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California DUI defense

DUI defense in San Rafael.

San Rafael is the county seat of Marin County, and the Marin County Superior Court is located there. San Rafael PD and CHP enforce DUI laws with US-101 running through the city as the primary North Bay arterial connecting the Golden Gate to points north.

The Marin County Superior Court in San Rafael

The Marin County Superior Court at 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael handles all Marin County DUI cases. The courthouse is in San Rafael itself, the county seat. All Marin County DUI arraignments and proceedings are held here.

The DMV Driver Safety Office

APS hearings for Marin County DUI arrests are handled by the San Francisco or Sacramento Driver Safety Office depending on DMV administrative routing. Confirm the applicable DSO from the pink Notice of Suspension. The 10-day deadline runs from the arrest date.

10-day DMV hearing deadline

You have 10 calendar days from your arrest date to request an APS hearing. Missing this deadline means automatic license suspension beginning 30 days after arrest. Contact the applicable Driver Safety Office immediately or have an attorney request the hearing on your behalf.

Law enforcement and DUI enforcement patterns

San Rafael PD enforces DUI on Fourth Street (downtown), Second Street, and in the Canal District. CHP enforces on US-101 through San Rafael, a heavy commuter corridor, and at the Sir Francis Drake Boulevard interchange. The downtown restaurant district and nightlife area generate consistent weekend enforcement.

How local prosecutors handle DUI cases

Marin County DA prosecutes all DUI cases in the county. Marin County is known for thorough prosecution. The affluent demographic means defendants often face significant professional and licensing stakes. Wet reckless reductions are available for appropriate cases.

After a San Rafael DUI arrest: your immediate priorities

Request the DMV APS hearing within 10 days, confirm DSO from your pink Notice of Suspension. Your arraignment will be at the Marin County Superior Court in San Rafael itself, convenient for city residents.

Common questions

San Rafael DUI defense questions

Is the Marin County courthouse in San Rafael?

Yes. The Marin County Superior Court at 3501 Civic Center Drive is in San Rafael, the county seat. All Marin County DUI cases are heard there.

Which DMV office handles San Rafael APS hearings?

Confirm from your pink Notice of Suspension. Marin County arrests may route through the San Francisco or Sacramento Driver Safety Office depending on DMV administrative assignments.

What is the DMV hearing deadline for a San Rafael DUI?

10 calendar days from your arrest date.

How does Marin County prosecute DUI cases?

Marin County DA runs a thorough prosecution program. The county is known for consistent, firm prosecution of DUI cases. Wet reckless reductions are available with strong favorable facts but are not common.

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Free written case analysis

Know where you stand before your first court date.

Answer ten quick questions about your arrest. You'll get a written analysis built around the California Vehicle Code and DMV procedure: what your license is facing, the defenses that may apply, and what to do in the next 30 days.

  • ✓ Calibrated to California law and your county of arrest
  • ✓ Covers the 10-day DMV deadline most people miss
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Free case analysis

Tell us about your arrest

Step 1 of 10
When did your arrest occur?
What type of license do you hold?
What was the stated reason for the stop?
What chemical test did you take?
What was your blood alcohol concentration?
Prior California DUI convictions in the last 10 years?
Were any of these factors present? (check all that apply)
A couple more things

Do you have a pre-existing medical condition that could affect field sobriety performance? (diabetes, neurological, back injury, GERD or acid reflux, etc.)

Do you currently have a private attorney for this charge?

Where in California did the arrest occur?
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