San Mateo County DUI Attorney
Arrested for DUI in San Mateo County? The Askar Law Firm represents clients facing first-time and repeat misdemeanor DUI charges, alcohol- and drug-related DUI allegations, and DMV proceedings. Attorney Ahmad Askar works directly with clients from the initial consultation through resolution or trial.
DUI Charges We Defend in San Mateo County
A DUI arrest can lead to both a criminal case and separate consequences involving your driver’s license. The Askar Law Firm represents clients facing misdemeanor DUI charges throughout San Mateo County, including first-time and repeat offenses.
We handle cases involving alcohol, drugs, prescription medications, and combinations of substances. Representation can include challenging the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, breath or blood testing, chemical-test procedures, and other evidence the prosecution may rely on.
First-time DUI
Second DUI
Third misdemeanor DUI
Drug DUI (DUID)
Prescription medication DUI
Alcohol and drug combination cases
DUI cases involving breath or blood testing
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in San Mateo County?
After a DUI arrest, the criminal case generally proceeds separately from any action involving your driving privilege. In the criminal case, the prosecution must prove the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. An arrest does not mean a conviction is inevitable.
A DUI defense should begin with a careful review of the circumstances leading to the arrest and the evidence against you. Depending on the case, that can include the reason for the traffic stop, the officer’s observations, body-worn camera footage, field sobriety tests, breath or blood test results, laboratory records, and whether law enforcement followed required procedures.
At The Askar Law Firm, you work directly with attorney Ahmad Askar. The goal is to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, evaluate available defenses and resolutions, and prepare the case for trial when necessary.
Potential Defenses to a DUI Charge
Every DUI case is different, and the available defenses depend on the evidence. A DUI charge can sometimes be challenged based on how the investigation began, how evidence was collected, or whether the evidence reliably proves impairment or an unlawful blood alcohol concentration.
The legality of the traffic stop — whether law enforcement had a lawful basis to stop or detain you.
Field sobriety testing — whether the tests were properly administered and whether other factors affected performance.
Breath testing — issues involving testing procedures, equipment, timing, or the reliability of the result.
Blood testing — collection, handling, laboratory analysis, and other issues that may affect the evidence.
Rising blood alcohol — whether your blood alcohol concentration may have been different while driving than when you were later tested.
Evidence of actual impairment — whether the prosecution's observations and other evidence establish that your ability to drive was impaired.
Drug DUI evidence — whether the evidence reliably establishes that a drug affected your ability to drive safely.
The appropriate defense depends on the facts of the individual case. Attorney Ahmad Askar reviews the evidence and circumstances of the arrest before advising a client about defenses, negotiations, or trial strategy.
DUI Defense in San Mateo County
The Askar Law Firm is based in Redwood City and represents people charged with misdemeanor DUI offenses throughout San Mateo County. Attorney Ahmad Askar handles cases from arraignment through pretrial proceedings, negotiations, motions, and jury trial when necessary.
We represent clients from communities throughout the county, including Redwood City, San Mateo, Daly City, South San Francisco, Menlo Park, East Palo Alto, San Bruno, Burlingame, Millbrae, Belmont, San Carlos, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, and surrounding areas.
Clients work directly with Ahmad throughout their case. Arabic-speaking clients can communicate directly with their attorney, and Spanish-speaking clients have access to an experienced Spanish-speaking assistant. When a criminal case may create immigration consequences, those consequences are also considered when evaluating case strategy and potential resolutions.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Charges
Is a first DUI a misdemeanor in California?
In many cases, a first DUI is charged as a misdemeanor. The particular charges and potential consequences depend on the circumstances of the case, including prior convictions and whether aggravating facts are alleged.
Can I fight a DUI even if I was over .08?
Yes. A reported blood alcohol concentration does not by itself eliminate potential defenses. The circumstances of the traffic stop, timing and administration of chemical testing, reliability of the results, and other evidence should be evaluated before deciding how to handle the case.
Can prescription medication lead to a DUI charge?
Yes. California DUI laws are not limited to alcohol or illegal drugs. A person may face a DUI allegation involving prescription or over-the-counter medication if the prosecution alleges the substance impaired the person's ability to drive safely.
What happens if I have a prior DUI?
Prior DUI convictions can significantly affect how a new case is handled and the potential consequences. The Askar Law Firm represents clients facing second and third misdemeanor DUI charges as well as first-time DUI cases.
Will I have to go to court personally?
It depends on the case and the particular court proceeding. One benefit of hiring an attorney is that counsel may be able to appear on a client's behalf for certain misdemeanor proceedings when legally permitted. Ahmad will explain when your personal appearance is required.
Do you handle DUI cases throughout San Mateo County?
Yes. The Askar Law Firm's office is in Redwood City and represents clients facing misdemeanor DUI charges throughout San Mateo County.
Speak With a San Mateo County DUI Attorney
If you have been arrested or charged with DUI in San Mateo County, contact The Askar Law Firm to discuss your case directly with attorney Ahmad Askar. Free consultations are available.