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Aaron R. Bortel

Aaron R. Bortel

Law Offices of Aaron R Bortel
  • DUI & DWI
  • California
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Biography

We represent people accused of DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Superior Court and at the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). We have offices in Marin (San Rafael) and San Francisco, with a majority of our cases in Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and the Wine Country.

With over 28 years experience, Aaron Bortel is one of the only Attorneys in the Bay Area that dedicates his criminal law practice exclusively to fighting for the rights of those accused of Driving Under the Influence. We represent clients on misdemeanor and felony DUI charges. Often those charges can include hit and run, driving on a suspended license, driving under the influence of marijuana or prescription or legal/illegal drugs, speeding and other California Vehicle Code violations.

Our cases include under 21 DUI, zero tolerance and Drunk Driving probation violations. We conduct Administrative Per Se (APS) hearings for clients on most DUI cases.

Once hired we contact the DMV for our clients to request and later conduct the Administrative Per Se DMV Hearings. While the Court and DMV cases are going on in most instances our clients can remain driving, usually for many months. A loss of license will usually only occur if there is a DUI Conviction in Court or a DMV Hearing Suspension occurs after the APS Hearing.

Our years of experience with DMV have helped many clients save or regain their licenses after being accused of DUI, Lack of Skill, Negligent Operator, and Physical and Mental issues. In many cases we are able to take care of all the Court and DMV appearances without the client needing to attend.

We have helped clients with Bay Area DUI arrests who do not live in the Bay Area. Many of our clients live in Southern CA, out of State or outside the US. Many of our clients have professional licenses and we have helped guide them from day one on what needs to happen to maintain those licenses.

We offer a Free Consultation and you can contact us 24/7.

Practice Area
DUI & DWI
Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Credit Cards Accepted
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
California
State Bar of California
ID Number: 160288
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Owner
Law Offices of Aaron R Bortel
- Current
Education
Golden Gate University School of Law
J.D. (1992) | Law
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University of California - Santa Barbara
B.A. (1988) | Law and Society
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Awards
Distinguished
Martindale-Hubbel
Peer Rated for High Professional Achievement
A+
Better Business Bureau
Since 2008
BV Rated
Martindale-Hubbel
Selected 2006 - 2010
Professional Associations
DUI Defense Lawyers Association
Member
- Current
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DTLLL
Board of Directors
- Current
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National College for DUI Defense
Member
- Current
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Marin Community Food Bank
Board of Directors
- Current
Activities: President 2007-2009
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California DUI Lawyers Association
Member
- Current
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National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
- Current
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California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
Member
- Current
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Bar Association of San Francisco
Member
- Current
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California State Bar  # 160288
Member
- Current
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State Bar of California
Member
- Current
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SF/Marin Food Bank
Board Member
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Speaking Engagements
DUI Defense, MCLE lecture
DUI's, FST's, Breath Machines, Medical defenses and other related DMV topics. Demonstrations conducted on unreliability of Alco Sensor IV breath machine and problems with other alcohol detecting breath devices.
DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
Certifications
Certificate of Completion - Mastering Scientific Evidence in DUI
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and NCDD
Websites & Blogs
Website
Blog
Videos
https://www.bortelduidefense.com/ Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)... Can Police Search Your Vehicle If You

https://www.bortelduidefense.com/ Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)...

https://www.bortelduidefense.com/ Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)... Can You Be Convicted From A Chemical Test Alone? Bay Area Drug DUI Lawyer Explains

https://www.bortelduidefense.com/ Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)...

www.duilawyermarincounty.com Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)... How Are Blood Tests Used In Drugged Driving Cases? Bay Area DUI Attorney Explains

www.duilawyermarincounty.com Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)...

https://www.bortelduidefense.com/ Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)... How Do I Request A DMV Hearing After A DUI Arrest In The Bay Area? San Francisco DUI Lawyer Explains

https://www.bortelduidefense.com/ Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)...

www.duilawyermarincounty.com Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)... How Long Is Your License Suspended After A DUI Conviction In The Bay Area? DUI Attorney Explains

www.duilawyermarincounty.com Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)...

www.duilawyermarincounty.com Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)... Is Diversion Available For Drug DUI Cases In The San Francisco Bay Area? DUI Defense Lawyer Explains

www.duilawyermarincounty.com Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)...

https://www.bortelduidefense.com/ Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)... Is Your License Suspended Immediately After A DUI Arrest In The Bay Area? DUI Lawyer Explains

https://www.bortelduidefense.com/ Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)...

https://www.bortelduidefense.com/ Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)... Should You Hire A DUI Defense Attorney Immediately You

https://www.bortelduidefense.com/ Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)...

www.duilawyermarincounty.com Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)... What Are The Impacts Of A DUI Conviction In The San Francisco Bay Area? DUI Defense Lawyer Explains

www.duilawyermarincounty.com Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)...

www.duilawyermarincounty.com Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)... What Are The Top Legal Defenses To DUI Charges? San Francisco County DUI Defense Attorney Explains

www.duilawyermarincounty.com Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)...

www.duilawyermarincounty.com Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)... When Does A Drug DUI Become A Felony Charge In San Francisco County? DUI Defense Attorney Explains

www.duilawyermarincounty.com Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)...

www.duilawyermarincounty.com Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)... Will You Lose Your License If You Are Convicted Of DUI? Bay Area DUI Defense Attorney Explains

www.duilawyermarincounty.com Law Offices of Aaron Bortel 4040 Civic Center Drive Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903 650 5th Street Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 886-6333 Text: (415)...

Legal Answers
4 Questions Answered
Q. I initially got pulled over running a yellow light then turn into a DUI. Can I fight the initial pullover dismiss the DU
A: A suppression motion under Penal Code section 1538.5 can be brought and we would get a hearing in the legality of the stop and arrest. The arresting officer would need to get on the stand and testify and we get to cross examine them on the procedures and legality issues.

The forced blood draw could be problematic with DMV as it will carry a one year suspension in a first DUI.
Q. Should I reinstate my license at first opportunity or wait for my court date?
A: This is a question that needs to be discussed with your attorney as they have information about your court case that we do not possess. Under current DMV procedure, you do not get credit for APS IID restriction time if you later get convicted in court and DMV gives you a Mandatory Suspension. If the court conviction is a wet reckless on a first offense DUI there should be no additional IID required. However a first offense DUI Conviction will result in another 6 months of the IID once you get the IID license reinstated. Your other choices would be six months of straight suspension or 12 months of work restricted driving after a month of no driving.

The best court results would be dismissal, not guilty verdicts or a diversion. Diversion for DUI's is now being considered/granted in some counties in California. All of these results would not require additional license suspension/restriction times. ... Read More
Q. If someone had a DUI in another state, and then gets another DUI in California, what would most likely happen?
A: In most cases you will be facing both charges in court and suspension from the CA DMV. Make sure you or your lawyer contacts DMV within 10 days of arrest to preserve your CA driving privileges while the Administrative Case is challenged. DMV uses a code system and if it picks up the out of state conviction through the interstate compact then a code 17 will show up on your CA driving record. Recent changes in DUI law for 2nd DUI's allow for obtaining an ignition interlock license in CA without serving a no driving suspension if the DMV Administrative case is not won. Depending on the County, Court and Judge, you may be able to get a Diversion on this case which some jurisdictions now recognize under new CA law. This means if your case cannot be won at DMV and in Court, you may still be able to keep driving with an interlock device and avoid a criminal record in CA. Contact a DUI lawyer who works in the county of your arrest to discuss your case and options. If diversion is possible, it will take a lot of self help work on your part to get it done. ... Read More
View More Answers
Contact & Map
Law Firm of Aaron Bortel
San Francisco, CA Office
650 5th St.
Suite 508
San Francisco, CA 94107
Telephone: (415) 247-0700
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours (Today)
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Notice: Covid-19 update: We are available for Video and phone conferences 7 days a week. Please feel free to call or leave a message on the website and we will respond ASAP.
Law Firm of Aaron Bortel
San Rafael, CA Office
4040 Civic Center Drive
Suite 200
San Rafael, CA 94903
Telephone: (415) 247-0700
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours (Today)
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Notice: Covid-19 update: We are available for Video and Phone calls/conferences 7 days a week. Please feel free to call or leave a message on the website and we will respond ASAP.