San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County DUI Defense & DMV Hearings
Arrested for DUI or Charged With a Crime in San Bernardino County?
Tarman Law represents people facing DUI, misdemeanor and felony criminal charges throughout San Bernardino County. Our office is located in Rancho Cucamonga, and our attorneys represent clients in criminal courts throughout the county. A DUI arrest may also trigger a separate California DMV proceeding involving your driver's license, so it is important to understand both the criminal court case and the DMV process.
Recently Arrested for DUI? Your DMV Case May Already Be Moving.
A California DUI arrest can create two separate proceedings:
- 1A criminal DUI case in San Bernardino County Superior Court.
- 2A separate administrative driver's license proceeding through the California DMV.
California DMV generally provides only 10 days from receipt of an Order of Suspension or Revocation to request an Administrative Per Se hearing.
DUI Defense in San Bernardino County
If you are arrested for DUI in San Bernardino County, you may need to address both the criminal court case and a separate DMV driver's license proceeding.
DUI defense may involve reviewing:
Where Are San Bernardino County Criminal Cases Heard?
San Bernardino County Superior Court operates multiple courthouses. The courthouse handling a case depends on where the alleged offense occurred, jurisdiction, case assignment and court procedures.
Rancho Cucamonga District
County of San Bernardino
Rancho Cucamonga District
8303 Haven Avenue
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
The Rancho Cucamonga courthouse handles criminal matters within its assigned jurisdiction. Tarman Law's main office is also located in Rancho Cucamonga at 9333 Base Line Road, Suite 100, which can make it convenient for clients whose cases are being handled in the western portion of San Bernardino County.
San Bernardino Justice Center
Criminal Division
247 West Third Street
San Bernardino, CA 92415
The San Bernardino Justice Center includes the San Bernardino District Criminal Division and handles criminal matters within its assigned jurisdiction, including DUI, misdemeanors, felonies, domestic violence, drug offenses, weapons charges, theft, assault, probation violations and other criminal allegations.
Victorville District
14455 Civic Drive
Criminal/Traffic Department, Suite 200
Victorville, CA 92392
The Victorville courthouse handles criminal matters assigned to the High Desert region, including cases arising in communities such as Victorville, Hesperia and Apple Valley.
What Happens After an Arrest in San Bernardino County?
After an arrest in San Bernardino County, a person may be booked into custody, released, required to post bail or ordered to appear in court depending on the charge and circumstances.
Investigation or Arrest
Some criminal cases begin with an arrest, while others begin with an investigation before charges are filed.
Booking and Release
Release may involve a citation, own-recognizance release, bail or continued custody depending on the charge and circumstances.
Arraignment
Arraignment is generally the first formal court appearance where charges are addressed and a plea is entered.
Evidence Review
Defense counsel may review police reports, video, statements, photographs, digital evidence, chemical-test results, witness information and other prosecution evidence.
Pretrial Proceedings
Pretrial proceedings may involve negotiations, motions, discovery, evidence issues and case preparation.
Preliminary Hearing When Applicable
Certain felony cases may proceed to a preliminary hearing where the prosecution must show sufficient cause to proceed.
Trial When Necessary
Some cases proceed toward trial when they are not otherwise resolved. The process varies depending on the charge, courthouse and individual circumstances.
Arrested in San Bernardino County? Call Tarman Law.
DUI Defense & Related Matters
DUI Defense
Representation for alcohol-related DUI, DUI drugs, repeat DUI and other DUI allegations.
Learn more →DMV Administrative Hearings
Representation involving California DMV Administrative Per Se proceedings after DUI arrests.
Learn more →Felony DUI
Defense for felony DUI allegations, including DUI causing injury and cases involving prior convictions.
Learn more →DUI Causing Injury
Defense for VC 23153 allegations involving injury to another person during a DUI incident.
Learn more →Drug DUI
Defense for DUI allegations involving controlled substances, prescription medications, or cannabis.
Learn more →Chemical Test Refusal
Defense for cases involving alleged refusal of a breath or blood test under California's implied consent law.
Learn more →DUI Accidents
Defense for DUI allegations arising from traffic accidents, including property damage and injury cases.
Learn more →DUI-Related License Consequences
Representation addressing license suspension, restricted license, and ignition interlock requirements following a DUI.
Learn more →Other Criminal Charges
For criminal-defense matters unrelated to DUI, visit TarmanLaw.com for broader information about misdemeanor and felony defense.
Visit TarmanLaw.com →Misdemeanor vs. Felony Cases in San Bernardino County
California criminal charges are generally classified as infractions, misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors can involve jail exposure, probation, fines, programs, protective orders and other consequences. Felonies can involve substantially more serious consequences, including state prison. Certain California offenses are "wobblers," meaning they may potentially be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the statute and circumstances.
Do I Have to Appear in Court?
Whether you must personally appear depends on the type of charge, the stage of the case and the court's orders.
California law may permit an attorney to appear for a defendant in certain misdemeanor proceedings. Felony cases typically involve stricter appearance requirements. A defendant should never miss a court date simply because they believe an attorney can appear without them. Confirm appearance requirements directly with your attorney.
Can a Lawyer Help Before Charges Are Filed?
Yes. A criminal defense attorney may become involved while law enforcement or prosecutors are still investigating a case.
- Communicating with investigators
- Advising the client regarding interviews
- Preserving favorable evidence
- Identifying witnesses
- Reviewing available documents
- Preparing for potential court proceedings
Hiring counsel does not guarantee that charges will not be filed.
San Bernardino County DUI and the DMV 10-Day Deadline
The local criminal court does not control the separate California DMV Administrative Per Se proceeding. A DUI defendant may have a San Bernardino County criminal case and a California DMV driver's license case at the same time. California DMV generally requires an APS hearing request within 10 days after receipt of the Order of Suspension or Revocation.
DUI Charges We Handle
First DUI
A first DUI offense can carry significant consequences including fines, license action, DUI programs and probation.
Second DUI
A second DUI conviction within 10 years carries enhanced penalties under California law.
Repeat DUI Charges
Repeat DUI allegations can result in increasingly serious criminal and DMV consequences. A third DUI does not automatically become a felony merely because it is a third offense. California Vehicle Code section 23550 addresses circumstances involving a current DUI offense occurring within 10 years of three or more qualifying prior DUI-related violations that resulted in convictions. Specified prior felony DUI convictions and DUI cases involving injury can create separate felony issues. Prior convictions and dates should be evaluated individually.
Felony DUI
DUI may be charged as a felony based on prior convictions, injury to another person or other aggravating factors.
DUI Causing Injury
VC 23153 charges arise when a DUI allegedly causes bodily injury to another person.
DUI Drugs
DUI charges can involve controlled substances, prescription medications or a combination of drugs and alcohol.
Underage DUI
California applies a lower BAC threshold for drivers under 21 under the zero-tolerance law.
Chemical Test Refusal
Refusing a chemical test can trigger separate DMV consequences and may be used as evidence in the criminal case.
VC 23152(a)
Driving under the influence of alcohol — the impairment-based DUI charge.
VC 23152(b)
Driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher — the per se DUI charge.
VC 23153
DUI causing bodily injury — a more serious charge that can be filed as a felony.
Communities We Serve Throughout San Bernardino County
Tarman Law represents clients facing DUI and criminal charges in communities throughout San Bernardino County. Our Rancho Cucamonga office serves clients from the western valley to the High Desert.
DUI Lawyer in Rancho Cucamonga
Tarman Law is based in Rancho Cucamonga. Clients arrested in Rancho Cucamonga or nearby western San Bernardino County communities can contact our office for DUI and criminal defense representation.
Law Offices of Kirk M. Tarman & Associates9333 Base Line Road, Suite 100
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
909-466-9800
San Bernardino DUI Lawyer
A DUI arrest in the San Bernardino area may create both a San Bernardino County Superior Court case and a separate California DMV administrative matter. Anyone arrested in the San Bernardino area should review their court paperwork, DMV paperwork, Order of Suspension or Revocation and arrest documents promptly.
Ontario, Fontana and Upland DUI Cases
Tarman Law represents people facing DUI and criminal charges arising in western San Bernardino County, including Ontario, Fontana and Upland. Cases from these communities may be assigned to the Rancho Cucamonga District courthouse depending on jurisdiction and case assignment.
Victorville and High Desert Criminal Defense
The firm also represents criminal defendants in the High Desert region, including Victorville-area cases handled at the Victorville District courthouse. High Desert criminal matters can include DUI, felonies, misdemeanors, domestic violence, drug charges, weapons allegations and probation matters.
Why Local San Bernardino County Experience Matters
Criminal defense involves more than knowing California criminal statutes. Local representation can also require familiarity with court locations, local filing procedures, arraignment logistics, department assignments, criminal calendars, evidence procedures, DMV proceedings, travel requirements and client appearance requirements.
Familiarity with local procedures does not create influence over judges or prosecutors.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Bernardino County DUI and Criminal Cases
Where will my DUI case be heard in San Bernardino County?
Where is the Rancho Cucamonga courthouse?
Where is the San Bernardino Justice Center?
Where is the Victorville criminal courthouse?
Is my DMV DUI hearing held at the San Bernardino courthouse?
How long do I have to request a DMV hearing?
Do I have to appear at my DUI arraignment?
Can I hire a lawyer before charges are filed?
Can a DUI case be reduced?
Does Tarman Law handle Victorville cases?
Your Defense Attorney
More Than 25 Years of Criminal Defense Experience
Kirk M. Tarman — California Criminal Defense Attorney
Kirk M. Tarman and the Law Offices of Kirk M. Tarman & Associates have more than 25 years of criminal defense experience representing people facing DUI, misdemeanor and felony charges. Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Tarman Law represents clients throughout San Bernardino County. The firm's defense approach includes reviewing prosecution evidence, identifying legal and factual issues, evaluating potential defenses and preparing clients for both criminal court and related DMV proceedings when applicable.
Reviewed by Kirk M. Tarman
California Criminal Defense Attorney
Last Updated: September 2026
9333 Base Line Road, Suite 100
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
909-466-9800
Facing a DUI or Criminal Charge in San Bernardino County?
A criminal case can begin moving quickly after an arrest, and a DUI can also trigger a separate DMV driver's license proceeding. If you were arrested or charged in San Bernardino County, contact Tarman Law to discuss the allegations, your court date and any DMV issues that may apply.
Law Offices of Kirk M. Tarman & Associates
9333 Base Line Road, Suite 100
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
909-466-9800