TRACY DUI LAWYER
MICHAEL REHM - (209) 490-5049
FREE CONSULTATIONS
Tracy is famous for hosting the legendary Altamont Free Concert in 1969 and, more recently, for being the residence of MC Hammer. As a city boxed in by a triangle of freeways, residents and visitors spend a fair amount of their time behind the wheel.
Driving in Tracy can lead to traffic stops, sobriety tests, and arrests for driving under the influence (DUI). Historically, the odds of a DUI arrest in Tracy have been higher than in California cities of similar size.
DUI Arrests in Tracy
According to the most recent year analyzed by California's Office of Traffic Safety, 84 drivers were arrested for DUI within Tracy's city limits. The OTS compared Tracy to 106 similar California cities. After adjusting for population and miles driven, it determined that Tracy had the 20th highest DUI arrest rate.
After being arrested for DUI, most drivers are given a breath test at a law enforcement office. Drivers who test over the limit are usually taken to the San Joaquin County jail for booking. The jail is located in French Camp.
Most drivers arrested for a DUI in Tracy are released after being notified of their obligation to appear in court. A relatively small percentage of drivers are required to post bail before they can be released.
As soon as possible after a DUI arrest, drivers should discuss their case with an attorney. Prompt action may avoid or postpone an automatic license suspension by the DMV. Having an attorney before the first court appearance helps drivers preserve all their options and creates a better opportunity for a favorable outcome. Michael Rehm can explain how drivers should respond to a DUI arrest in Tracy, but time is of the essence, and an attorney should always be contacted as soon as possible.
DUI Prosecutions in Tracy
The decision to file charges after a DUI arrest in Tracy is made by the San Joaquin District Attorney's office. Drivers are usually charged with two misdemeanors: DUI and driving with a Blood Alcohol Content of 0.08% or more. About 4% of drivers are charged with a felony DUI, usually because they have a long history of DUI offenses, or there was an injury.
After charges are filed, the case is assigned to a judge of the San Joaquin County Superior Court. Unless the county reopens the Tracy courthouse, cases will be heard at the Stockton Courthouse. That courthouse is located at 222 E. Weber in Stockton.
DUI Convictions in Tracy
Not every DUI charge ends with a DUI conviction. In San Joaquin County, about 76.5% of DUI charges result in conviction of DUI. The remaining cases are plea bargained to a lesser offense, are dismissed, or end with a not guilty verdict.
About 11% of San Joaquin County DUI charges are resolved with plea bargains. Most of those involve a conviction of “wet reckless,” a reckless driving charge that usually results in more favorable penalties than a DUI.
Almost 12.5% of DUI cases in San Joaquin County are resolved with no criminal conviction.
Summary:
For more information on how the law applies to the specific facts of your case, call Tracy DUI Defense Attorney Michael Rehm at (209) 490-5049.