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Danville DUI Arraignment

Danville, in the heart of the San Ramon Valley, started out as a farming community and is now a great place to live. There are a few bars and restaurants in town but most places are still a short drive away for people living in Danville. Unfortunately, even a short drive after having a couple of drinks with dinner can expose residents to a possible arrest for driving under the influence (DUI). 

Most DUIs are misdemeanors. A misdemeanor arrest will generally mean that you can be released on your own recognizance, without putting up bail. However, it may still take a few hours of processing before release, especially if the arrest occurs at night or over the weekend. 

As the “hangover” of getting arrested for a DUI wears off, there are two things you need to get to as soon as possible. The first is preparing for the arraignment. The second is requesting a hearing with the DMV to keep your license. If you call your experienced Contra Costa County DUI defense lawyer, your attorney can handle the arraignment and the DMV hearing so you may not have to take a day off work. 

Arraignment Notice After a DUI Arrest in Danville

The arraignment is the first court appearance after a DUI arrest. This is where the judge reads the formal charges and the defendant responds “guilty” or “not guilty.” Responding not guilty will generally mean the matter will be put off for a future date. Responding guilty may lead to immediate sentencing. If you are not sure what to do, you can stay on the safe side and say “not guilty,” to give you more time to think about what to do and to get advice from an experienced DUI defense lawyer. 

The benefit of having a DUI defense attorney on your side is that you may not even have to go to the arraignment. Your lawyer may be able to appear on your behalf so you don't have to take a day off of work to wait around for your name to be called. 

Alternatively, if you plan to represent yourself for your arraignment, make sure you get there early. If you arrive late, you may find that your case was already called and you now have to clear up a failure to appear (FTA). An FTA could result in additional penalties and a warrant for your arrest. 

Where is the First Court Appearance After a Danville DUI?

Most misdemeanor DUIs in Contra Costa County will be heard in Martinez. The first court appearance, including the arraignment and pretrial hearings, may be heard at the A.F. Bray Courthouse. Other hearings or the criminal trial may be held in the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse. These two courthouses are across the street from each other in downtown Martinez. If you cannot find your courtroom for the arraignment, you may be at the other courthouse.

A.F. Bray Courthouse

1020 Ward Street
Martinez, CA 94553
Phone: 925-608-1000

Wakefield Taylor Courthouse

725 Court Street
Martinez, CA 94553
Phone: 925-608-1000
Business Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday (excluding court holidays)

Parking: There is metered street parking in Martinez but some parking meters are limited to two-hours, which may not be enough time for your initial arraignment. Private parking is also available for a fee. Make sure to leave plenty of time before your court appearance to account for traffic, parking, and getting into the courthouse.

Public Transportation: The Martinez Amtrak train station stop is about a 10-minute walk from the courthouse. There are also several bus lines that serve the downtown Martinez area. 

Will You Lose Your License After the Arraignment? 

What happens with your driver's license after a DUI arrest can be confusing. Many drivers are surprised to find out that their licenses will be suspended even before they have a chance to have their day in court. The license suspension process is separate from the criminal case. After a DUI arrest, the DMV will suspend a driver's license after 30 days. However, if you want to challenge the suspension, you only have 10 days to request a hearing

What this means as a practical matter is that by the time you have your arraignment, it may already be too late to keep your license. This is why it is so important to act quickly after a DUI arrest. Your DUI defense lawyer will be able to request the license suspension hearing and represent you during the hearing to fight to keep your license. Even by requesting a hearing, it may save you extra time before your license is suspended

Arrested for a DUI in Danville 

If you are arrested for a DUI in Danville, the arrest may have involved the police, sheriff, or CHP. If you have any questions about a loved one who was arrested during a traffic stop in or around Danville, the following agencies may have more information: 

Danville Police Department

Danville Police Department

510 La Gonda Way
Danville, CA 94526
Phone: (925) 314-3700

Contra Costa County Sheriff - Valley Station - Alamo

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is based in Martinez but has a Valley Station in Alamo. The Valley Station sheriff's patrol the area from Canyon through Walnut Creek and unincorporated areas to the border with Alameda County. 

Contra Costa County Sheriff - Valley Station

150 Alamo Plaza #C
Alamo, CA  94507
Public: (925) 837-2902

California Highway Patrol - Dublin

The nearest CHP station to Danville is in Dublin, which patrols many highways and unincorporated roadways in Contra Costa County, including Interstate 680.

California Highway Patrol - Dublin Area

4999 Gleason Drive
Dublin, CA 94568
Phone: (925) 828-0466

Contact Your Martinez DUI Defense Lawyer Today

Contra Costa County DUI attorney Lynn Gorelick has more than 35 years of DUI experience and understands the consequences for California drivers. Lynn Gorelick is familiar with the local DUI laws in Danville and the local officers and D.A.s involved. Contact East Bay DUI lawyer Lynn Gorelick today.

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