San Diego DUI Defense Lawyer
Skilled and Strategic Legal Representation After a DUI Arrest in San Diego County
A DUI arrest can feel like the bottom has dropped out from under you. You may be dealing with fear, confusion, and shame—all while facing the possibility of losing your license, paying steep fines, or even going to jail. But a DUI charge is not a conviction. You still have rights, and you still have options. With the right defense and the help of an experienced San Diego DUI defense lawyer, you can protect your future and minimize the impact on your life.
At Anthony Z. Vargas, Esq., Attorney at Law, we understand what’s at stake when you’re charged with driving under the influence. Anthony is a former Public Defender who has defended countless clients accused of DUI throughout San Diego County. He brings a calm, steady presence to every case, instilling clients with confidence and peace of mind. With thorough investigation, strategic negotiation, and strong advocacy, he’ll work tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome.
Don’t Go It Alone—Speak to a Lawyer Immediately
If you’ve been arrested for DUI, the most important thing to remember is this: Don’t talk to anyone without your attorney present. Police officers are trained to ask questions in a way that makes you look guilty. Even casual remarks can be twisted and used against you later. The only words you should say are: “I want a lawyer.”
As soon as you contact our office, Anthony can begin protecting your rights, preparing your defense, and guiding you through what comes next.
What Is Considered a DUI in San Diego?
Under California law, a person can be charged with DUI for operating a vehicle under the following conditions:
- With a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher (for adult drivers),
- With a BAC of 0.01% or more (for drivers under 21),
- With a BAC of 0.04% or more (for commercial drivers), or
- While impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, regardless of BAC.
You can be charged even if you didn’t feel impaired, weren’t swerving, or were driving perfectly. DUI arrests often come down to chemical test results, officer observations, and field sobriety tests—but all of these elements can be challenged with the help of an experienced attorney.
DUI Penalties in California
The consequences for a DUI conviction depend on many factors, including your driving history, whether anyone was injured, and whether you refused chemical testing. Even a first offense can carry serious penalties. The consequences of a misdemeanor first DUI conviction can include:
- Up to six months in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines (plus thousands more in fees and assessments)
- Six-month license suspension (or more)
- Mandatory DUI school
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
- Probation for three to five years
Penalties increase sharply for second and third offenses, high BACs, accidents causing injury, or refusing a breath or blood test.
Anthony fights to avoid or minimize these penalties through motions to suppress evidence, plea negotiations, or a full defense at trial if necessary.
Administrative License Suspension (DMV Hearings)
After a DUI arrest, the DMV will automatically start the process to suspend your license, separate from the criminal case. You have just ten days from the date of your arrest to request a DMV hearing and challenge the suspension.
This hearing is your chance to fight for your license before the suspension goes into effect. Anthony represents clients at DMV hearings and argues for reinstatement or a restricted license that allows you to keep driving to work or school.
Don’t miss this deadline—contact our office immediately to request your hearing and begin preparing your defense.
Challenging the Evidence in a DUI Case
Many people think that if they failed a breath test, there’s no way to fight the charges. That’s not true. DUI cases can be won on a variety of legal and factual issues. Anthony meticulously examines every aspect of your arrest to look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, including:
- Illegal traffic stop: Did the officer have a valid reason to pull you over in the first place?
- Unlawful arrest: Was there probable cause to arrest you for DUI?
- Faulty field sobriety tests: These are notoriously subjective and often administered improperly.
- Inaccurate breath or blood tests: Testing machines must be properly calibrated and operated by certified personnel. Contamination, rising BAC, or medical conditions may also affect results.
- Violation of rights: Were you read your Miranda rights? Were you given access to legal counsel when you asked for it?
In some cases, these issues can lead to a reduction in charges—or even dismissal of the case altogether.
DUI Involving Drugs (DUID)
You don’t have to be drinking to be charged with DUI. California law also prohibits driving while impaired by drugs, including marijuana, prescription medications, and illegal narcotics. These cases are known as DUID (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs).
Unlike alcohol, there’s no clear “legal limit” for most drugs, making DUID cases more subjective and open to challenge. Anthony scrutinizes the qualifications of the arresting officer and the drug recognition expert (DRE), if one was involved, and challenges the basis for any impairment claims.
DUI With Injury or Aggravated DUI
When a DUI results in an accident or injury, the stakes become even higher. You could be charged with felony DUI with injury, and a conviction could cost you the following:
- From 16 months to four years in prison
- A “strike” on your record under California’s Three Strikes Law
- Substantial fines and restitution
- Long-term license suspension
Other aggravating factors—such as having a child in the car, driving on a suspended license, or having a very high BAC—can also result in enhanced penalties. In these situations, having a seasoned trial attorney like Anthony Vargas on your side becomes even more critical to protecting your rights and freedom.
First-Time DUI Offenders
If this is your first DUI offense, you may be eligible for more lenient treatment, such as:
- A reduced charge (e.g., “wet reckless”)
- Diversion or alternative sentencing
- DUI education classes instead of jail time
- Restricted or provisional license
Anthony explores every opportunity to avoid jail time and help you move forward without long-term consequences.
Underage DUI
Drivers under 21 are held to a strict “zero tolerance” standard—just 0.01% BAC is enough to result in license suspension. An underage DUI can also lead to criminal charges, mandatory education programs, and serious disruption to college or job plans. Anthony works to protect young drivers and prevent one mistake from derailing their future.
DUI and Immigration Consequences
If you’re not a U.S. citizen, a DUI conviction can carry serious immigration consequences. Certain DUI convictions—particularly those involving drugs or injury—can be considered crimes of moral turpitude or aggravated felonies, potentially impacting your immigration status. Anthony understands how to structure plea deals and defense strategies to avoid triggering deportation or inadmissibility issues.
Why Choose Anthony Vargas for Your San Diego DUI Defense?
As a former Public Defender, Anthony has handled a wide variety of DUI cases in courts across San Diego County, including downtown, El Cajon, Chula Vista, and Vista. He brings a practical understanding of how local prosecutors and judges approach these cases—and how to navigate the system effectively on your behalf.
Anthony takes a personal approach to every case. He listens to your concerns, answers your questions, and provides the clarity and calm you need to make informed decisions. You’ll never be left in the dark or feel like just another case file. With Anthony Vargas on your legal team, you have a dedicated advocate working toward your best outcome from day one.
Start Building Your San Diego DUI Defense Today
A DUI charge doesn’t have to define you or determine your future. With strong legal representation, you can fight back and move forward.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in San Diego County, don’t wait. Call Anthony Z. Vargas, Esq., Attorney at Law, today for a confidential consultation and immediate assistance. Let our San Diego DUI defense lawyer help you take control of your case, protect your rights, and work toward the best possible resolution.