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San Ramon First DUI Court Appearance

If you have questions about your first DUI court appearance for an arrest in San Ramon, an experienced East Bay DUI defense lawyer will be able to help you through the difficult process. Below, you will find information about appearing in court after a DUI in Contra Costa County. Contact Gorelick Law Offices with any questions or help in fighting DUI charges. 

After Release from Jail for a DUI in San Ramon 

An arrest in San Ramon for a DUI may have involved the San Ramon Police Department, California Highway Patrol, or Contra Costa County Sheriffs. The processing location after an arrest may be different depending on the arresting agency. 

Some drivers arrested for DUI may be released to a sober driver without being taken to the Martinez jail. They will be given a promise to appear in court on a later date.

The good news is that for most drivers facing a misdemeanor DUI, they will be released without having to go before a judge and without having to put up a bond. Unfortunately, if you are taken to the Martinez jail, processing can still take a number of hours, especially as most DUIs occur in the evening or early morning hours. 

San Ramon Police Department Information

San Ramon Police Department Information
2401 Crow Canyon Rd
San Ramon, CA 94583
Phone: (925) 973-2779

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 patrols unincorporated areas through the valley to the edge of Alameda County

Contra Costa County Sheriff - Valley Station
150 Alamo Plaza # C
Alamo, CA  94507
Public: (925) 837-2902

California Highway Patrol - Dublin

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) station in Dublin patrols many highways and unincorporated roadways through Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, including Interstate 680.

California Highway Patrol - Dublin Area
4999 Gleason Drive
Dublin, CA 94568
Phone: (925) 828-0466

Within the First 10 Days 

Many drivers are surprised to find out that their driver's license is at risk even before going to court. Simply being arrested on suspicion of a DUI is enough to trigger an administrative license suspension. You only have 10 days after a DUI arrest to request for a formal hearing with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you do not make a request within 10 days, it will be too late to challenge the suspension and your driving privileges will be taken away after 30 days. 

First Court Appearance or Arraignment 

The first court appearance after a DUI arrest in California is usually the arraignment. An arraignment involves the judge reading the formal charges against you. In response, you can respond either “guilty,” or “not guilty.” If you are not sure how you want to plead, you can answer “not guilty,” and have more time to consider your options. 

There is no need to show up to your arraignment unprepared. If you contact an East Bay DUI defense lawyer before your arraignment, your lawyer may be able to appear on your behalf so you don't have to. If you do not call a lawyer ahead of time, make sure you show up on time, and account for traffic, parking, and getting through security. 

If the court calls your name for the arraignment and you are late, the judge may issue a fail to appear (FTA). An FTA could result in additional penalties or a warrant for your arrest. If you will not be able to appear on the court date, you have to request a change of date with the court ahead of time. 

Most misdemeanor DUI cases for individuals arrested in San Ramon will be handled at the Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez. The arraignment may be initially heard at the A.F. Bray Courthouse. Other hearings or trials may be held in the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse. The two courthouses are across the street from each other. 

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 2-hours, which may not be enough time for your initial arraignment. Private parking is also available for a fee. 

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. 

Contact Your San Ramon DUI Defense Lawyer As Soon As Possible

East Bay attorney Lynn Gorelick has more than 35 years of DUI experience and understands the consequences of a DUI for California drivers. Representing drivers in San Ramon 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.

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