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DWI / DUI Lawyers in San Mateo

Compare DWI / DUI lawyers in San Mateo — ratings, reviews and contact details.

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Criminal Law66

Arrests, DWI, drug and assault charges

Family Law62

Divorce, custody, child and spousal support

Personal Injury135

Car, truck and work accidents, malpractice

Get help from a DWI / DUI lawyer in San Mateo

A DWI / DUI lawyer challenges the stop, the breath or blood test and the arrest procedure, and fights to protect your license — which can be suspended quickly unless you act within days.

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Have you handled this exact charge in San Mateo courts?
What could happen — fines, probation, jail, a record?
Can this be reduced, dismissed or kept off my record?
Is your fee flat or hourly, and what does it cover?
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30 attorneys in San Mateo

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California DWI / DUI guides

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Plain-English guides to the law. General information, not legal advice.

Challenging Breath-Test Evidence in California

California DUI breath-test results can be challenged on calibration, maintenance, operator error, mouth alcohol, and machine reliability — successful challenges have led to thousands of dismissals nationally.

CDL DUI in California

California commercial driver's license (CDL) holders face stricter DUI rules — 0.04% BAC limit (half of regular drivers) plus career-ending consequences for ANY DUI in any vehicle.

Drugged Driving (DUID) in California

California drugged driving (DUID) covers driving impaired by drugs — illegal, prescription, or even legal substances. Marijuana legalization complicates many California DUID cases.

DUI Causing Injury or Death in California

California DUI with injury or death is a felony — typically charged as aggravated DUI, vehicular assault, or vehicular manslaughter. Prison time is mandatory in most cases.

DUI Expungement / Sealing in California

California DUI expungement varies dramatically — some states allow sealing / expunging DUI convictions, many prohibit. Even where allowed, specific waiting periods + procedures apply.

Felony DUI in California

California elevates DUI to felony for: 4th DUI within 10 years . Felony DUI sentence: 16 mo, 2, or 3 yrs in state prison; 4-10 yrs for injury.

DUI First Offense Penalties in California

A first-offense DUI in California carries real consequences — license suspension, fines, possibly jail, and an ignition interlock requirement. California's legal BAC limit is 0.08, and the offense is a misdemeanor — escalates to a felony if injury or 4+ priors in 10 years.

DUI License Suspension Hearings in California

California DUI license suspension hearings (administrative) are SEPARATE from criminal proceedings — typically have 7-30 day deadline to request, lower burden of proof, but can save your license.

Out-of-State DUI for California Drivers

California drivers arrested for DUI in another state face dual-state consequences — must defend in arrest state, but home state shares info via Driver License Compact + may impose additional license penalties.

Refusing the Breath Test in California

California implied-consent law: refusing a breath / blood test triggers automatic license suspension (1 year (1st refusal)) regardless of DUI outcome. Criminal refusal: Refusal sentence enhancement adds 48 hours mandatory jail to DUI sentence.

Second Offense DUI Penalties in California

A second-offense DUI in California carries dramatically harsher penalties than a first — typical: 96 hours minimum, up to 1 year (5 years probation typical), 2 years suspension; iid for 1 year required. Lookback period: 10 years.

Attorneys near San Mateo

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to save my license after a DWI arrest in San Mateo?

Often only days — many states require you to request an administrative hearing within 10–15 days of the arrest. Call a DWI lawyer right away.

Can a breath test be challenged?

Yes. Device calibration, how the test was given and the reason for the stop can all be challenged.

Should I talk to the police before I have a lawyer?

You have the right to stay silent and to ask for a lawyer. Politely say you want to speak with an attorney before answering questions.

How soon should I hire a criminal defense lawyer in San Mateo?

As soon as you're charged or know you're being investigated. Early help can affect bail, evidence and whether charges are filed at all.

Can a criminal charge be dismissed?

Sometimes — for weak evidence, an illegal stop or search, or through programs like pretrial diversion. A local defense lawyer can tell you what's realistic for your case.

How many DWI / DUI lawyers are listed in San Mateo?

There are currently 30 DWI / DUI lawyers listed in San Mateo on CGMIMM.