DUI Defense in San Diego

How a Skilled DUI Defense Lawyer Protects Your Freedom, License, and Future

Introduction: DUI Defense Explained by San Diego DUI Defense Lawyer

Driving under the influence is one of the most aggressively prosecuted charges in San Diego County. From the moment of arrest, the system moves quickly — your license can be suspended within ten days, your car impounded, and your case filed in one of several local courthouses. If you’ve been arrested for DUI anywhere in San Diego — whether downtown, in Pacific Beach, Vista, El Cajon, or Chula Vista — the most critical decision you can make is hiring a skilled DUI defense attorney who knows how to protect your record, your license, and your reputation.

At Power Trial Lawyers, we understand the stakes. DUI charges impact every part of your life — your driving privilege, your employment, your insurance, and your future. We represent individuals facing all types of DUI allegations under California Vehicle Code §23152, including alcohol, prescription medication, marijuana, and combined influence cases. Our attorneys combine in-depth local experience with advanced defense strategies to dismantle the prosecution’s case — step by step.

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Downtown San Diego, La Jolla, Del Mar, El Cajon, or Chula Vista, the time to act is now. You have only 10 days to protect your license and start building a defense. Contact Power Trial Lawyers at (888) 808-2179 for a confidential consultation.

Southern California Criminal and Restraining Order Defense Lawyers--Power Trial Lawyers

Understanding DUI Charges in San Diego

In San Diego County, DUI charges are governed by the California Vehicle Code, primarily §§23152(a)–(b) and §§23153(a)–(b). These statutes make it a crime to drive either:

  • While impaired by alcohol or drugs to the extent that you cannot operate a vehicle safely, or
  • With a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, regardless of actual impairment.

Even first-time offenders face harsh treatment. Law enforcement agencies such as the San Diego Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department regularly patrol areas like Gaslamp Quarter, Mission Valley, Pacific Beach, and I-5/I-15 corridors using saturation patrols and checkpoints. Arrests often occur after minor traffic violations, yet a single moment can spiral into a major criminal case.

The penalties depend on multiple factors:

  • Whether it’s your first, second, or third DUI within ten years
  • Whether an accident or injury occurred
  • Whether your BAC exceeded 0.15% (high BAC enhancement)
  • Whether there was a refusal to submit to testing
  • Whether minors were present in the vehicle

The DUI Process in San Diego County

The DUI process in San Diego involves two separate but equally serious proceedings:

  1. The Criminal Case — handled by the San Diego Superior Court.
  2. The DMV Administrative Hearing — handled by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

1. Arrest and Booking

When a driver is stopped, officers must establish reasonable suspicion to detain and probable cause to arrest. Field sobriety tests, portable breath tests (PAS), and observations such as odor, slurred speech, or red eyes are all used to justify the arrest. After arrest, you are taken to a local station or jail for chemical testing and booking. Your license is confiscated, and a pink temporary license is issued, valid for 30 days.

2. The DMV Hearing

You must request a DMV hearing within 10 days of arrest to challenge your automatic suspension. This hearing determines whether your driving privileges will be suspended, independent of your court case. Power Trial Lawyers regularly appears before the Driver Safety Office in San Diego, presenting scientific and procedural defenses to preserve our clients’ licenses.

3. The Criminal Court Process

Your case will be filed in one of San Diego County’s main courthouses:

Each court has its own prosecutors, judges, and local nuances. Understanding these distinctions can mean the difference between dismissal, reduction, or conviction. Our firm builds defenses tailored to the courtroom and the assigned district attorney.

4. Arraignment and Pretrial Hearings

At your first court appearance, you’ll enter a plea — typically “not guilty.” Power Trial Lawyers immediately demands discovery, police reports, calibration logs, and chemical test data to begin identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. We also challenge the legality of the traffic stop and arrest.

5. Motions and Negotiation

Strong cases often turn on pretrial motions — motions to suppress evidence under Penal Code §1538.5, challenges to test results, or motions to exclude statements obtained in violation of Miranda rights. In many cases, we can negotiate charge reductions to “wet reckless” or other lesser offenses, depending on the evidence and your background.

6. Trial Preparation

If necessary, we prepare for trial with a comprehensive approach: cross-examining officers, contesting lab protocols, and introducing expert testimony on blood-alcohol absorption rates. Our objective is always the same — to weaken the prosecution’s case before it reaches a jury.

Common DUI Defenses in San Diego

Every DUI case is unique, and the defense must be built on the specific facts, the science of BAC testing, and the constitutional rights of the accused. Below are the most effective defenses used in San Diego County DUI cases:

1. Illegal Traffic Stop

If an officer lacked a lawful reason to stop your vehicle, all subsequent evidence — including breath or blood test results — can be suppressed. Power Trial Lawyers frequently challenges unlawful detentions that stem from vague or pretextual reasons such as “weaving within the lane” or “late-night driving.”

2. Faulty Breathalyzer or Blood Test

San Diego County relies heavily on Intoxilyzer and Draeger breath machines, which require strict calibration and maintenance logs. Blood tests handled at the San Diego County Crime Lab must also follow proper chain-of-custody procedures. Any contamination, fermentation, or storage error can invalidate results.

3. Rising Blood Alcohol Defense

Alcohol levels continue to rise for 30–90 minutes after drinking. If you were tested after being stopped, your BAC may have been below the legal limit while driving. This defense can create reasonable doubt in cases where testing occurred significantly after arrest.

4. Medical or Physiological Conditions

Conditions such as GERD, acid reflux, ketosis, diabetes, or dental work can produce mouth alcohol, skewing breath results. Our team works with medical literature and, when appropriate, expert analysis to demonstrate that apparent intoxication symptoms were due to health issues, not alcohol.

5. DUI Checkpoint Violations

San Diego law enforcement conducts frequent DUI checkpoints in high-traffic areas like Pacific Beach, Mission Valley, and the Gaslamp Quarter. However, checkpoints must comply with constitutional safeguards set forth in Ingersoll v. Palmer. Failure to post advanced notice, use neutral criteria, or ensure minimal intrusion can render the checkpoint illegal — leading to dismissal.

6. Improper Police Procedures

If officers failed to properly advise you of your rights, mishandled evidence, or coerced statements, those violations can form the basis for suppression or dismissal. Officers must follow Title 17 regulations governing collection, analysis, and retention of blood and breath samples.

7. No Proof of Driving

In many DUI arrests — particularly those arising from accidents or parked vehicles — prosecutors must still prove that you were actually driving. Circumstantial assumptions, like being found near a vehicle, do not meet the required burden of proof.

Local Insight: How San Diego Courts Treat DUI Defenses

While each courthouse varies, San Diego County judges expect precision and preparation. Some divisions are more receptive to suppression motions, while others encourage early resolution programs. Our attorneys understand how to navigate both approaches while protecting your long-term record and minimizing penalties.

DUI Penalties and Professional Consequences in San Diego

When you face a DUI charge in San Diego County, the penalties depend on your prior record, BAC level, and whether anyone was injured. Even a first-time offense can carry severe repercussions that reach far beyond the courtroom. San Diego prosecutors are known for pushing for strict sentences, especially in cases involving high BAC results, refusal allegations, or accidents. Understanding what’s at stake—and how an experienced DUI defense attorney can mitigate these outcomes—is crucial to protecting your freedom and career.

DUI Penalties in San Diego County

California law imposes mandatory minimum sentences for DUI convictions under Vehicle Code §§23536–23552. San Diego courts generally follow these guidelines but also consider local diversion programs, plea reductions, and alternative sentencing when the case is properly presented.

First-Time DUI

A first-offense DUI in San Diego is typically charged under VC §23152(a) and §23152(b). The standard penalties include:

  • Up to 6 months in county jail (rarely imposed with skilled defense)
  • Fines and assessments totaling $2,000–$2,500
  • 3 to 9 months of DUI education
  • 6-month license suspension (convertible to IID-restricted license)
  • 3 years of informal probation
  • Possible requirement of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

San Diego judges may also order community service, MADD panels, or alcohol programs. Early legal intervention can often lead to “wet reckless” reductions under VC §23103.5, minimizing license and insurance impacts.

Second DUI (Within 10 Years)

A second conviction carries heightened penalties:

  • 96 hours to 1 year in jail
  • 18-month DUI program
  • 2-year license suspension
  • Increased fines up to $3,000
  • IID requirement for 1 year
  • 4–5 years of probation

Courts treat second offenses seriously, but proper defense strategy can still lead to charge reduction or avoidance of mandatory jail through electronic monitoring, residential treatment, or alternative custody programs available in San Diego County Probation.

Third DUI (Within 10 Years)

A third DUI is treated as a chronic offender case:

  • Up to 1 year in county jail
  • 30-month multiple-offender DUI program
  • 3-year license revocation
  • Habitual traffic offender status
  • Possible vehicle impoundment or forfeiture
  • Higher fines and extended probation

San Diego’s East County and North County courts aggressively prosecute repeat offenders, but experienced counsel can negotiate entry into sobriety or rehabilitation programs in lieu of incarceration.

Felony DUI

A DUI becomes a felony when:

  • It’s a fourth or subsequent offense within ten years, or
  • The DUI caused injury or death (charged under VC §23153(a) or §23153(b)).

Felony DUI penalties may include:

  • 16 months to 3 years in state prison
  • Up to 5 years if injury occurred
  • Strike enhancement for great bodily injury under PC §12022.7
  • Formal probation and restitution orders
  • License revocation for up to 5 years

These cases demand meticulous investigation—accident reconstruction, toxicology review, and constitutional challenge—to limit exposure and pursue charge reductions.


Aggravating and Enhancing Factors

San Diego courts can impose sentence enhancements for:

  • Refusal to test (adds 1 year suspension)
  • High BAC (0.15% or above)
  • Minor in vehicle (VC §23572)
  • Speeding 30+ mph over limit (VC §23582)
  • Accident with injury or property damage

Each enhancement increases penalties. A well-prepared attorney can argue mitigation, demonstrate lack of aggravating intent, or secure dismissal of enhancement allegations.


Collateral Consequences of a DUI Conviction

A DUI conviction doesn’t end at sentencing. It triggers a range of secondary effects that can jeopardize your personal and professional life.

1. License Suspension and DMV Points

The California DMV automatically imposes administrative per se (APS) suspensions upon conviction. The suspension appears on your driving record and can dramatically increase insurance premiums. For many professionals, driving is essential to employment—making license preservation a top priority.

2. Criminal Record and Background Checks

A misdemeanor DUI appears on Live Scan and DOJ background reports, visible to employers, licensing boards, and security clearance evaluators. Expungement is available after successful probation, but prevention at the initial stage remains the most powerful strategy.

3. Immigration and Federal Impact

For non-citizens, DUI convictions can cause visa delays, re-entry denials, or immigration review—especially if drugs or injury are alleged. Early communication between criminal and immigration counsel is vital to protecting status.


Professional DUI Consequences in San Diego

Power Trial Lawyers represents professionals across San Diego County who face additional scrutiny from licensing agencies. Each profession has unique reporting obligations and disciplinary risks.

Doctors, Nurses, and Medical Professionals

Under the California Business and Professions Code, the Medical Board and Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)require disclosure of criminal convictions. Even a first DUI can trigger an accusation for unprofessional conduct. Power Trial Lawyers advises clients on:

  • Reporting obligations to DCA boards
  • Mitigating rehabilitation evidence
  • Avoiding license suspension or probation
  • Coordinating defense with administrative counsel

Attorneys and Legal Professionals

Lawyers must report convictions to the State Bar of California. A misdemeanor DUI can lead to disciplinary review, especially if alcohol dependency is alleged. Our firm counsels attorneys on compliance, disclosure, and rehabilitation submissions to the Office of Chief Trial Counsel.

Psychologists, Therapists, and Social Workers

Mental-health professionals licensed under the BBS face disciplinary action for DUI offenses tied to impairment or conduct. Character references, treatment participation, and documented sobriety can substantially mitigate sanctions.

Commercial Drivers (CDL Holders)

For CDL holders, the BAC limit drops to 0.04%. Even an off-duty DUI in a personal vehicle can trigger one-year disqualification of commercial privileges under VC §15300. Multiple offenses can lead to lifetime CDL revocation, ending a driving career permanently.

Military Service Members

San Diego’s large military population—including personnel stationed at Naval Base San Diego, Coronado, Camp Pendleton, and MCAS Miramar—faces unique risks. A civilian DUI can lead to:

  • UCMJ proceedings
  • Loss of base driving privileges
  • Security clearance review
  • Career impact and command notification

We coordinate with military defense counsel (JAG) to ensure a unified defense that protects both civilian and military standing.

Pilots, Real-Estate Agents, and Other License Holders

The FAA, DRE, and other agencies require immediate disclosure of DUI arrests or convictions. Failure to report can cause license suspension independent of court outcomes. Our attorneys guide professionals through timely reporting and proactive rehabilitation steps.


DUI Defenses Tailored to Professionals

When professional licensing or employment is at stake, defense strategy must consider:

  • Minimizing formal conviction exposure
  • Negotiating for lesser “non-DUI” dispositions
  • Structuring probation terms that avoid mandatory reporting
  • Preparing early rehabilitation evidence
  • Coordinating with administrative lawyers to prevent collateral sanctions

This integrated approach distinguishes Power Trial Lawyers in defending white-collar professionals, government employees, and licensed practitioners across San Diego County.


Post-Conviction and Alternative Sentencing Options

Even after a DUI conviction, multiple post-conviction remedies may reduce long-term consequences. San Diego’s criminal courts and local programs provide several avenues for relief when properly petitioned.

1. Wet Reckless Reduction (VC §23103.5)

A negotiated “wet reckless” carries fewer penalties, shorter DUI school, and reduced license suspension. It’s often attainable when BAC results are borderline or procedural issues exist.

2. Probation and Early Termination

Most first-time DUIs result in informal probation. After demonstrating compliance for at least half the term, defendants can petition for early termination under PC §1203.3, then immediately seek expungement.

3. DUI Expungement (PC §1203.4)

An expungement reopens and dismisses the conviction, allowing lawful responses of “no conviction” on most private employment applications. It also removes probation status, restoring opportunities for professional advancement.

4. Military Diversion (PC §1001.80)

San Diego courts allow military diversion for current or former service members suffering from PTSD, TBI, or substance-related issues. Successful completion results in dismissal and record sealing. Power Trial Lawyers routinely prepares diversion petitions supported by expert evaluations and command endorsements.

5. Alternative Sentencing

San Diego County offers several jail alternatives:

  • SCRAM continuous alcohol monitoring
  • Work Furlough and Residential Re-entry
  • Home detention with electronic monitoring
  • Rehabilitation or outpatient treatment programs

Judges often consider these options when defense counsel demonstrates accountability, treatment progress, and community support.

6. SR-22 and License Reinstatement

To reinstate driving privileges, an SR-22 insurance form must be filed with the DMV. Power Trial Lawyers helps clients navigate reinstatement timing, IID installation, and compliance paperwork to restore lawful driving quickly.


Local Resources for DUI Recovery and Compliance

While our role is legal defense, we understand many clients benefit from support and rehabilitation. San Diego offers respected programs that courts recognize positively:

  • MAAC DUI Program – Chula Vista
  • McAlister Institute – San Diego
  • East County DUI Services – El Cajon
  • North County Lifeline – Vista
  • Scripps Recovery Programs

Documented completion of treatment, counseling, or AA participation can influence sentencing outcomes and license reinstatement decisions.


Why Local Experience Matters in San Diego DUI Defense

Each San Diego courthouse applies DUI policy slightly differently:

  • Downtown San Diego: Emphasizes pretrial negotiations and diversion where legally permitted.
  • Vista: Known for strict sentencing; meticulous procedural defenses can lead to suppression.
  • El Cajon: Open to treatment-based alternatives and wet reckless reductions.
  • Chula Vista: Prioritizes safety enhancements but receptive to mitigation packages.

Power Trial Lawyers understands these distinctions. Local familiarity allows the firm to anticipate prosecutorial tendencies, tailor defense presentations, and build arguments consistent with courtroom expectations—improving negotiation leverage and case outcomes.


Contact a San Diego DUI Defense Lawyer Today

If you are a professional, service member, or driver facing a DUI in San Diego County, don’t delay in protecting your career and license. Early strategic representation is the key to minimizing impact. Call Power Trial Lawyers today at (888) 808-2179 to schedule a confidential consultation with a San Diego DUI defense attorney who understands how to protect your livelihood.

What to Do After a DUI Arrest in San Diego

The first 24 to 48 hours after a DUI arrest are critical. What you do—or fail to do—can dramatically affect your driver’s license, your court case, and even your future job opportunities. Many people make the mistake of waiting until their first court date to seek legal help. By that point, valuable evidence can be lost and administrative deadlines may already have passed.

At Power Trial Lawyers, we act immediately to protect your rights and preserve your ability to drive. Our San Diego DUI defense attorneys know how fast the system moves and how unforgiving it can be without timely action.

Step 1: Schedule Your DMV Hearing Within 10 Days

Under California’s Admin Per Se process, you have only 10 calendar days from the date of arrest to request a DMV hearing. If you miss this deadline, your license will automatically be suspended 30 days after arrest—even before your criminal case begins.

At Power Trial Lawyers, we contact the San Diego Driver Safety Office immediately to:

  • Demand your DMV hearing;
  • Prevent automatic suspension;
  • Obtain the police reports and chemical test records; and
  • Begin analyzing the evidence for procedural or scientific errors.

Early representation allows us to challenge the legality of the stop, the accuracy of test equipment, and whether the arresting officer complied with Title 17 regulations.

Step 2: Collect and Preserve Evidence

Time-sensitive evidence can make or break your defense. We advise clients to:

  • Document the timeline of events from the night of arrest;
  • Identify potential witnesses who saw your driving or sobriety;
  • Save receipts from bars or restaurants showing limited consumption;
  • Record medications or health conditions that could mimic intoxication.

Our team issues subpoenas for dashcam, bodycam, and calibration records before they are overwritten by law enforcement systems. These early investigative steps often expose key weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Step 3: Avoid Common Mistakes After Arrest

Many defendants unintentionally harm their cases by acting without legal guidance.
Avoid the following:

  1. Contacting the arresting officer or DA directly — anything you say can be used against you.
  2. Posting about your arrest on social media. Prosecutors routinely review social media for statements or photos that contradict defense positions.
  3. Missing your court date. Failure to appear results in a bench warrant and additional charges under PC §1320.
  4. Ignoring license deadlines. Even if you win your criminal case, DMV action proceeds separately.
  5. Assuming guilt or hopelessness. Many DUI arrests involve procedural defects, uncalibrated machines, or unlawfully obtained evidence.

Early intervention changes everything. The sooner we act, the more leverage we have to secure dismissals, reductions, or diversions.

Step 4: Engage an Experienced DUI Defense Lawyer

Choosing a local, specialized attorney is one of the most powerful steps you can take. Power Trial Lawyers practices exclusively in criminal defense and has extensive experience with San Diego Superior Court procedures. We tailor every defense to the unique facts of your case and the specific courtroom where it will be heard.

Working with us means:

  • Direct attorney access throughout your case;
  • Strategic coordination between your criminal and DMV proceedings;
  • Transparent communication about every stage; and
  • Aggressive protection of your rights and reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does a DUI stay on my record in California?

A DUI conviction stays on your criminal record indefinitely and on your DMV driving record for 10 years from the date of arrest. The 10-year look-back period affects sentencing for future DUIs. Expungement under PC §1203.4 removes the conviction from public court records but not from DMV history.


2. What happens if I refuse a breath or blood test in San Diego?

Refusal to submit to a chemical test after lawful arrest triggers an automatic one-year license suspension and can be used as evidence of guilt in court. Under Vehicle Code §23612, California’s implied consent law, every driver agrees to chemical testing when lawfully arrested for DUI. However, the legality of the request, proper advisement, and the timing of the refusal can all be challenged.


3. Can I still drive after a DUI arrest?

Yes—but only temporarily. You may drive for 30 days using the pink temporary license issued at arrest. To extend your privilege, you must request a DMV hearing within 10 days. If the DMV sets a hearing, your temporary license remains valid until a decision is issued.


4. How do San Diego courts handle first-time DUIs?

First-time offenders often face probation, fines, DUI school, and possible IID installation, but jail time can often be avoided. San Diego judges sometimes consider diversion or wet-reckless reductions if your BAC was close to 0.08% and no accident occurred. Early negotiation and mitigation evidence—such as proof of counseling or community involvement—can make a decisive difference.


5. How much does a DUI lawyer cost in San Diego?

Fees vary depending on case complexity and prior record. A first-time misdemeanor DUI typically ranges between $4,000 and $10,000 for skilled private representation. Beware of extremely low-cost firms that delegate cases to inexperienced associates. Power Trial Lawyers provides transparent flat-fee agreements and dedicates senior-level attention to every case.


6. Will my employer find out about my DUI?

Private employers may not automatically know unless background checks or DMV pulls are required for your position. However, professionals regulated by state licensing boards—including doctors, nurses, lawyers, and real-estate agents—must self-report convictions. Power Trial Lawyers advises clients on proactive disclosure strategies to minimize career damage.


7. What are the chances of jail time for a first-time DUI?

In San Diego, most first-time DUIs result in probation and fines rather than jail, provided there were no injuries or refusals. However, aggravating factors like high BAC or minors in the car can trigger minimum jail requirements. Your attorney can often substitute alternatives such as community service, electronic monitoring, or residential treatment.


8. Can a DUI be expunged in California?

Yes. After completing probation, you may petition under PC §1203.4 to have your conviction dismissed. Once granted, you can legally state you have not been convicted of a crime for most employment purposes. Expungement is particularly valuable for professionals and individuals seeking license reinstatement.


9. What if I’m charged with a DUI while on base or in the military?

Military DUIs can result in dual prosecution—civilian court under California law and administrative or UCMJ discipline on base. We coordinate with JAG counsel to ensure consistent defense and protect security clearance. In many cases, military diversion under PC §1001.80 allows dismissal upon treatment completion.


10. What’s the difference between a DUI and a wet reckless?

A “wet reckless” (VC §23103.5) is a negotiated plea for reduced charges. It carries shorter probation, fewer fines, and no mandatory license suspension if handled pre-conviction. While it counts as a prior for future DUIs, it’s far less damaging to insurance rates and professional licensing.


11. How long does the DUI process take in San Diego County?

Most misdemeanor DUI cases take three to six months from arraignment to resolution, depending on evidence and negotiations. Felony DUIs may extend longer due to discovery, expert analysis, and potential preliminary hearings. Power Trial Lawyers keeps every client informed and prepared at each procedural milestone.


12. Do I need to appear in court personally?

For most misdemeanor DUIs, your attorney can appear on your behalf under Penal Code §977(a). This allows you to continue working while your defense proceeds. Attendance is usually required only for trial or specific hearings.


13. Can a DUI affect my immigration status?

While a single misdemeanor DUI usually doesn’t trigger deportation, cases involving drugs, injury, or multiple offensescan affect immigration benefits. Non-citizens should consult a lawyer versed in both criminal and immigration law to prevent unintended consequences.


14. Are DUI checkpoints legal in San Diego?

Yes—if conducted under strict constitutional guidelines. Checkpoints must provide advance notice, neutral vehicle selection, visible signage, and minimal delay. Failure to meet these requirements can make an arrest invalid. Power Trial Lawyers regularly challenges improper checkpoint operations across San Diego County.


15. What should I do right now if I’ve just been arrested?

  • Remain calm and polite;
  • Do not discuss your case with police or friends;
  • Contact Power Trial Lawyers immediately;
  • Request your DMV hearing within 10 days;
  • Document everything you remember about the stop and testing.

The faster you act, the stronger your defense will be.

Why Choose Power Trial Lawyers for Your San Diego DUI Defense

Unmatched Local Knowledge

San Diego County’s four courthouse divisions each operate differently. From Downtown San Diego’s pretrial tendencies to Vista’s procedural rigidity, knowing how each judge and district attorney evaluates DUI cases gives Power Trial Lawyers an immediate advantage.

Science-Driven Legal Strategy

We challenge every element of DUI testing—machine calibration, blood storage, human error, and timing. Our approach is rooted in evidentiary law and scientific scrutiny, ensuring every constitutional and procedural flaw is exposed.

Client-Centered Representation

We communicate clearly, operate transparently, and prioritize your comfort during an otherwise stressful process. Every client works directly with an experienced attorney—not assistants or contract lawyers.

Reputation for Integrity

Our firm is known statewide for professionalism and ethical advocacy. We balance assertive courtroom strategy with respectful relationships toward prosecutors and judges, often leading to more favorable negotiations and credibility in argument.


Taking Control of Your Future Starts Today

A DUI charge is not a conviction. You still have rights, defenses, and opportunities for relief—but timing matters. Whether your case began in Pacific Beach, El Cajon, or downtown San Diego, Power Trial Lawyers is ready to help you navigate every stage with confidence.

Act Now:

  • Call (888) 808-2179 for a confidential consultation.
  • Request your DMV hearing immediately.
  • Speak directly with a San Diego DUI defense attorney who understands your local court, your profession, and your priorities.

Power Trial Lawyers—protecting your license, your record, and your future in every San Diego DUI case. Submit a secure confidential consultation request.

Client Reviews

Matthew is the most knowledgeable lawyer. I have worked with teams of lawyers and none of them were as knowledgeable and prompt as Matthew. I trust all of my company’s legal affairs with Matthew. He makes me rest easy knowing he is on it.

Michael

Matthew is the epitome of hard work and dedication, when it comes to his work. Matthew has helped me with all my contractual work needed to help me launch my start up. Matthew is honest, diligent and relentless.

Carol

Matthew was very responsive and caring for my case. He handled my case with efficiency and made sure to secure exactly what we wanted. He has represented my company previously and when we needed a lawyer, it was no question – we phoned Matthew!

Tony

Contact Us

  1. 1 Free Consultation
  2. 2 Available 24/7
  3. 3 Appeals and Litigation Attorney
Fill out the contact form or call us at (888) 808-2179 to schedule your free consultation.

Leave Us a Message