A night out in San Francisco can change in an instant.
Flashing lights, a police stop, and suddenly—you’re facing a DUI arrest. The experience is overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. You’re worried about your license, your job, and your future.
But here’s the truth: a DUI arrest is not a conviction. You still have rights, and what you do in the next few days can make all the difference in how your case unfolds.
At The Hallinan Law Firm, we’ve helped hundreds of people throughout the Bay Area protect their licenses, fight unfair charges, and move forward with their lives. Here’s exactly what to do next.
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1. Stay Calm and Cooperative During the Arrest
The first few minutes matter. Arguing or resisting can turn a simple DUI stop into multiple charges.
Keep your hands visible, stay polite, and provide basic identification.
✅ What you must do:
- Show your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
- Step out of the car if asked.
- Submit to a chemical test (breath or blood) if you’re lawfully arrested.
🚫 What you should not do:
- Admit to drinking or estimate how much you drank.
- Try to explain yourself or “talk your way out.”
- Volunteer information without being asked.
Everything you say—especially during a DUI stop—is recorded and can be used against you later.
2. Understand the Two Cases You’re Facing
A California DUI arrest creates two separate cases:
⚖️ 1. The Criminal Case
Handled by the San Francisco Superior Court, this case determines guilt, penalties, and possible jail time.
🚗 2. The DMV Case
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) automatically begins a process to suspend your license.
You have only 10 days from your arrest to request a DMV hearing—or you automatically lose your driving privileges.
Pro Tip: The Hallinan Law Firm can handle both cases for you and request your DMV hearing immediately, preserving your right to drive while your case is pending.
3. Contact a DUI Defense Attorney Immediately
DUI law in California is complex. Blood alcohol results, police reports, and even field sobriety tests can be challenged—but only if you act fast.
An experienced DUI attorney can:
- Request and review your police report and body cam footage
- Challenge improper testing procedures or unlawful stops
- Represent you at your DMV hearing
- Negotiate reduced charges or even case dismissal
At The Hallinan Law Firm, attorney Neil Hallinan uses his years as a public defender and trial lawyer to find every weakness in the prosecution’s case.
4. Know What Happens After a DUI Arrest
Here’s what typically happens next:
- Booking: Your fingerprints and photo are taken. You may be held briefly or released on your own recognizance.
- Release: You’ll receive a temporary license and notice of suspension.
- Court Date: Usually within 30–45 days of arrest.
- DMV Hearing: Must be requested within 10 days to contest the suspension.
If you fail to appear or request a hearing, you risk an automatic license suspension—even if your criminal case hasn’t started.
5. Penalties for DUI in California
The consequences vary based on your record and BAC (blood alcohol concentration):
First Offense DUI (VC 23152):
- Up to 6 months in jail (often suspended for probation)
- $1,500–$2,500 in fines and fees
- 3–9 months of DUI school
- 6-month license suspension (can sometimes be converted to a restricted license)
Repeat or Aggravated DUIs:
- Longer jail time
- 18–30 months of DUI school
- Interlock ignition device (IID) installation
- Possible felony charges if someone was injured
These are serious penalties—but with a strong defense, many first-time DUIs can be reduced to lesser charges or dismissed entirely.
6. Common DUI Defenses in San Francisco
Every case is unique, but experienced defense attorneys often use proven strategies like:
- Illegal Stop: If the officer lacked reasonable suspicion to pull you over.
- Faulty Testing Equipment: Breathalyzers must be calibrated correctly and used under strict conditions.
- Improper Field Sobriety Tests: These are subjective and often unreliable.
- Medical Conditions or Medications: Certain conditions can mimic intoxication symptoms.
At The Hallinan Law Firm, we’ve successfully challenged DUI charges based on these exact issues—protecting our clients’ licenses and records.
7. What Not to Do After a DUI Arrest
🚫 Don’t ignore court dates or DMV deadlines.
🚫 Don’t plead guilty without reviewing the evidence.
🚫 Don’t drive with a suspended license—it adds criminal charges.
🚫 Don’t discuss your case on social media or with anyone but your attorney.
The first mistake may be the arrest. The second would be facing the system alone.
8. Why You Need a Local San Francisco DUI Lawyer
Every county handles DUIs differently—and San Francisco courts are no exception.
Local experience matters.
Neil Hallinan has handled hundreds of DUI cases in San Francisco, Alameda, Marin, and nearby counties.
He understands how local judges, prosecutors, and DMV officers operate—giving you a powerful advantage.
9. Take Action Within 10 Days
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in San Francisco, the most important thing you can do right now is act quickly.
The sooner your lawyer intervenes, the stronger your defense becomes.
📞 Call The Hallinan Law Firm at 415-837-3449
📧 Email: Contact@HallinanLawFirm.com
🌐 Visit: www.HallinanLawFirm.com