DUI-Related Criminal Charges in San Bernardino County
The Law Offices of Kirk M. Tarman & Associates has defended clients against DUI, felony, and misdemeanor charges throughout San Bernardino County and Southern California for over 25 years. Early representation matters — call 909-466-9800 today.
Criminal Charges Arising From a DUI Arrest
A DUI arrest in California can lead to more than a standard DUI charge. Depending on the circumstances, a driver may face additional criminal allegations — including felony charges, injury-related enhancements, or other charges arising from the same incident. A criminal defense attorney evaluates the full scope of the allegations, identifies available defenses, challenges improper police conduct where appropriate, and advocates for the client throughout the criminal case.
Every criminal case is different. No attorney can guarantee a specific result. The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice.
For criminal matters unrelated to a DUI arrest — including general felony and misdemeanor defense — visit the firm's main criminal defense website at TarmanLaw.com. TarmanLaw.com
Charges That Can Arise From a DUI Arrest
A DUI arrest in California can trigger criminal allegations beyond the standard DUI charge. The following are among the charges that may arise in connection with a DUI-related incident.
DUI Causing Injury — VC 23153
When a DUI arrest involves an allegation that another person was injured, the charge may be filed as a felony or misdemeanor depending on the circumstances. Injury allegations can significantly increase criminal exposure.
Felony DUI — Repeat Offense
A DUI with a qualifying prior DUI history may be charged as a felony under VC 23550 or VC 23550.5. The specific prior convictions and their timing are relevant to whether felony treatment applies.
Vehicular Manslaughter Allegations
A fatal incident involving a DUI arrest may result in vehicular manslaughter allegations under PC 191.5 or related provisions. These charges are legally distinct from a standard DUI charge and carry serious potential consequences.
Hit-and-Run — VC 20001 / VC 20002
Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or property damage is a separate criminal offense that may be alleged alongside a DUI charge.
Child Endangerment — PC 273a
If a minor was a passenger in the vehicle at the time of a DUI arrest, a child endangerment allegation under PC 273a may be filed as a separate charge.
Driving on a Suspended License — VC 14601
A driver whose license was already suspended or revoked at the time of a DUI arrest may face a separate charge under VC 14601 or related provisions.
Drug Possession Discovered During a DUI Investigation
A DUI investigation may result in the discovery of controlled substances, leading to separate drug possession allegations under Health and Safety Code provisions.
Probation Violations Triggered by a DUI Arrest
A DUI arrest can constitute a violation of existing probation conditions, triggering a separate probation violation proceeding in addition to the new criminal case.
DUI-Related Criminal Defense
The Law Offices of Kirk M. Tarman & Associates handles DUI and DUI-related criminal matters in San Bernardino County courts.
DUI Defense
Charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs? A DUI conviction carries license suspension, fines, and potential jail time. Kirk Tarman reviews breath test results, field sobriety tests, and the lawfulness of the traffic stop to build your defense.
Learn about California DUI defense →DMV Administrative Hearings
After a California DUI arrest, the driver's license may become the subject of a separate administrative proceeding through the California DMV. The DMV generally provides 10 days from receipt of the Order of Suspension or Revocation to request an administrative hearing. This proceeding is separate from the criminal DUI case. A hearing provides an opportunity to challenge the administrative action, but requesting a hearing does not guarantee any particular result.
Learn about DMV administrative hearings →Felony DUI and DUI-Related Felony Charges
A DUI arrest can result in felony charges under certain circumstances — including a qualifying prior DUI history, DUI causing injury under VC 23153, or serious vehicle-related incidents. Felony DUI charges carry substantially greater exposure than a standard misdemeanor DUI. Early representation is critical.
Learn about Felony DUI defense →DUI-Related Misdemeanor Charges
A DUI arrest can involve additional misdemeanor allegations beyond the DUI charge itself — including driving on a suspended license, hit-and-run, or other charges arising from the same incident. Each additional charge carries its own potential consequences and requires separate attention.
Discuss your case →San Bernardino County Courts
Kirk Tarman regularly appears in San Bernardino County Superior Court locations including Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, Victorville, Fontana, and Barstow. Local experience means familiarity with local courthouse procedures, filing practices, calendars, and appearance requirements.
San Bernardino County DUI defense →Why Early Representation Matters
Retaining a criminal defense attorney before charges are formally filed — or immediately after arrest — gives your attorney the best opportunity to:
- Review and preserve evidence before it is lost or destroyed
- Challenge the legality of the arrest, search, or seizure
- Communicate with prosecutors before charging decisions are made
- Negotiate for reduced charges or diversion programs
- Prepare a defense strategy from the beginning of the case
No attorney can guarantee a particular outcome. Early representation improves the opportunity to identify and raise defenses — it does not guarantee dismissal or acquittal.
How a Criminal Case Proceeds in California
- 1
Arrest and Booking
You are taken into custody, booked, and may be held until arraignment or released on bail or your own recognizance.
- 2
Arraignment
You appear before a judge, are formally informed of the charges, and enter a plea. Bail may be set or modified at this stage.
- 3
Preliminary Hearing (Felonies)
For felony charges, the prosecution must show probable cause that a crime was committed and that you committed it. This is an opportunity to challenge the evidence.
- 4
Pre-Trial Motions
Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence obtained unlawfully, dismiss charges, or exclude certain testimony.
- 5
Negotiation or Trial
Many cases resolve through plea negotiations. If no acceptable resolution is reached, the case proceeds to a jury or bench trial.
- 6
Sentencing
If convicted, the judge imposes a sentence. Your attorney can present mitigating factors and argue for the least restrictive sentence available.
Serving San Bernardino County
The Law Offices of Kirk M. Tarman & Associates represents clients throughout San Bernardino County, including Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Fontana, San Bernardino, Victorville, Rialto, Colton, Redlands, Chino, Upland, Yucaipa, and the High Desert communities.
Your Defense Attorney: Kirk M. Tarman
Kirk M. Tarman has practiced criminal defense in San Bernardino County for over 25 years. He is a member of the California State Bar and has represented clients in DUI, felony, and misdemeanor cases throughout the county's courts. He is familiar with local courthouse procedures, filing practices, calendars, and appearance requirements.
Facing DUI-Related Criminal Charges? Call Now.
Do not wait. The sooner you have an attorney, the more options you have. Call 909-466-9800 for a free case review.