SAN BERNARDINO DUI LAWYER– MICHAEL REHM
FREE CONSULTATIONS – (800) 978-0754
Three interstate highways, two US highways, and nineteen state highways carry traffic through San Bernardino County. Another 2,500 miles of county roads together with streets in dozens of cities and towns take drivers past state, county, and local police officers who are always on the lookout for impaired drivers.
Each year, police officers arrest 8,000 to 9,000 drivers for driving under the influence (DUI) in San Bernardino County. On a per capita basis, that arrest rate is slightly higher than the statewide average.
Arrest rates in San Bernardino County do not necessarily correlate with the size of the county's cities. In the most recent year for which statistics are available, the highest number of DUI arrests was made in the county's fourth largest city. Rancho Cucamonga accounted for 560 DUI arrests.
Another 402 DUI arrests were made in Fontana, the county's second largest city. While the City of San Bernardino has a slightly larger population than Fontana, only 276 DUI arrests were made in San Bernardino.
Other cities in San Bernardino County with more than 150 DUI arrests include: Rialto (301), Ontario (274), Chino (259), Upland (231), Victorville (223), and Hesperia (189). Nearly every community in San Bernardino County reported DUI arrests. In addition, the CHP makes arrests on highways while the Sheriff’s Office arrests drivers on county roads.
San Bernardino County DUI Convictions
Only 3.2% of San Bernardino County DUI convictions are for driving under the influence of drugs. That offense is more difficult to prove, and is therefore more likely to be contested, than a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Whether the charge involves drugs or alcohol, San Bernardino County prosecutions have a lower-than-average conviction rate. Only 65.9% of DUI charges result in a DUI conviction.
An experienced DUI lawyer can recommend an appropriate strategy to defend a DUI charge. Some cases are resolved through plea bargaining. A plea bargain often results in an amendment to a less serious traffic charge.
About 7.1% of San Bernardino County DUI charges are resolved with a plea to “wet reckless.” Another 4.3% are resolved with a plea to some other traffic offense. A plea bargain can avoid the mandatory license suspension that follows a DUI conviction. Other harsh consequences of a DUI conviction, including a mandatory jail term and a stiff fine, can be avoided through plea bargaining.
Other cases are resolved through litigation, including filing motions to suppress evidence that can result in charges being dismissed. In some cases, the matter may go to trial. Juries must return a “not guilty” verdict when there is a reasonable doubt about guilt. Due largely to dismissal and acquittals, almost a quarter of all drivers (22.8%) arrested for DUI in San Bernardino County avoided any conviction at all.
The best defense strategy depends on the fact of the case. Attorney Rehm will examine all the circumstances surrounding the traffic stop, the driver's arrest, and the results of chemical testing and offer advice about defense strategies will work, and what to avoid.
San Bernardino County DUI Procedures
A DUI arrest in San Bernardino County will typically lead to a prosecution in the San Bernardino County Superior Court. The specific courthouse where the case will be heard depends on the location of the arrest.
The primary courthouse is located at 247 West Third Street in San Bernardino. The Rancho Cucamonga Law and Justice Center is located at 8303 Haven Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga. The Victorville Courthouse is located at 14455 Civic Drive in Victorville. Drivers will receive a notice advising them when and where to appear.
Cases move more slowly in San Bernardino County than in most other California counties. The median time from arrest to disposition of a DUI charge in San Bernardino County is 224 days. That's more than a month longer than the statewide average.
When a driver is accused of driving under the influence of drugs in San Bernardino County, the median time for resolving the case is 238 days. Since those cases are more difficult to prove, drivers are less likely to plead guilty immediately.
For a free consultation, call (800) 978-0754. Attorney Michael Rem can help explain the law, the process, and the penalties you are potential exposed to. After hours and weekend appointments are available. For more information, call now.