About Us

About our legal teamWhen facing a DUI charge, you want to be represented by the best, most knowledgeable and experienced lawyers in the San Francisco. Robert Shatzco and our DUI attorneys in San Francisco are here to help you get through this trying time with the representation you need and can count on. We are so dedicated to ensuring that you make the best choice on how to handle your DUI charge that we offer free consultations to every potential client who reaches out to us. Mr Shatzco is happy to discuss the particulars of your case so that you can make an informed decision about what is the best way for you to move forward.

Robert Shatzko, Esq has been practicing law for over 25 years in the San Francisco Bay area. He is the lead lawyer at our San Francisco law offices and graduated with honors from Loyola Marymount University in 1986. While at Loyola Marymount, Mr Shatzko played on the rugby team and played an active role in politics on campus. After earning his law degree from the McGeorge School of Law in 1992, he was admitted to practice law in the State of California in 1993.

It did’t take long for Robert Shatzko to distinguished himself as a skilled trial attorney facing several different types of cases. He worked in the corporate arena and quickly rose through the ranks of AIG Insurance Company and then State Farm Corporate Litigation where he served as their Senior Trial Attorney for the San Francisco office. Mr. Shatzko is pleased to provide his wealth of trial experience to DUI practice along with decades of experience. He believes that the best way to get the best deal is to prepare the case for trial. The best way to beat the case at trial is to have the best trial lawyer in the courtroom.

Private Defense Attorney vs Public Defender

When you were arrested you should have been told that you had the right to have an attorney represent you, you were also told that if you could not afford one, an attorney would be appointed by the court to represent you. The court system values legal representation so much that an attorney will be given to you if you cannot afford to hire one on your own. An attorney you hire on your own is called a Private Defense Attorney where as an attorney appointed by the court is called a Public Defender.

In Court

If you do not hire an attorney you will be assigned a public defender at your arraignment. This means that while you may have several questions about the process and the right choice to make on your case you will not be able to ask anyone about it until you are already in the courthouse. More likely than not, your public defender will also have other new cases to discuss with other clients and you may not get as much time and attention as you feel you need. Showing up at court and not feeling prepared can be a very stressful situation!

On the other hand, one of the many benefits of working with experienced, private San Francisco DUI lawyers is that you can talk with your attorney before your arraignment. You will be able to discuss the different details of your case and create a plan before you even step foot in a courthouse. We know that attending a court hearing is stressful enough, making sure you know what is going to happen will eliminate a lot of the anxiety.

At The DMV Hearing

If you do not want to have your driver’s license suspended you will have to request a DMV hearing within 10 days of your arrest. Because this is a very stressful time our talented litigators can also request the hearing to contest the automatic suspension of your driver’s license by the DMV. The DMV hearing is considered an administrative hearing and is handled completely independent of the criminal court process. A public defender will not be able to request the hearing on your behalf or attend the hearing as it is not part of the criminal court process. We are confident and familiar with the DMV hearings and can create a plan to try and avoid the automatic suspension of your license. While it is not always possible to avoid a suspension, it is guaranteed that your license will be suspended if you do not request a hearing and contest the suspension. Hiring an experienced San Francisco DUI attorney like Robert Shatzco with a proven track record is the best way to try and avoid a DMV license suspension.

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Other Questions

We want you to know that we understand that being charged with a alcohol or marijuana DUI can be an uncomfortable and confusing experience. You probably have several questions and are looking for the answers as you read this page. While we try to provide helpful information on this site, we believe that each case is different and deserves individualized attention. Our DUI attorney San Francisco are here to help you get through this trying time as quickly as possible. As our client we will explain all of your rights, provide solid advice and counseling and give you the defense you deserve.

For those of you who have just been charged with a DUI, the sooner you call the San Francisco DUI lawyers, the better. Feel free to contact one of our San Francisco DUI attorneys at (415) 449-1937 for a free consultation on your case. There are steps you can take right now that will help you avoid additional complications with your DUI case and we can answer any of the questions you have. Our San Francisco marijuana DUI attorneys will stand by your side and handle the DUI procedure of your case by offing the assistance you deserve.