What to Expect for a First Time DUI in the Inland Empire
Protecting Your Freedom, Reputation, Driver’s License and Reputation
If you are driving home from dinner at a restaurant on Hospitality Lane in San Bernardino or Tyler Mall in Riverside, the sudden appearance of flashing lights in your rear-view mirror can send a shiver down your spine. People from all walks of life with absolutely no criminal record are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) throughout the Inland Empire and elsewhere in Southern California on a daily basis. Our first time DUI defense lawyers can help you protect your rights and ensure that a momentary lapse in judgment doesn't change your life forever.
The impact of your conviction goes far beyond these penalties to include impairing your future employment, promotion, rental housing, immigration and credit obtaining opportunities. The driving under the influence attorneys at our Inland Empire law firm understand the potentially devastating impact of a first-offense DUI conviction, so we are prepared to tenaciously fight to prevent you from suffering the lingering effects of a DUI conviction. While our initial objective is to investigate the facts to develop a strategy for seeking a dismissal of the charge or acquittal, we will aggressively negotiate for a reduction of the charge without the long-term consequences of a DUI conviction.
If you are driving home from dinner at a restaurant on Hospitality Lane in San Bernardino or Tyler Mall in Riverside, the sudden appearance of flashing lights in your rear-view mirror can send a shiver down your spine. People from all walks of life with absolutely no criminal record are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) throughout the Inland Empire and elsewhere in Southern California on a daily basis. Our first time DUI defense lawyers can help you protect your rights and ensure that a momentary lapse in judgment doesn't change your life forever.
The impact of your conviction goes far beyond these penalties to include impairing your future employment, promotion, rental housing, immigration and credit obtaining opportunities. The driving under the influence attorneys at our Inland Empire law firm understand the potentially devastating impact of a first-offense DUI conviction, so we are prepared to tenaciously fight to prevent you from suffering the lingering effects of a DUI conviction. While our initial objective is to investigate the facts to develop a strategy for seeking a dismissal of the charge or acquittal, we will aggressively negotiate for a reduction of the charge without the long-term consequences of a DUI conviction.
A first-time DUI conviction can be a life-changing event that results in jail time, loss of your driving privileges, enormous costs, and other court imposed penalties.
Criminal Penalties for 1st Time Misdemeanor DUI Conviction in California
While the specific circumstances of a drunk driving case can affect the charge and punishment, the minimum and maximum penalties for DUI in California are as follows:
Criminal & Administrative Penalties
Because our California DUI defense attorneys regularly represents those facing DUI charges in the Inland Empire, we have indicated the specific penalties typically imposed in Riverside and San Bernardino counties:
Riverside County
San Bernardino County
While the specific circumstances of a drunk driving case can affect the charge and punishment, the minimum and maximum penalties for DUI in California are as follows:
Criminal & Administrative Penalties
- Up to six months in county jail
- Minimum fine of $390 up to a maximum fine of $1,000 (total fines & assessments approximately $1,900-2,400)
- 6-month driver’s license suspension (possibility of restricted license after 30 days)
- Completion of a three month long court approved alcohol and/or drug education program (AB541 class)
- Minimum administration driver’s license suspension of four (4) months
- Mandatory ignition interlock device installation prior to driver’s license reinstatement
- SR-22 insurance coverage to drive (even with a restricted license)
- 3 to 5 years of informal probation
Because our California DUI defense attorneys regularly represents those facing DUI charges in the Inland Empire, we have indicated the specific penalties typically imposed in Riverside and San Bernardino counties:
Riverside County
- 6 to 10 days of jail time or work release
- Fines and penalty assessments amounting to approximately $2,300
- Completion of a 3-month long drug/alcohol program
- 3 years of Summary Probation
San Bernardino County
- 2 days of jail time (may be suspended or converted into work release)
- Fines and penalties assessments amounting to approximately $1900
- Completion of three month long First Time Offender drug/alcohol program
- 3 years of Summary Probation
How to Remove a DUI from your Criminal Record
Expungement of a First Time DUI Conviction
Although a first time conviction of DUI can have a substantial impact on your reputation and future, you may be able to avoid a permanent criminal record. Our California DUI attorneys may be able to get a 1st offense DUI conviction expunged from your permanent record. We can attempt to expunge the conviction if you were placed on probation and successfully completed the terms and conditions of your probation.
The process of expunging a first offense of DUI involves filing a petition that is reviewed by the judge. A plea of no contest or guilty can be withdrawn, and you can enter a plea of “not guilty,” if your request for expungement is granted, which will result in the case being dismissed. While an expungement will not prevent use of the conviction to increase penalties for subsequent offenses, the conviction and information pertaining thereto will not be available to employers for purposes of making hiring or promotion related decisions. The DUI conviction also will not need to be disclosed on an employment application.
Enhancements or More Severe Charges in First Offense DUI Cases
While the punishments above are typical in first time DUI cases without aggravating circumstances and facts, the penalties can be far more significant depending on specifics of your situation. Examples of facts that can result in more serious charges or penalties include:
Why You Should Hire an Attorney in a First Offense DUI Case
Under California law, DUI charges can be reduced to a lesser offense depending on the facts and circumstances. When your BAC level is close to .08 percent, our DUI defense lawyers might be able to negotiate a reduction in the charge against you to a non-DUI offense. We also might accomplish this reduction by carefully gathering evidence and attacking the prosecution’s case, so the prosecutor has reason to doubt a conviction if the case proceeds to trial.
If we are able to get the case reduced to a “dry reckless” charge, you can benefit from the following:
Facing a DUI Charges for the First Time – Seek Legal Advice Now
Although the prospect of a first time DUI conviction can be frightening, an arrest does not necessarily mean that you will be convicted. If you did not provide incriminating information or admit to drinking when you were pulled over and you refused to take field sobriety tests or a roadside breath test, you will have an increased likelihood of seeing the charges dismissed or obtaining an acquittal after trial. The best outcome in your DUI case will be obtained if you seek legal advice from a seasoned first-time DUI lawyer serving San Bernardino, Fontana, Victorville, Palm Springs, Riverside, Corona, Temecula, Murrieta & Hemet. Delays in seeking legal representation will mean that your rights are not being protected and evidence is not being gathered that can be used to obtain a dismissal or reduction in the charges against you.
Our Inland Empire DUI lawyers are available to answer your questions and defend your rights. While the facts of each case differ and specific results cannot be guaranteed, we tenaciously represent those charged with DUI offenses whether you are a first time or repeat offender. Call us today to learn about your legal options and potential defense strategies.
Although a first time conviction of DUI can have a substantial impact on your reputation and future, you may be able to avoid a permanent criminal record. Our California DUI attorneys may be able to get a 1st offense DUI conviction expunged from your permanent record. We can attempt to expunge the conviction if you were placed on probation and successfully completed the terms and conditions of your probation.
The process of expunging a first offense of DUI involves filing a petition that is reviewed by the judge. A plea of no contest or guilty can be withdrawn, and you can enter a plea of “not guilty,” if your request for expungement is granted, which will result in the case being dismissed. While an expungement will not prevent use of the conviction to increase penalties for subsequent offenses, the conviction and information pertaining thereto will not be available to employers for purposes of making hiring or promotion related decisions. The DUI conviction also will not need to be disclosed on an employment application.
Enhancements or More Severe Charges in First Offense DUI Cases
While the punishments above are typical in first time DUI cases without aggravating circumstances and facts, the penalties can be far more significant depending on specifics of your situation. Examples of facts that can result in more serious charges or penalties include:
- Causing an accident
- Blood alcohol level (BAC) far above the legal limit (.15 percent or higher in many counties)
- Refusing to submit to chemical testing of BAC level
- Committing a DUI offense when under the age of 21
- Speeding while under the influence
- DUI with a child passenger under the age of 14
- Causing property damage, injury, or death
Why You Should Hire an Attorney in a First Offense DUI Case
Under California law, DUI charges can be reduced to a lesser offense depending on the facts and circumstances. When your BAC level is close to .08 percent, our DUI defense lawyers might be able to negotiate a reduction in the charge against you to a non-DUI offense. We also might accomplish this reduction by carefully gathering evidence and attacking the prosecution’s case, so the prosecutor has reason to doubt a conviction if the case proceeds to trial.
If we are able to get the case reduced to a “dry reckless” charge, you can benefit from the following:
- The offense cannot be used to increase punishment for a subsequent conviction (not priorable)
- Reduced or no DUI school completion requirement
- Driver’s license suspension is not mandatory
- Shorter county jail time and summary probation period
- Reduced fine
Facing a DUI Charges for the First Time – Seek Legal Advice Now
Although the prospect of a first time DUI conviction can be frightening, an arrest does not necessarily mean that you will be convicted. If you did not provide incriminating information or admit to drinking when you were pulled over and you refused to take field sobriety tests or a roadside breath test, you will have an increased likelihood of seeing the charges dismissed or obtaining an acquittal after trial. The best outcome in your DUI case will be obtained if you seek legal advice from a seasoned first-time DUI lawyer serving San Bernardino, Fontana, Victorville, Palm Springs, Riverside, Corona, Temecula, Murrieta & Hemet. Delays in seeking legal representation will mean that your rights are not being protected and evidence is not being gathered that can be used to obtain a dismissal or reduction in the charges against you.
Our Inland Empire DUI lawyers are available to answer your questions and defend your rights. While the facts of each case differ and specific results cannot be guaranteed, we tenaciously represent those charged with DUI offenses whether you are a first time or repeat offender. Call us today to learn about your legal options and potential defense strategies.