MARIN COUNTY DUI ATTORNEY - SAN RAFAEL CRIMINAL LAWYER
MICHAEL REHM - (415) 251-1680
FREE CONSULTATIONS
Marin County is famous for its redwoods and the panoramic views from Mount Tamalpais. San Rafael's wine bars and tasting rooms feature wines from local vineyards and from wineries in other Northern California counties.
A few too many tastes at a tasting room can cause trouble when driving home. It is easy to fail an “over the limit” breath test even when a driver feels perfectly sober.
Breath tests are not infallible and police officers often make mistakes when they decide to make a DUI arrest. Attorney Michael Rehm can defend drivers who are arrested for DUI in San Rafael or elsewhere in Marin County.
Marin County DUI Arrests
The most recent arrest data from the California DMV was compiled before the pandemic. During the year covered by that data, there were 991 DUI arrests in Marin County. Compared to the number of licensed drivers who reside in the county, that arrest rate is consistent with the statewide average.
Marin County's largest cities had the highest numbers of arrests. There were 194 DUI arrests in San Rafael and 136 in Novato. Taking into account city population and miles driven by residents, Novato's arrest rate was actually higher than San Rafael's.
Marin County DUI Prosecutions
After a DUI arrest in Marin County, drivers are usually taken to the sheriff's office for a breath test. Drivers may then be taken to the Marin County Jail for booking. The jail is located at 13 Peter Behr Drive in San Rafael.
Depending on the circumstances, drivers are typically released after booking, although some drivers may need to post bail. Drivers with a high test result might not be released until their blood alcohol concentration drops below the “legal limit.”
Prosecutions are handled by the Marin County District Attorney's office. That office will typically charge two misdemeanors, including DUI and driving “over the limit.” About 3% of DUI in Marin County are charged as felonies.
Charges are filed in the Marin County Superior Court. Four of Marin County's judges regularly handle DUI cases. Cases are heard at the Civic Center Hall of Justice at 3501 Civic Center Drive in San Rafael. Although controversial when it was built, the courthouse is one of Frank Lloyd Wright's famous architectural designs.
Marin County DUI Convictions
While not every DUI charge ends with a DUI conviction, Marin County has a higher rate of convictions than the statewide average, about 82% of DUI charges in Marin County result in a DUI conviction. About 7.5% of Marin County charges are plea bargained to a lesser offense. A conviction of “wet reckless” is the most common reduced charge. The penalties for that offense are generally less harsh than DUI penalties.
The good news for arrested drivers is that 10.5% of DUI arrests end with no conviction at all. An aggressive defense and the right set of facts can result in a dismissal or acquittal, potentially saving the driver from a jail term, a stiff fine, and a license suspension.
Summary:
If you are facing a drunk driving charge in Marin County, call DUI Lawyer Michael Rehm at (415) 251-1680 to learn how to proceed from here to maximize your chances of obtaining the best possible outcome.
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