RICHMOND DUI LAWYER - SAN PABLO CRIMINAL ATTORNEY
MICHAEL REHM - (510) 418-0820
FREE CONSULTATIONS
Point Isabel, Point Pinole, and Keller Beach are among the many places that offer Richmond residents a gorgeous view of San Francisco Bay. An ongoing revitalization of downtown Richmond promises living spaces within walking distance of supermarkets, restaurants, and entertainment.
Walking is always a good choice when entertainment includes the consumption of alcohol. When walking isn't an option, a designated driver is a good choice. People who drink and drive in Richmond risk being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI).
DUI Arrests in Richmond
California's Office of Traffic Safety reports that Richmond had one of the highest DUI arrest rates for a city of its size prior to the pandemic. In the most recent year analyzed by OTS, 151 drivers were arrested for DUI in Richmond. That was the 16th highest arrest rate of 58 comparable cities, after adjusting for population and miles driven.
Drivers who are arrested for DUI in Richmond are usually taken to the Martinez Detention Center for booking. After the booking process is finished, most drivers are released without being required to post bail.
Immediately after booking, a driver who has not already called a lawyer should obtain legal advice. Prompt action can avoid or delay an automatic driver's license suspension. Lawyer Michael Rehm can help drivers understand the steps they need to take after an arrest for DUI in Richmond.
DUI Charges in Richmond CA
When a DUI arrest is made in Richmond, formal charges are filed by the Contra Costa County District Attorney's office. Unless the driver is alleged to have committed additional crimes, was involved in an accident, or has a significant history of DUI convictions, the District Attorney's office will probably charge a misdemeanor DUI and a second misdemeanor for driving “over the limit.”
The driver will need to appear in the Contra Costa County Superior Court to answer the charges. While a lawyer may be able to handle some court appearances without the driver's presence, a driver usually needs to appear in person at least once.
Court appearances after an arrest in Richmond are usually made at the George D. Carroll Courthouse, located at 100 – 37th Street in Richmond. If that courthouse is unavailable, appearances are made at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse in Martinez.
DUI Convictions in Richmond California
The most certain way to be convicted of DUI after an arrest in Richmond is to appear in court without a lawyer and to plead guilty. Drivers who retain a lawyer are much more likely to avoid a DUI conviction.
In Contra Costa County, only 62% of drivers who are charged with a DUI are convicted of a DUI. Plea negotiations result in the conviction of a reduced charge in 9.2% of DUI cases in Contra Costa County. Reckless driving is the most common conviction. Prosecutors only infrequently seek a conviction of “wet” reckless, a charge that is less serious than DUI but that carries harsher penalties than an ordinary reckless driving conviction.
In 26.7% of Contra Costa County DUI prosecutions, the driver is not convicted of any crime. There are a variety of defense strategies that might achieve that result. Richmond CA DUI Defense Lawyer Michael Rehm can determine which strategy is best suited to the facts of the case.
Summary:
For more information on how Attorney Michael Rehm can help you, call (510) 418-0820 for a free, confidential consultation.