Why do you need a San Francisco DUI defnse attorney?
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs, you will need a qualified attorney that specializes in DUI charges.  The Law Offices of Ima B Lawyer, located in San Francisco, can help you fight for your rights.  Our knowledge, support and expertise will add up to your success in the DMV license suspension hearing and the courtroom.  

The Law
California has new state laws that have increased the penalties for driving under the influence and they can be more severe than penalties from other types of felony charges.

Process
The process usually begins if the police have set up a sobriety checkpoint or you are driving erratically (see below) and, therefore, pulled over.  The officer will start asking questions about whether you have been drinking, where, how long ago, etc.  It is best to be polite and not answer those questions.  Any statement you give can and will be used against you in court.

Driving Symptoms
You will be pulled over if a police officer observes:

• Weaving
• Unsafe lane changes
• Erratic driving
• California police officers have a list of over 20 driving patterns to look for in an intoxicated driver

Your Appearance and Behavior

• The officer, upon pulling you over, will look for any indication of drinking
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Flushed or pale face
  • Can smell the alcohol
  • Slurring words
  • Difficulty keeping your balance
  • Cannot follow directions properl

• The officer will then request a breath test be given to you with a hand-held device known as a preliminary alcohol screening (PAS).
  • Rough estimate of your blood-alcohol level
  • Unreliable and outdated
  • This is not mandatory to take – unless under 21
  • No penalties if you do not take

Once that is given, you will be asked to participate in several field sobriety tests.  The following is a partial list.  You can refuse to take these tests without facing consequences.

Field Sobriety Tests (FST)

• Finger to Nose
• Walk and Turn
• Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus – following a pen from side to side with your eyes
• One Leg Stand
• The Rhomberg test (modified position of attention)
• Recite the alphabet

Chemical Tests – Breath or Blood

• Urine analysis is used when breath or blood samples are not available
• A breath machine will check to see if your blood-alcohol content is .08% or greater; your license will be suspended if it is – the machines are not reliable
  • You will receive a pink Notice of Suspension
•  Blood tests are more accurate

Another State License

• San Francisco police will not take your license
  • You will receive a Notice of Suspension – you will not be able to drive in California
  • Your license will still be legal outside of California, however, California DMV will notify your state and they will suspend your license.