A DUI arrest at the Arcadia Police Station sets off a two-track process: the criminal case in court, and a separate DMV license suspension action. Most people focus on getting out of jail quickly — but missing the 10-day DMV deadline can cost your license for six months to a year regardless of how the criminal case resolves. This guide covers both tracks and explains exactly what happens after a DUI arrest in Arcadia.
The 10-Day DMV Rule — California’s Most Missed DUI Deadline
Within 10 days of a DUI arrest in California, you must request a DMV Admin Per Se (APS) hearing to contest your driver’s license suspension. If you miss this window:
- Your license is automatically suspended 30 days after the arrest date
- First offense: 4-month suspension
- Prior DUI: 1-year suspension
- You lose the right to challenge the suspension — even if the criminal case is dismissed
To request the hearing, call the DMV Driver Safety Office: (800) 777-0133. Have your arrest date and the “pink temporary license” (if issued at the scene) ready. The hearing request must be made within 10 calendar days of arrest — not business days.
Arcadia Police Department — DUI Booking Facts
- Address: 250 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007
- Phone: (626) 574-5151
- Inmate Lookup: LASD Inmate Information Center
- DUI Hold Time: 6–12 hours (defendant must reach 0.08% BAC before release)
- Arraignment Courthouse: Arcadia is in the Pasadena judicial district — arraignments at Pasadena Courthouse, 300 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91101
Unlike most arrests, DUI bookings include a mandatory sobriety hold. Arcadia PD will not release a DUI arrestee until their blood alcohol level drops below the legal limit, regardless of whether bail is posted. This adds several hours to the release timeline.
First DUI in California — What to Expect
| Consequence | First Offense | Second Offense |
|---|---|---|
| Bail amount | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Bond cost (10%) | $500 | $1,500 |
| License suspension | 4–6 months (restricted if IID installed) | 1–2 years |
| DUI school | 3 months (AB 541) | 18–30 months |
| Ignition Interlock Device (IID) | Recommended; mandatory in LA County | Mandatory 1 year |
| Fines and fees | $1,500–$3,000 (plus court fees) | $1,800–$4,000+ |
| Probation | 3–5 years informal | 3–5 years formal |
Pasadena Courthouse — DUI Arraignment Process
Address: 300 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91101 | Phone: (626) 356-5660
Arcadia arrests are arraigned at Pasadena Courthouse. For first-time DUI misdemeanors, the defendant does not need to appear — an attorney can appear on their behalf (PC 977 waiver). This is important for people who can’t take time off work for a court date that results in a “not guilty” plea anyway.
VC 23152(a) vs. VC 23152(b) — Which Charge Was Filed?
California DUI law has two common bases for the charge:
- VC 23152(a): Driving under the influence of alcohol — based on observed impairment (field sobriety tests, officer observations), not necessarily a specific BAC
- VC 23152(b): Driving with 0.08% or higher BAC — the chemical test result is the evidence
Most DUI arrests result in both charges being filed. The DA only needs to prove one to secure a conviction. However, if there are calibration issues with the breathalyzer or chain of custody problems with a blood draw, an attorney can challenge the (b) count specifically.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get released from Arcadia PD after a DUI?
6–12 hours is typical. The sobriety hold means you cannot be released until BAC drops below 0.08%. Once the hold clears, bail can be posted and release typically takes an additional 1–2 hours for paperwork.
Can a DUI charge be reduced to a “wet reckless” in California?
Yes. A reduction to VC 23103.5 (reckless driving with alcohol) — called a “wet reckless” — is sometimes negotiated as a plea deal, especially for first offenses with a BAC close to 0.08%, no accident, and no prior record. It carries lower fines, shorter probation, and a shorter DUI school requirement.
Does a first DUI in California go on your permanent record?
A DUI conviction stays on your California DMV record for 10 years. On your criminal record, it is a misdemeanor that can be expunged under PC 1203.4 after completing probation. Expungement doesn’t remove it from the DMV record or prevent it from being used as a prior offense if you’re arrested for DUI again within 10 years.
If bail is set for a DUI at Arcadia PD, our Arcadia bail bond service is available 24/7 — call (818) 244-3389. Remember: request the DMV hearing within 10 days.