SAN DIEGO, CA - Being arrested for driving under the influence can be confusing and stressful, but San Diego DWI defense lawyer Anna R. Yum wants people to know that an arrest does not mean a conviction is inevitable. In California, DUI laws are complex, and the process involves both legal and administrative consequences. The Law Offices of Anna R. Yum (https://www.annayumlaw.com/blog/arrested-for-dui-in-san-diego-heres-what-you-need-to-know) breaks down what individuals can expect after a DUI arrest and the steps they should take to protect their rights.
As a San Diego DWI defense lawyer and former prosecutor, Anna R. Yum has helped hundreds of clients across the region understand the charges against them and explore their legal options. She emphasizes that every case is different, and outcomes often depend on early action. “An arrest is not the same as a conviction,” she says. “You still have options, and a strong defense can protect your license, your freedom, and your future.”
Working as a San Diego DWI defense lawyer, Anna R. Yum has handled cases involving both first-time and repeat offenses. She points out that penalties for a DUI can include jail time, fines, probation, license suspension, and mandatory DUI education programs. However, these consequences are not automatic. Many DUI charges can be reduced or dismissed depending on the details of the case and the strength of the defense.
Under California law, a person can be charged with DUI for having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or for being impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both—even if the BAC is below the legal limit. Charges can result from the use of alcohol, prescription medication, or even over-the-counter drugs. According to Anna R. Yum, one of the most important things a person can do after an arrest is act quickly to protect their license and legal rights.
In San Diego County, DUI cases are processed through one of four local courthouses—Central, North County, South County, or East County—depending on where the arrest occurred. Anna R. Yum explains that each courthouse follows different procedures, and knowing these local practices is essential when planning a legal defense. At the same time, individuals must also respond to a separate administrative process with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which can suspend a driver’s license even before a court decision is made.
Anna R. Yum advises clients that they typically have only 10 days after a DUI arrest to request a DMV hearing. Failing to do so can result in an automatic license suspension. She encourages anyone arrested for DUI to contact a defense lawyer immediately, take notes about the incident, and avoid speaking with law enforcement without legal representation.
When building a defense, Anna R. Yum reviews every detail of the arrest—from the initial traffic stop to the testing methods used. She highlights several common legal challenges, such as unlawful stops, improper test procedures, or faulty equipment. In some cases, medical conditions or dietary factors can lead to false positives on breath tests. She also uses the rising BAC defense in situations where a client’s alcohol level may have been legal while driving but rose before testing at the station.
Each DUI case involves its own set of facts, and Anna R. Yum takes the time to evaluate every case individually. Her experience as both a prosecutor and defense lawyer in San Diego gives her insight into how the government builds its case and how those cases can be effectively challenged. She emphasizes the importance of proactive legal defense, especially when it comes to protecting a client’s driving privileges and future opportunities.
The DMV process, often overlooked by those arrested for DUI, plays a major role in a person's ability to continue driving. Unlike criminal court, DMV license hearings are held by the San Diego Driver Safety Office, not the regular DMV branches. These administrative proceedings happen quickly and require preparation. Anna R. Yum helps her clients navigate both the court and DMV systems to reduce the risk of losing their driving privileges.
For those facing a DUI charge in San Diego or nearby areas like North County or East County, Anna R. Yum offers clear guidance based on experience and local knowledge. She provides a step-by-step approach that includes an assessment of possible defenses and realistic expectations for what lies ahead.
Anyone arrested for DUI should act without delay. Early decisions can shape the entire outcome of a case. Anna R. Yum’s approach is centered on protecting the client’s rights from the beginning, identifying flaws in the state’s evidence, and developing a defense strategy aimed at the most favorable resolution. “We fight hard. We fight smart. And we fight to win,” she says.
About the Law Offices of Anna R. Yum:
The Law Offices of Anna R. Yum is led by San Diego criminal defense attorney Anna R. Yum, a former prosecutor with years of experience representing individuals facing DUI and other criminal charges across Southern California. The firm provides personalized legal strategies focused on defending the rights and futures of its clients.
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Email: ayum@annayumlaw.com
Website: https://www.annayumlaw.com/
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Company Name: Law Offices of Anna R. Yum
Contact Person: Anna R. Yum
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Phone: (619) 233-4433
Address:501 W Broadway Ste 1660
City: San Diego
State: California 92101
Country: United States
Website: https://www.annayumlaw.com/
