San Bernardino DUI Lawyer

Why You Should Call Us After a DUI Arrest in San Bernardino

• California’s first firm to specialize in DUI defense – Established more than 40 years ago by “The Dean of DUI Attorneys.”
• National reputation – Featured in the ABA Journal and cited by the U.S. Supreme Court.
• In-house scientific experts – The only DUI firm in California with full-time staff specializing in toxicology and forensic analysis.
• Former prosecutors on your side – We know how the other side builds cases, and how to dismantle them.
• Local courtroom experience – Decades of practice before judges and prosecutors at the San Bernardino Justice Center and Rancho Cucamonga courthouse.

When you contact our office after an arrest, we can quickly assess where your case is pending, whether in downtown San Bernardino or a nearby Inland Empire court, and begin tailoring a plan that reflects the tendencies of the particular judge and prosecuting agency involved.

Understanding San Bernardino DUI Procedures And Timelines

Many people want to know what will actually happen after they are released from custody, and how long the process in San Bernardino County will take. While every case is different, there are common steps that most DUI cases follow, from the initial citation through final resolution. Knowing this general roadmap can reduce anxiety and help you make informed choices about work, family, and transportation while your case is pending.

In most situations, your first court date will be an arraignment at the San Bernardino Justice Center or another local courthouse, where charges are read and initial pleas are entered, and a dui lawyer from our team can appear with you or on your behalf to start protecting your rights from the outset. After that, the case often moves into a pretrial phase where we obtain and review evidence, file motions, and negotiate with the district attorney, which can take several weeks or months depending on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the allegations.

Here are some of the key stages many clients experience in a San Bernardino DUI case::

• Arraignment date set – Your first appearance, usually within a few weeks of the arrest, where deadlines for discovery and motions are established.
• Pretrial conferences – Multiple hearings where your attorney meets with the prosecutor and judge to address evidence issues, negotiations, and readiness for trial.
• Motion hearings – Court dates focused on legal challenges, such as motions to suppress evidence from an unlawful stop or improper breath testing procedures.
• Trial or negotiated resolution – The stage where your case is either presented to a jury at the local courthouse or resolved through a plea agreement that takes into account your history and the strength of the evidence.

Throughout these steps, we keep you updated about what to expect at each appearance, how potential outcomes might affect your license and record, and what documents or counseling may help present you in the best light to San Bernardino judges and prosecutors. Our goal is to make the process as predictable and manageable as possible so that the legal side of your case does not overwhelm your daily life.

Types of DUI Cases We Defend

San Bernardino prosecutors file DUI charges across the spectrum — from first-time offenses to felony cases carrying the risk of state prison.

At The Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor, we defend all DUI allegations, including:

• First-time DUIs
• Repeat and multiple offenses
• Felony DUI and DUI with injury (VC § 23153)
• DUI of marijuana, prescription medication, or other controlled substances
• Underage DUI (zero tolerance)
• Commercial driver DUI cases
• Refusals and implied consent violations
• DUI with enhancements (high BAC, minor in the car, or accident involvement)

Checkpoints are common throughout San Bernardino County, especially along I-10, I-15, and the 210, and enforcement increases around weekends, holidays, and special events. No matter where or how the arrest occurred, our attorneys understand the local patterns of enforcement and how they affect your case.

Whether your arrest stemmed from a freeway stop near the I-215 corridor, a checkpoint in the city of San Bernardino, or a collision in outlying communities like Rialto or Colton, a dui attorney from our team can evaluate the specific facts and explain which defenses are most realistic for your situation.

The Real Consequences of a DUI in San Bernardino

The penalties for DUI go beyond fines and jail. A conviction can derail your career, raise your insurance premiums for years, and put professional licenses or immigration status at risk. For many, the long-term fallout is even worse than the immediate punishment.

People who work in fields that require clean driving records, security clearances, or professional licenses often find that a drunk driving conviction in San Bernardino County follows them far longer than they expected, affecting background checks when they apply for new jobs, renew credentials, or try to move into a different career path.

When Penalties Get More Serious:

• Prior DUI within 10 years – Mandatory jail time and longer license suspensions.
• Accident causing injury – Often charged as a felony, with the possibility of state prison.
• High BAC (0.15% or higher) – Triggers sentencing enhancements.
• Minor passenger – Leads to additional penalties and possible child endangerment charges.
• Refusal to test – Automatic license suspension under California’s implied consent law.

Even a first-time DUI can cause lasting problems. That’s why it’s critical to act quickly and work with a defense team that knows how to limit or avoid these consequences.

Exploring Defense Strategies 

Effective DUI defense requires both courtroom strategy and scientific precision. 

Our team focuses on uncovering errors and weaknesses the prosecution hopes you’ll overlook, such as:

• Illegal traffic stops or unconstitutional checkpoints
• Improperly administered field sobriety tests
• Faulty breathalyzer calibration or maintenance
• Mishandled blood samples or chain-of-custody problems
• Rising BAC defenses, where test results may not reflect your level while driving
• Medical conditions (such as GERD or diabetes) that mimic signs of intoxication

Because we employ full-time forensic experts, we can dig deeper into the science than other firms. From reviewing raw lab data to providing expert testimony, our resources give clients a unique advantage.

In many San Bernardino cases, our analysis starts with how and where the stop occurred, including whether local law enforcement agencies complied with California rules for sobriety checkpoints and properly documented observations leading to your arrest, which allows a dui defense attorney San Bernardino residents trust to challenge defective procedures before trial.

Protecting Your Ability to Drive

For many people, the hardest consequence to face right away isn’t the court date. It’s the risk of losing their driver’s license. Without the ability to drive, it becomes nearly impossible to work, care for family, or keep up with daily responsibilities in a county where driving is essential.

The DMV has its own administrative process that runs separately from your criminal case. These hearings are often misunderstood, but they are a critical part of defending a DUI. 

At The Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor, we use them to:

• Challenge whether the stop and arrest were valid under the law
• Question the accuracy of the breath or blood test
• Cross-examine the arresting officer under oath
• Seek restricted or conditional driving privileges when suspension cannot be avoided

We view DMV hearings as an extension of your defense, not just a paperwork exercise. By fighting on both fronts — the courtroom and the DMV — we give clients the best chance of keeping their driving privileges and limiting the fallout of an arrest.

Because commuting along routes like the I-10 and I-15 is a daily reality for so many residents, losing your license after an arrest at a local checkpoint or traffic stop can feel devastating, and having a drunk driving lawyer San Bernardino drivers can turn to for help with both the DMV and the court case can make the process far more manageable.

Guiding You Through the DUI Process in San Bernardino County

A DUI arrest can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first encounter with the criminal justice system. One of the ways we stand apart is by walking clients through each step of the process, so there are no surprises along the way.

When you come to The Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor, here’s what you can expect:

• Immediate Case Review – We meet with you to go over the arrest, paperwork, and deadlines, including the critical 10-day DMV hearing request.
• Investigation & Evidence Gathering – Our attorneys demand police reports, video footage, breathalyzer and lab records, and witness statements to begin identifying weaknesses in the government’s case.
• DMV Hearing Representation – We represent you in administrative proceedings to protect your license and cross-examine the arresting officer under oath.
• Court Appearances & Motions – We appear on your behalf in court, file motions to suppress flawed evidence, and push for dismissals or reductions where possible.
• Negotiation or Trial – Whether it’s securing a reduced charge or taking your case to trial, we prepare thoroughly and keep you informed about your options.
• Resolution & Next Steps – We help clients with sentencing alternatives, record-cleaning strategies, and advice on how to minimize long-term consequences.

From day one to the final resolution, our DUI defense lawyers in San Bernardino ensure you understand what’s happening, what your options are, and how we’re fighting for you.

We also take time to answer questions about what to expect at each appearance in San Bernardino County courts, how long your case might take, and what you can do in the meantime to protect your job, family, and future, so you never feel that you are navigating the system without clear guidance from a dedicated drunk driving attorney San Bernardino residents can rely on.

Contact us online or by calling (562) 330-4173 today!