Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Contact Us for a Free Consultation 510.785.1444

Pittsburg Initial DUI Court Appearance

A drunk driving arrest may be your first experience with the criminal court system in California. You may have a lot of questions about your first court appearance and how it may impact your case. After reading the information on this page, contact an experienced East Bay DUI defense lawyer to help you through the process. Contact Gorelick Law Offices with any questions or help in fighting DUI charges. 

Where Do I Go to Court After a DUI in Pittsburg?

After the arrest, booking, and release from jail, your first court appearance is generally the “arraignment.” An arraignment is the official court appearance where the judge reads out the criminal charges and the defendant has to respond to the charges with “guilty” or “not guilty.” 

The location of your court appearance should be provided based on a summons or other court notice when you are released from police, sheriff, or CHP custody. The location is based on where you were arrested, not on where you live. If you were arrested for a DUI in Pittsburg, your court case will likely be held in Pittsburg. 

The first thing to know about an initial DUI court appearance is that you do not have to go through it alone. You can have a lawyer with you to advise you and represent you. In many cases, your lawyer can appear on your behalf at the arraignment so you don't even have to be there. 

If you go on your own, you may be asked by the court if you have an attorney. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court may provide one. However, the court doesn't just have a team of lawyers standing by to offer help. You may have to provide evidence of your income to prove that your income level is low enough, based on federal poverty guidelines, to get a public defender. 

If you are not sure how to respond to the charges, you can respond “not guilty.” A reply of not guilty will generally put off any further court hearings to a future date. This will give you some time to find a lawyer and help you decide if you want to make a plea deal or fight the criminal charges. However, if you respond “guilty,” you may immediately go to sentencing. Talk to your DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible after a DUI arrest to make sure you understand your options and the consequences of a conviction.

Police and Court Information for a Pittsburg DUI

A DUI arrest in Pittsburg could involve the Pittsburg Police Department, California Highway Patrol, or Contra Costa County Sheriffs. For most misdemeanor DUIs, the driver will be released without having to go before a judge and without having to put up a bond. The arrest and booking process can take a number of hours before release. However, after release, you should immediately consider calling a DUI defense lawyer to get started on your case ASAP.

Pittsburg Police Department Information

Pittsburg Police Department Information

65 Civic Avenue  
Pittsburg, CA 94565
925-646-2441

DUI Court Appearance in Pittsburg

Misdemeanor DUIs in Contra Costa County with arrests in Antioch, Bay Point, Bethel Island, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay, Knightsen, Oakley, and Pittsburg will be heard in Pittsburg.  The first court hearing, arraignment, or preliminary hearings may be heard at the Richard E. Arnason Justice Center.

Pittsburg Superior Court

1000 Center Drive
Pittsburg, CA 94565
Civil / Small Claims / Criminal
(925) 608-1000
Phone: 925-608-1000

Business Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM,

Monday through Friday (excluding court holidays)

Parking: There is free parking in the lots in front of and behind the courthouse.

Public Transportation: The Pittsburg Center Bart station stop is about a 10-minute walk from the courthouse. There are also several bus lines that serve the courthouse area. 

10 Days to Keep Your License

One of the most important things to know about is the administrative license suspension after a DUI. This is separate from the criminal case and your license will be administratively suspended 30 days after your arrest. You only have 10 days after a DUI arrest to request a formal hearing with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Make sure you request a hearing in time or talk to a lawyer within 10 days to keep your driving privileges. 

Contact Your Pittsburg DUI Defense Lawyer As Soon As Possible

East Bay attorney Lynn Gorelick has more than 30 years of DUI experience and understands the consequences of a DUI for California drivers. Representing drivers in Pittsburg and across Contra Costa County, Lynn Gorelick is familiar with the local DUI laws, and the local officers and prosecutors involved. Contact East Bay DUI lawyer Lynn Gorelick today.

Serving The Bay Area

Discovermastercardvisaamericanexpress
We strive to make the highest quality legal representation accessible and affordable.

Menu