Facing a DUI in Santa Clara County? Here’s What to Do

Posted on: March 1st, 2025 by Paul Bradley Smith

Facing a DUI in Santa Clara County? Here’s What to Do

Being charged with a DUI in Santa Clara County can be a daunting and stressful experience. The potential consequences—fines, license suspension, mandatory DUI programs, and even jail time—can significantly impact your life. However, with skilled legal representation, you have the opportunity to challenge the charges and strive for a favorable outcome. The Law Office of Mark Blair | Bay Area DUI Law is dedicated to providing strong DUI defense, offering clients hope and confidence while delivering excellent results.

Immediate Actions to Take After a DUI Arrest in Santa Clara County

If you’ve been arrested for a DUI, taking swift and informed action is essential. Here are the key steps to follow:

1. Stay Calm and Cooperate

Remaining composed and respectful with law enforcement can help prevent additional complications. Avoid resisting arrest and comply with lawful requests while remaining aware of your rights.

2. Know Your Rights

You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Exercise these rights to avoid making self-incriminating statements that could be used against you.

3. Request a DMV Hearing Within 10 Days

In California, you must request a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days of your arrest to contest the automatic suspension of your driver’s license. If you fail to do so, your license will be suspended automatically.

4. Document the Incident

Write down all details related to your arrest, including the traffic stop, law enforcement conduct, and any sobriety or breathalyzer tests you underwent. These details can play a vital role in your defense.

5. Contact an Experienced DUI Attorney Immediately

The sooner you seek legal assistance, the better your chances of securing a favorable outcome. A skilled DUI lawyer will evaluate the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and develop a solid defense strategy.

How the Law Office of Mark Blair | Bay Area DUI Law Can Help

Mark Blair and his team provide top-tier DUI defense in Santa Clara County and the Bay Area. With extensive experience handling DUI cases, they are committed to securing the best possible outcomes for clients while ensuring they feel supported and confident throughout the legal process. Here’s how they can assist you:

1. Knowledge of Santa Clara County Courts and District Attorneys

Santa Clara County has three courthouses handling DUI cases: San Jose, Palo Alto and Morgan Hill.  Each has different judges and district attorneys.

Mark Blair knows Santa Clara County courts and procedures.  Mark has practiced for decades in Santa Clara County, handling hundreds and hundreds of cases here.  Mark has appeared countless times in all three courthouses and has enjoyed great success in all three.

Mark Blair is known and respected by Santa Clara County judges and prosecutors.  Moreover, Mark knows the local practices and can navigate your case to a get a wonderful result.  Santa Clara County is the most punitive jurisdiction in the Bay area for DUIs.  You need an experienced and knowledgeable local DUI attorney like Mark Blair to navigate you through the legal minefields and help avoid the many potential pitfalls so you get a great result.

2. Building a Strong Legal Defense

Every DUI case is different, and the Law Office of Mark Blair meticulously examines each case for possible defenses, including:

• Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
• Questioning the accuracy of breathalyzer and blood test results
• Identifying procedural errors made by law enforcement
• Evaluating  operational error and training shortfalls that could have influenced sobriety tests

3. Representation in DMV Hearings

The DMV hearing is separate from your criminal case, and losing it can result in license suspension. Mark Blair’s firm will fight on your behalf to preserve your driving privileges.

3. Negotiating Reduced Charges or Dismissals

Mark Blair has a strong track record of negotiating plea deals that minimize penalties, reduce charges, or even lead to case dismissals when appropriate.

4. Protecting Your Long-Term Future

A DUI conviction can affect employment, professional licensing, and insurance rates. The Law Office of Mark Blair helps clients mitigate these long-term consequences by  developing successful cases strategies leading to wonderful results.

5. Personalized Legal Support

The legal process can be overwhelming, but Mark Blair and his team ensure that every client understands their rights and options. They prioritize open communication and personalized legal strategies to provide the best defense possible.

Why Choose the Law Office of Mark Blair?

Mark Blair’s firm is committed to excellence, results, and client-focused advocacy. Their mission—Inspiring | Hope | Confidence and Great DUI Results—demonstrates their dedication to helping clients navigate DUI charges with a strong defense and a positive outlook. Their extensive experience and dedication to protecting clients’ rights make them a top choice for DUI defense in Santa Clara County.

Take the Next Step Today.  Act Now!  Call (408) 295-4343

If you or a loved one is facing a DUI charge in Santa Clara County, don’t wait to seek legal representation. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. Contact the Law Office of Mark Blair | Bay Area DUI Law today at (408) 295-4343 to schedule a consultation and start building your defense.

With Mark Blair’s legal expertise and commitment to his clients, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you have a dedicated advocate fighting for your rights.

DISCLAIMER: The results of any person’s DUI case described on this web site and/or in the Bay Area DUI Law newsletter depend on factual and legal circumstances that are unique to a specific person. Information provided by this web site and/or the Bay Area DUI Law newsletter does NOT constitute a guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. Any reference to laws, procedures, punishment or license consequences at court or the DMV in this web site and/or Bay Area DUI Law newsletter is NOT intended to be complete description of what can and will happen in any or every DUI case but instead is a simplified summary to facilitate the reader’s understanding of general issues involving DUI law. The law is in constant change; penalties and consequences change; as such, the reader should not and cannot rely upon anything mentioned in this web site and/or Bay Area DUI Law newsletter. The reader is strongly advised to seek competent legal counsel to ascertain the law, penalties and consequences that apply to his/her unique circumstances.