From Arrest to Court: The Timeline of a California DUI Case

December 31, 2025

Getting arrested for a DUI can feel like your life just hit pause. One moment you’re dealing with flashing lights on the side of the road, and the next you’re holding paperwork filled with deadlines, court dates, and terms you’ve never heard before. 

If you’re facing a DUI in Redwood City, understanding the timeline matters. California DUI cases follow a fairly predictable path, but there are critical moments especially early on where your choices can shape the outcome. 

This guide walks you through the DUI process step by step, from arrest to court, in plain language. You’ll learn what happens, how long each stage usually takes, and what you should be doing along the way. 

Quick Overview: What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Redwood City 

Right after a DUI arrest, two separate cases begin: 

• A DMV case that affects your driver’s license 

• A criminal court case that determines guilt and penalties 

These cases move on different timelines, with different rules. Missing a deadline in one won’t stop the other and that’s where many drivers get caught off guard. 

Step 1: The DUI Arrest in Redwood City 

Most DUI arrest in Redwood City happen during traffic stops, DUI checkpoints, or after an accident. An officer may ask you to perform field sobriety tests or submit to a breath or blood test. 

After the arrest, a few things usually happen quickly: 

• You’re booked and either released or held briefly 

• Your physical driver’s license may be taken 

• You’re given a temporary license, often called a “pink slip” 

That temporary license is important. It typically allows you to drive for about 30 days, but only if you act quickly. 

Step 2: The DMV Case Starts Right Away 

Understanding the Administrative Per Se (APS) Process 

The DMV doesn’t wait for your court case to finish. As soon as a DUI arrest is reported, the DMV can move to suspend your license through the Administrative Per Se (APS) process. 

This DMV action is based on issues like: 

• Whether the officer had probable cause 

• Whether the arrest was lawful 

• Whether your BAC was at or above the legal limit 

The 10-Day DMV Deadline You Can’t Miss 

You have 10 days from the date of arrest to request a DMV hearing. If you miss this deadline, the DMV will usually suspend your license automatically once the temporary license expires. 

This is one of the most important deadlines in a DUI case, and it comes before your first court date in most situations. 

Step 3: Charging Decisions and Filing Deadlines 

After the arrest, prosecutors review the police report and evidence to decide whether to file DUI charges. 

In California: 

• Most misdemeanor DUI charges must be filed within one year 

• Most felony DUI charges must be filed within three years 

In practice, charges are usually filed much sooner. You may receive a notice in the mail or be given a court date at release. If there’s a delay, it doesn’t mean the case disappeared. 

Step 4: Arraignment Your First DUI Court Date 

The arraignment is your first formal court appearance. In San Mateo County, this usually happens a few weeks after the arrest. 

At arraignment: 

• The charges are read 

• A plea is entered (often “not guilty” initially) 

• Conditions of release may be set 

In many misdemeanor DUI cases, a lawyer can appear on your behalf, which means you may not need to attend in person. 

Step 5: Pretrial Phase and DUI Case Investigation 

Evidence Review and Discovery 

This stage is where much of the real work happens. The defense reviews evidence such as: 

• Police reports and officer notes 

• Body-worn camera footage 

• Breath or blood test results 

• Maintenance and calibration records for testing devices 

Small details like how a test was administered or whether procedures were followed can make a big difference. 

Motions and Negotiations 

During pretrial, your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence if your rights were violated. Prosecutors and defense attorneys also discuss possible resolutions. 

Many DUI cases resolve at this stage without going to trial, depending on the evidence and circumstances. 

Step 6: DUI Trial in Redwood City (If the Case Goes to Trial) 

Not every DUI case goes to trial, but some do. 

If yours does: 

• You may have a jury trial or a bench trial (judge only) 

• The prosecution presents its case first 

• The defense challenges the evidence and may present its own case 

DUI trials can last anywhere from a couple of days to over a week, depending on complexity. 

Step 7: Verdict and Sentencing 

After trial or after a plea agreement, the case moves to sentencing. 

Possible outcomes include: 

• Dismissal 

• Not guilty verdict 

• Guilty verdict or plea 

Sentencing may involve: 

• Fines and court costs 

• DUI education programs 

• Probation 

• License restrictions or suspension 

• Jail time in some cases 

Judges consider factors like prior offenses, BAC level, and whether anyone was injured. 

How Long Does a DUI Case Take in Redwood City? 

There’s no single answer, but most DUI cases take several months from arrest to resolution. 

Factors that affect timing include: 

• Court schedules in San Mateo County 

• Whether motions are filed 

• Whether the case goes to trial 

• Complexity of the evidence 

Some cases resolve in a few months. Others take longer, especially if the defense challenges evidence, or the court calendar is crowded. 

What You Should Be Doing at Each Stage of a DUI Case 

A DUI case isn’t something you can put on autopilot. At each stage, there are smart steps to take: 

• Immediately after arrest: Track deadlines and keep all paperwork 

• Before arraignment: Understand your charges and options 

• During pretrial: Stay in contact and follow instructions closely 

• While the case is pending: Avoid new legal trouble and comply with all conditions 

Simple missteps like missing a DMV deadline can have lasting consequences. 

Collateral Consequences Many Drivers Don’t Expect 

Court penalties aren’t the only impact of a DUI. Many Redwood City drivers also deal with: 

• Higher insurance premiums 

• Employment or professional license issues 

• Travel or immigration concerns 

• Long-term record consequences (DUI priors count for 10 years in California) 

These effects often last longer than the court case itself. 

How a Redwood City DUI Lawyer Helps at Every Stage 

A DUI lawyer can: 

• Request and handle your DMV hearing 

• Appear for you in court when allowed 

• Review and challenge evidence 

• Negotiate for reduced charges or penalties 

• Guide you through San Mateo County procedures 

For more information about DUI defense and related topics, visit DefendCA. For general background on California DUI laws, the California DMV also publishes helpful public resources. 

Key Takeaways for Redwood City Drivers 

• DUI cases move on two tracks: DMV and court 

• Early deadlines, especially the 10-day DMV hearing request, are critical 

• Most cases take months, not weeks 

• Preparation and timing matter as much as the facts 

Talk to a Redwood City DUI Defense Attorney Today 

A DUI arrest doesn’t define you, but what you do next matters. Understanding the timeline gives you control in a situation that often feels overwhelming. 

If you’re dealing with a DUI in Redwood City and want clarity about your next steps, explore your options with DefendCA. Knowing what’s ahead is the first step toward moving forward with confidence. 

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California DUI Case

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