The six things to do after a misdemeanor DUI arrest in California include understanding the charges, protecting your license, preserving evidence, staying silent, learning your legal options, and connecting with a DUI lawyer. Even though it’s not a felony, a misdemeanor DUI still carries serious legal, financial, and personal consequences.
Taking the right steps early can greatly improve your chances of a better outcome. Connect with a Los Angeles misdemeanor DUI lawyer as soon as possible so that you can avoid critical errors and start building your defense immediately.
1. Understand What a Misdemeanor DUI Really Means
A misdemeanor DUI in California is still a criminal offense—not a traffic infraction. Most first and second DUIs without injury are charged under California Vehicle Code §23152(a), which prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Penalties for a misdemeanor DUI may include:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fines and penalty assessments totaling thousands of dollars
- DUI education classes
- Probation
- License suspension
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we connect people with attorneys who can explain how the law applies to your specific situation, whether you’re facing a first-time offense or have prior convictions.
2. Act Fast to Protect Your Driver’s License
After a DUI arrest, the DMV automatically begins the process to suspend your license. You only have 10 days to request a DMV hearing to challenge this action.
Missing this deadline can result in:
- Automatic license suspension
- Loss of eligibility for restricted driving privileges
- No opportunity to contest the suspension until after the full term
The DMV hearing is separate from your court case and requires a specific legal strategy. Attorneys we work with can handle this step quickly, helping you preserve your right to drive while your case is pending.
3. Write Down Every Detail You Can Remember
The hours and days immediately following your arrest are when your memory will be clearest. Capture the details of your encounter with law enforcement in writing or a voice memo.
Important facts to document include:
- Why you were pulled over
- What the officer said and did
- Whether you took field sobriety or breath tests
- Any instructions you were given
- What time tests were conducted
Even minor details—like the lighting conditions, road signs, or what you ate that day—can be useful to an attorney building your defense. At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we always recommend documenting everything while it’s fresh.
4. Don’t Discuss the Arrest Without Legal Advice
You might feel tempted to explain your version of events to the police or post about the incident on social media. That’s a mistake.
Anything you say—on the record or online—can be used against you. Even innocent remarks could be twisted into evidence of guilt. This is especially true during the DMV hearing or if you’re negotiating a plea deal.
Until you speak with a DUI attorney, limit your communication to only what is legally required. The attorneys we connect you with can guide you through what to say and how to protect yourself throughout the process.
5. Learn Your Options Before Going to Court
A misdemeanor DUI arrest doesn’t automatically mean a conviction. Depending on the circumstances, an attorney may be able to:
- Challenge the legality of the traffic stop
- Dispute the accuracy of field sobriety or chemical tests
- Identify violations of your rights
- Negotiate for a reduction to a lesser charge, like wet reckless driving
An experienced defense lawyer will evaluate whether law enforcement followed protocol and whether the evidence against you meets legal standards.
We make it easy to get connected with DUI defense attorneys who know how to assess the strength of the case and determine whether it can be reduced or dismissed entirely.
6. Work With a Los Angeles Misdemeanor DUI Lawyer Early
Timing matters. The earlier you involve a DUI defense attorney, the more options you may have for protecting your license, avoiding jail, and minimizing the consequences of a conviction.
Attorneys in our network focus specifically on DUI defense and know how to handle the unique aspects of misdemeanor charges in California. From challenging breathalyzer results to negotiating alternative sentencing, they build defense strategies around the facts of your case—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
With thousands of clients served, Los Angeles DUI Lawyer is a trusted resource for those who want strong legal support from day one. We’re here to help you take the next step toward protecting your future.
Talk to a DUI Lawyer Today
A misdemeanor DUI charge is serious—but it doesn’t have to define your future. The actions you take in the first days after your arrest can shape everything that follows, from your ability to drive to whether a conviction stays on your record.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we draw on decades of combined experience to connect people with DUI attorneys who know how to fight back. If you’ve been arrested, don’t wait. The right legal help can make all the difference.
Reach out today to be connected with a misdemeanor DUI lawyer who can help you take control of your case.
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