get the treatment he deserved.

San Francisco DUI .12% BAC First Offense DUI

Outcome: ALL CHARGES DISMISSED

Description: Client fell asleep at wheel and crashed his car. Arrested by CHP and submitted to PAS of .11% and .12% BAC with later blood test of .12% BAC. ALL CHARGES DISMISSED as this was just another example of the San Francisco District Attorney's Office dropping the ball. 

San Francisco DUI .24% BAC First Offense DUI Hit and Run Collision High BAC Enhancement

Outcome: ENHANCEMENT AND HIT & RUN DISMISSED 3 MONTH DUI SCHOOL

Description: Client collides with two vehicles and continues driving until stopped by San Francisco Police Department. Blood test .24% BAC. Client charged with high BAC DUI and two counts of "hit and run." Case settled for plea to DUI, enhancements and hit and run charges dismissed. 3 years court probation, $1918 fine, 3 MONTH DUI SCHOOL, 12 AA meetings and 8 days of SWAP. 30 day license suspension with 5 month restriction with full reinstatement after completion of the DUI school. 

San Francisco DUI .24% BAC First Offense DUI High BAC Enhancement

Outcome: ALL CHARGES DISMISSED

Description: Client arrested for DUI by California Highway Patrol after he was discovered on the side of the road with a disabled vehicle. Blood test returned a result of .24% BAC, yet remarkably the District Attorney again failed to file charges within the one year statute and this case was dismissed. 

San Francisco DUI  .09% BAC First Offense DUI

Outcome: DUI CHARGES DISMISSED & CASE REDUCED TO PUBLIC INTOXICATION

Description: Client stopped at DUI checkpoint administered by the San Francisco Police Department and arrested with .09% and .08% BAC breath tests. After many court appearances, we finally settled the case today for a plea to "public intoxication," per Penal Code Section 647(F). All DUI and driving offenses dismissed.

San Francisco DUI .10% BAC First Offense DUI

Outcome: DUI CHARGES DISMISSED & CASE REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING

Description: Client arrested by California Highway Patrol after speeding and weaving on the Bay Bridge and declining the PAS test. Later breath tests came in at .10% and .08% with an additional blood test reading .09% BAC, respectively. Over one year later, we finally resolved the case for a reduction to Reckless Driving for 18 Months Probation, reduced fine of $850, and a 12 hour DUI School.

San Francisco DUI .17% BAC First Offense DUI Hit and Run Collision High BAC Enhancement

Outcome: Hit & Run Charges DISMISSED for DUI with NO SWAP

Description: Client arrested by San Francisco Police Department following tip that he had fled a collision with parked car. Along the way, he actually hit another parked car too. Client submitted to two PAS tests of .17% BAC and .16% BAC, respectively. Later blood test came in at .15% BAC. Client charged with DUI with high BAC enhancements and two counts of misdemeanor "hit and run." Settled case today for plea to DUI with all other charges dismissed. Client received three years probation, fine of about $1,900, 3 month DUI School and NO SWAP OR JAIL. License likely suspended for one year due to prior underage DUI.

San Francisco DUI .20% BAC First Offense DUI Collision High BAC Enhancement

Outcome: ALL CRIMINAL CHARGES DISMISSED

Description: Client was arrested by San Francisco Police Department in 2011 for DUI following a minor collision. No PAS test and only a blood rest of .20%BAC. District Attorney failed to file charges in time for arraignment and case went "pending." Apparently, the DA sought a warrant for client's arrest, but never told anyone. Client never knew so was shocked to find out about it four years later. After rejecting a DA offer to plead to a "wet" reckless for no probation and only a fine, we filed a motion to dismiss for speedy trial violation and today the Judge granted that motion dismissing all charges.

San Francisco DUI .16% BAC First Offense DUI Hit and Run Collision High BAC Enhancement

Outcome: ENHANCEMENT AND HIT & RUN DISMISSED

Description: Client arrested by the San Francisco Police Department after allegedly fleeing a collision with a parked car. Client submitted to PAS test of .14% and .13% BAC and later BREATH test of .15 and .16% thus qualifying him for a high BAC enhancement as well. Complicating matters further, clients' license was previously suspended so he was additionally charged with that misdemeanor as well. Today, we settled the case for a dismissal of all charges and enhancements with a plea to the DUI with minimal punishment of 3 years probation, fine of $1,900, 3 month DUI School and 3 days of SWAP in lieu of actual jail. License suspended for 30 days and restricted for 5 months.

San Francisco DUI Second Offense DUI Refusal

Outcome: Probation Granted: 3 years, $2,000 fine, 18 Month DUI School, 4 SWAP

Description: Client arrested by California Highway Patrol for a second DUI within ten years. Allegedly refused test, so police got a warrant for blood draw which came in at .14% BAC. Settled the case today for three years formal probation, fine of about $2,000, 18 month DUI School and 4 days SWAP in lieu of jail. Two year license revocation.

San Francisco DUI .11% BAC First Offense Under 21 Zero Tolerance DUI Collision Resisting Arrest

Outcome: DUI CHARGES DISMISSED & CASE REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING

Description: Client crashed car near SF state. Minor injuries but client's blood came in .11% BAC and he was under 21. Complicating matters, client allegedly resisted arrest and assaulted one of the arresting officers of the San Francisco Police Department. Today, we settled the case for dismissal of the DUI, Assault and Resisting charges. An excellent result since client received three years probation, three month DUI school and NO SWAP or Jail and 40 hours volunteer work.

San Francisco DMV Negligent Operator Suspension Hearing

Outcome: PROBATION GRANTED; NO LICENSE SUSPENSION

Description: Client had .12% BAC DUI hit and run collision case in Hayward which I resolved earlier in the year for a reduction to "reckless driving" and subsequently avoiding the mandatory IID. Client picked up a speeding ticket thereafter, giving him a total of four points and opening him up to a potential 6 month DMV license suspension. Today, we appeared together and after considering the client's testimony and the oral argument I made on his behalf, the hearing officer agreed to place the client on DMV probation (no points for one year) instead of suspending his license. In other words, the best possible result for the client.

San Francisco DUI .18% BAC Second Offense DUI High BAC Enhancement

Outcome: Probation Granted: 3 years, $2200 fine, 18 month DUI School, 4 SWAP, 1 year IID

Description: Client stopped for weaving and arrested for DUI by the California Highway Patrol. Client previously convicted of DUI in San Mateo County in 2007. Breath test: .18% BAC, Blood Test .18% BAC. Case settled for minimum sentence of 3 years formal probation, fines of $2,220, 18 month DUI school, 1 year IID and only 4 actual days of SWAP in lieu of jail. License suspended for two years, but client can get a restricted license from DMV after 90 days actual suspension.

San Francisco DUI First Offense DUI Drugs Xanax

Outcome: CASE REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING WITH NO LICENSE SUSPENSION

Description: Client arrested by the SFPD and blood tested positive for marijuana and Xanax. Case reduced to reckless driving for 18 months probation, $843 fine and 12 hour DUI school. No SWAP, jail or community service and most importantly, NO LICENSE SUSPENSION.

San Francisco DUI .21% BAC Third Offense DUI High BAC Enhancement

Outcome: Probation Granted: 5 years, NO ACTUAL JAIL!, 18 Month DUI School, 2 Yr IID

Description: Client picked up third DUI when arrested by California Highway Patrol after "weaving". PAS test of .21% BAC with later Breath Tests of .17% and .16%. After nearly a year, we settled the case today with a plea "open" where the client received NO ACTUAL JAIL, but instead completed a six month residential treatment program that allowed him to keep his job and continue to support his wife and two children. Awesome result! 5 years formal probation, fines of $2,200, 18 month DUI School, 120 days jail (credit for residential program) and two year IID. License revoked for 3 years.

San Francisco DUI .10% BAC First Offense DUI

Outcome: DUI CHARGES DISMISSED & CASE REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING

Description: Stopped by SF State Police and arrested for drunk driving  for rolling a stop sign, client submitted to two PAS tests of .10% BAC and then two breath tests of .09% BAC. Client sentenced to 18 months probation, fine of $887, and 12 hour DUI School. License suspended for 4 months.

San Francisco DUI .29% BAC Third Offense DUI Collision Probation Violation High BAC Enhancement

Outcome: 5 Years Probation, Fine $2,200, 18 Month DUI School & 120 days Residential Treatment, NO ACTUAL JAIL

Description: Client had three driving under the influence cases in three years. This one involved a collision and client was on probation for DUI and didn't have valid license.  I settled all cases for not one day in jail.