Overview
San Diego DUI, step-by-step (what actually happens)
1) The stop, investigation, and arrest
Most San Diego DUIs begin with a stop by SDPD, the Sheriff’s Department, CHP, or another local agency. The officer will evaluate impairment (driving cues, field-sobriety tests, and a breath test on a handheld device). If you’re arrested, your California license is confiscated and you receive a pink “Order of Suspension/Revocation” (DS-367) that also acts as your 30-day temporary license. You have a short window to fight the automatic suspension with DMV (details below). California’s DMV confirms you generally have 10 days from receiving the order to request a hearing (14 days if the notice was mailed). California DMV+1
After arrest, men are usually booked into San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ) downtown (1173 Front St., San Diego), while women are typically taken to Las Colinas Detention & Reentry Facility in Santee (451 Riverview Pkwy.). These are the county’s primary intake facilities. San Diego County Sheriff+1
2) Two tracks begin: DMV (administrative) and Court (criminal)
A DUI case in San Diego splits into:
DMV Administrative Per Se (APS) case: Run by the DMV’s Driver Safety Office (DSO). In San Diego, the DSO is listed at 1455 Frazee Rd., Suite 400, with the published fax ending 5418; statewide, DMV directs drivers to its Driver Safety Offices page for appointments and hours. If you want to keep driving, request your DMV hearing within 10 days or you forfeit the hearing. California DMV+3DMV QR Code+3California DMV+3
Criminal case: Misdemeanor DUIs in the City of San Diego (and Poway/4S Ranch) are prosecuted by the San Diego City Attorney; elsewhere in the county and for felony DUI the San Diego County District Attorney prosecutes. The City Attorney has publicly noted thousands of misdemeanor DUI prosecutions annually; the DA publishes division contacts and case-lookup info for county-filed matters. SDCDA+3San Diego City Government+3San Diego City Government+3
Where your San Diego DUI case is heard
San Diego Superior Court has multiple courthouse locations. Most criminal DUI matters are heard at one of these branches:
Central Courthouse (Downtown): 1100 Union St., San Diego, CA 92101. The court lists Criminal—Felonies, Misdemeanors, and the Substance Abuse Assessment Unit (SAAU) here. sdcourt.ca.gov
North County (Vista): 325 S. Melrose Dr., Vista, CA 92081. Full-service branch that hears Criminal, Traffic, and more. sdcourt.ca.gov
East County (El Cajon): 250 E. Main St., El Cajon, CA 92020. Criminal matters are heard here as well. sdcourt.ca.gov
South County (Chula Vista): 500 Third Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91910. Criminal/Traffic/Minor Offenses; appointments required for appearances in that division. sdcourt.ca.gov+1
The criminal court process in San Diego
Arraignment
This is your first court date—your rights are explained, you enter a plea, and bail conditions are addressed. If released from jail, your arraignment date is on your citation or release paperwork. Many criminal business offices run on 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. windows (check your specific branch’s page). sdcourt.ca.gov
SAAU referral & local DUI programs
Upon conviction (and sometimes earlier), DUI cases are referred to the Superior Court’s Substance Abuse Assessment Unit (SAAU) for evaluation and referral to the proper DUI school, MADD Victim Impact Panel, and any needed treatment. The court publishes a San Diego County DUI school list, including:
• Central District DUIP (9245 Sky Park Ct., San Diego)
• East County ACCORD (El Cajon)
• MAAC Project DUIP (Chula Vista)
• MHS Turn DUI Program (San Marcos)
The court also posts how to enroll and points to the DMV’s DUI program directory. sdcourt.ca.gov
Disposition & sentencing
Outcomes range from dismissals or reductions (e.g., “wet reckless”) to standard DUI terms, and in injury or felony cases, much more serious penalties. In sentencing, local judges may also order MADD panels and, depending on the case, allow alternative custody options administered by the San Diego Sheriff’s Department (e.g., Work Furlough or other County Parole & Alternative Custody (CPAC) programs). sdcourt.ca.gov+2San Diego County Sheriff+2
Penalties you can expect (California law applied in San Diego)
California penalties are set by statute and applied county by county. Courts in San Diego follow these statewide ranges:
First-offense misdemeanor DUI (Vehicle Code §23152)
Jail: Up to 6 months; statutes specify 96 hours minimum in some contexts, but most first-offenders in San Diego serve no actual jail if they comply with probation terms. California Legislative Information
Fines/fees: Base fine $390–$1,000 (with assessments, the real cost is much higher). California Legislative Information
Probation: Typically 3 years of summary (informal) probation (some courts impose longer; terms vary by case). (General statewide practice; confirm on your plea paperwork.)
DUI program: 3-month alcohol program is common (longer 9-month if BAC is high; SAAU will direct you to the correct length/program). sdcourt.ca.gov
MADD panel and other conditions (e.g., community service) may be ordered. sdcourt.ca.gov
License/IID: See DMV/IID section below.
Second-offense misdemeanor DUI (within 10 years)
Statutes increase minimum jail, extend DUI program length, and increase IID duration and license impacts (details vary with priors/BCAs/refusals). FindLaw Codes
Third-offense misdemeanor DUI
Expect significantly enhanced jail exposure, longer program, and a much longer IID/license consequence window (again, see DMV below; details are fact-dependent). Justia Law
DUI causing injury (Vehicle Code §23153)
Even if charged as a misdemeanor, injury DUIs trigger heavier penalties, longer programs, and IID requirements. If filed as a felony (serious injury, priors, or aggravation), the District Attorney prosecutes and the exposure escalates. SDCDA
Common enhancements
High BAC, excessive speed, refusal, and child-passenger enhancements can raise penalties or add mandatory minimums. The exact enhancement set-ups come from varying code sections and local charging practices; your attorney will evaluate which apply.
The DMV track: APS hearing, suspensions, and Ignition Interlock Devices (IID)
Your 10-day clock
From the date you receive the pink suspension order, you have 10 days to request an APS hearing with DMV (14 if the notice was mailed). If you request on time and the DMV can’t schedule you before the effective date, the action can be “stayed” so you can keep driving pending the hearing. Hearings may be by phone or in person. California DMV+1
Where is the DMV hearing handled?
DMV runs APS hearings through Driver Safety Offices (not regular field offices). DMV lists Driver Safety Offices statewide and directs drivers to the central contact page to schedule. (San Diego matters have historically been handled out of the Frazee Rd. Driver Safety Office.) California DMV+1
IID options under California’s statewide IID law
California’s Statewide Ignition Interlock Device program lets many DUI defendants keep driving if they install an IID for a set period (length depends on offense level and whether there was injury). DMV’s IID program page explains eligibility and points you to the Mandatory Actions Unit (MAU at (916) 657-6525) for case-specific status. California DMV
Reinstating your driving after conviction
After court, DMV still requires:
Completion of the ordered DUI program;
Filing an SR-22 (proof of insurance);
Paying reissue/restriction fees;
IID installation if required. The DMV Driver Handbook summarizes these conviction consequences and requirements. California DMV
Local flavor: Who prosecutes where, who tests, and who supervises sentences
Prosecutors: The City Attorney prosecutes City of San Diego/Poway/4S Ranch misdemeanors; the District Attorney handles countywide felonies and misdemeanors outside the City of San Diego. The City Attorney’s office has published data on thousands of DUI prosecutions yearly and frequently receives OTS grants focusing on DUI enforcement. San Diego City Government+1
Labs: Cases are referred by about 15 agencies to the San Diego Police Department Crime Lab, Sheriff’s Crime Lab, or Bio-Tox for testing, per the City Attorney’s published release. San Diego City Government
Jails & alternatives: Sentences can include custody at local jails or alternative custody such as Work Furlough or CPAC (home detention, reentry center with electronic monitoring) administered by the Sheriff with reentry services to reduce recidivism. San Diego County Sheriff+1
Typical timeline in a San Diego DUI
Day 0–1: Arrest & release/booking. You get the pink DMV order/30-day temp license. Tow/impound issues are handled separately. If you’re booked, it’s typically SDCJ (men) or Las Colinas (women). San Diego County Sheriff+1
Within 10 days: Request your DMV hearing to contest the automatic suspension and to preserve a stay of the action if the DMV can’t hear you before the effective date. California DMV
Arraignment (weeks): First appearance at the appropriate San Diego Superior Court branch (Central, North, East, South, depending on where your case was filed). If your case is a city misdemeanor, the City Attorney is present; otherwise the District Attorney appears. sdcourt.ca.gov+3sdcourt.ca.gov+3sdcourt.ca.gov+3
Pre-trial phase: Motions, negotiation, and discovery (police reports, body-cam if any, lab records, maintenance logs). Defense may subpoena lab records from SDPD or Sheriff’s Crime Lab. City Attorney and DA policies can differ by courthouse and case type. San Diego City Government+1
Disposition: Outcomes range from dismissal or a reduced plea to a DUI conviction (misdemeanor or felony). SAAU conducts assessments and routes you to the correct DUI school and MADD panel when required. sdcourt.ca.gov
Sentencing & compliance: Pay fines and assessments, complete your DUI program, attend MADD VIP, install IID if applicable, file SR-22, and comply with any alternative custody or community service terms. Sheriff’s CPAC/Work Furlough and reentry services may be involved if custody is ordered. San Diego County Sheriff+2County of San Diego+2
License consequences at a glance (San Diego drivers)
APS (admin) suspension can start 30 days after arrest unless you timely request a hearing and obtain a stay. California DMV
Conviction-based action is separate and stacks with APS unless you manage timing/eligibility for restricted/IID driving. DMV explains that after conviction you must complete program requirements, file SR-22, pay fees, and may need an IID. California DMV
Zero tolerance applies to drivers under 21 (≥0.01% BAC) with its own APS action and 10-day hearing request window. California DMV
IID program: California’s statewide IID law allows many first-time offenders to keep driving if they install an IID for the required period; the Mandatory Actions Unit at DMV answers case-specific questions (916-657-6525). California DMV
Local resources & contacts (quick reference)
San Diego Superior Court – DUI/SAAU & DUI program list: The court’s DUI page lists SAAU referral info and the San Diego DUI schools (Central District DUIP, MAAC Project, East County ACCORD, MHS Turn). It also lists the DMV Mandatory Actions Unit phone number for license questions. sdcourt.ca.gov
Court locations (by division): Central (Downtown), North County (Vista), East County (El Cajon), South County (Chula Vista). Each page provides addresses, phone lines, and business hours. sdcourt.ca.gov+3sdcourt.ca.gov+3sdcourt.ca.gov+3
San Diego City Attorney (misdemeanor DUI in the City): 1200 Third Ave., Suite 1620; main line 619-236-6220. San Diego City Government
San Diego County District Attorney (felonies / DUIs outside City): Hall of Justice, 330 W. Broadway; main 619-531-4040; North County office also listed by the DA. SDCDA+1
San Diego Sheriff – Jails: San Diego Central Jail (men’s primary intake) and Las Colinas (women’s intake) with countywide custody info at (619) 409-5000. San Diego County Sheriff+1
DMV – Driver Safety / APS hearings: Use DMV’s Driver Safety Offices index to schedule; IID program information and MAU (916-657-6525) for case status. California DMV+1
Practical tips that help in San Diego DUI cases
Calendar your 10-day DMV deadline immediately. If you miss it, you lose your APS hearing rights—even if your criminal case later gets reduced or dismissed. California DMV
Identify your courthouse and prosecutor early. If your arrest was in the City of San Diego, expect a City Attorney misdemeanor filing; if North County (e.g., Oceanside/Carlsbad), look to Vista with the DA, and so on. San Diego City Government+1
Expect SAAU and MADD requirements with any conviction or DUI-related plea. Line up your DUI school enrollment quickly; San Diego’s court page lists providers and phone numbers. sdcourt.ca.gov
Ask about alternative custody if jail is on the table. Work Furlough or CPAC (home detention/electronic monitoring) can let you keep your job while serving the sentence. Judges decide eligibility; the Sheriff administers. County of San Diego+1
Plan for DMV compliance after court: DUI program completion, SR-22, fees, and IID if required. The DMV handbook lays this out plainly. California DMV
Bottom Line of the DUI Process in San Diego
A San Diego DUI triggers two cases (DMV and court), involves specific local agencies (City Attorney or DA, San Diego Superior Court, Sheriff’s custody/alternative programs), and often requires SAAU, a DUI program, MADD panel, and IID/SR-22 to get you back on the road. The most important immediate task is requesting the DMV hearing within 10 days, then tracking the right courthouse and prosecutor for your location. Use the court’s DUI page for programs and SAAU, the DMV’s pages for APS and IID, and the Sheriff’s pages for jail/alternative custody logistics. San Diego County Sheriff+3California DMV+3sdcourt.ca.gov+3
