DUI Attorney in San Bernardino

Serious Charges, Focused Help For Your Future

A DUI arrest in or around San Bernardino can affect your license, your job, and your record for years. It is common to feel overwhelmed, embarrassed, and unsure what to do next. You may already have a court date or paperwork from the California DMV and feel that everything is moving too fast.

At Newman & Allen, we help people in this situation every day. Since 1996, our criminal defense firm in Rancho Cucamonga has represented individuals facing serious charges, including DUI and drunk driving cases that go through the San Bernardino County Superior Court. We understand how quickly a single night can turn into a legal crisis, and we work to safeguard our clients’ futures.

Our team includes former prosecutors who know how the San Bernardino County District Attorney typically builds and evaluates DUI cases. We combine that insight with meticulous preparation and personalized strategies. 

If you have been arrested on suspicion of DUI, you can call (909) 328-6101 or fill out this online form for a confidential evaluation with our DUI attorneys in San Bernardino.

Understanding DUI Laws in California

California’s DUI laws are primarily codified under Vehicle Code 23152. In 2026, these laws are more complex than ever, encompassing not only alcohol but also marijuana and prescription medications.

• VC 23152(a): Driving under the influence of alcohol such that your physical or mental abilities are impaired.
• VC 23152(b): Driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
• VC 23152(f): Driving under the influence of a drug (DUID), including legal prescriptions or recreational cannabis.
• VC 23153: DUI causing bodily injury to another person. This is a "wobbler" that San Bernardino prosecutors often file as a felony.

A critical update for 2026 involves AB 1087, which has increased the mandatory probation period for serious DUI cases (such as vehicular manslaughter) to a minimum of three to five years. Furthermore, the 10-day rule for the DMV remains the most urgent deadline in your case. 

If you do not request a hearing within 10 days of your arrest, your license will be automatically suspended, regardless of what happens in criminal court. Having a San Bernardino DUI defense attorney manage this process is vital to maintaining your mobility.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of DUI in San Bernardino

The penalties for a DUI conviction in San Bernardino are among the most expensive and restrictive in the nation.

• First Offense: Up to 6 months in jail, fines and assessments totaling over $3,000, a mandatory 3-to-9 month DUI school, and a 6-month IID requirement under AB 366.
• Second/Third Offense: Mandatory jail time (90 days to 1 year), an 18-to-30-month DUI school, and longer IID requirements.
• Felony DUI: If you have three prior DUI convictions within 10 years or were involved in an injury accident, you face 16 months to 3 years in state prison.

The collateral consequences extend far beyond court. A DUI conviction can lead to a massive spike in insurance premiums (SR-22 requirements), the loss of commercial driving licenses (CDL), and disqualification from professional certifications. For many residents of San Bernardino, the most significant impact is the "criminal record" that remains "priorable" for 10 years, meaning any subsequent arrest within a decade carries exponentially higher penalties.

What to Do After A DUI Arrest In San Bernardino

The days immediately after a DUI arrest can feel confusing and rushed. Taking a few specific steps as early as possible can help protect your ability to drive and give your attorney more to work with. Acting early is particularly important because some deadlines arrive quickly, even before your first court date.

In many cases, you have only a limited time to contact the California DMV and request a hearing to contest an administrative suspension. If that deadline passes, the DMV may proceed with a suspension even if the criminal case is still pending. Reaching out to a DUI attorney in San Bernardino promptly can help you understand how these timelines apply in your situation.

Right after a DUI arrest, it can help to:

• Keep all paperwork you received, including the citation, temporary license, and any release documents.
• Write down what you remember about the stop, testing, and conversations with officers while details are fresh.
• Avoid discussing the case on social media or with anyone apart from your lawyer and close family.
• Note any medical conditions, injuries, or other factors that may have affected how you appeared or performed on tests.
• Contact our firm promptly so we can review your situation and explain your options.

A drunk driving lawyer in San Bernardino can help you sort through this information, determine what is most important, and decide on the next steps. When you call Newman & Allen, we offer a free and confidential evaluation so you can ask questions and receive guidance without pressure.

Why Choose Newman & Allen

Newman & Allen has been defending people against criminal accusations since 1996. Over those decades, we have handled a wide range of serious cases, including many DUI and drunk driving matters that began with arrests by law enforcement in this area and proceeded in the San Bernardino Justice Center.

Two of our attorneys previously served as prosecutors. That background helps us understand how charging decisions are made, what evidence the prosecution may rely on, and which facts can influence a plea offer. When we review a case, we are not just reacting to paperwork. We are considering how the other side may view the file and where there may be room to challenge or negotiate.

We also believe that no one should be reduced to a file number. We take the time to learn about your work, your family, and what led up to the arrest. We then work to present that full story to judges and prosecutors so they see you as a person, not only as a police report. Our preparation includes careful review of the circumstances of the stop, the testing that was used, and the way the incident was documented, along with the impact any outcome may have on your life.

Clients choose our firm because:

• We bring decades of criminal defense experience to DUI and drunk driving cases in the area.
• Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the San Bernardino County District Attorney approaches these cases.
• We focus on meticulous preparation and tailored strategies instead of one-size-fits-all answers.
• We make confidentiality and respectful communication central to every client relationship.
• We offer free, confidential evaluations so you can understand your options before making decisions.

From the first conversation, our aim is to listen, explain the process in plain language, and start building a strategy that fits your situation.

How Our Team Defends DUI Cases in San Bernardino

When you contact us after a DUI arrest, we begin by listening to your account and reviewing all paperwork, including citations, court notices, and DMV documents. We then analyze the legal and factual issues, such as the basis for the traffic stop, the officer’s observations, field sobriety testing, and the handling of any breath or blood samples to identify potential weaknesses.

Drawing on former prosecutor experience, we evaluate how the District Attorney and local judges may view the evidence and advise you on realistic options. We also prepare you for each court appearance, explaining procedures, possible outcomes, and strategic decisions so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

At Newman & Allen, we don't just "plead you out." We conduct a forensic deep dive into every case. Our methodology includes:

• Challenging Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs): FSTs are highly subjective. We use expert testimony to show how medical conditions, poor lighting, or improper instructions from the officer led to an inaccurate result.
• Blood-Alcohol Science: We work with toxicologists to challenge the accuracy of chemical tests, looking for fermentation in blood vials or mouth alcohol contamination in breath tests.
• Officer Credibility: We investigate the arresting officer's history for any patterns of misconduct or improper procedure.
• Early Mitigation: We help clients enroll in voluntary programs early, which we use as leverage to seek a dismissal or a reduction under the new AB 321 guidelines.

Throughout the case, communication remains a priority. We answer questions, explain developments, and help you weigh choices such as whether to seek certain programs, request a DMV hearing, or consider negotiated resolutions. Our role as a drunk driving attorney in San Bernardino is to guide you through both the criminal process and the license issues so you can make informed decisions, not to pressure you into quick choices you do not understand.

Talk to Our DUI Defense Lawyers in San Bernardino Today

If you or someone you care about is facing DUI or drunk driving charges in this area, you do not have to navigate the process alone. Newman & Allen brings decades of criminal defense experience, former prosecutor insight, and a commitment to personalized advocacy to every case we accept.

We strive to understand your story, protect your rights, and work toward an outcome that helps you move forward. To discuss your situation directly with our team and receive clear guidance about your options, contact us today.

Call (909) 328-6101 or reach out online for a free, confidential evaluation.