When you get a DUI for the first time, you will typically face penalties such as fines, license suspension, mandatory education or treatment programs, and possibly jail time. However, the exact outcome for you will depend on your state’s laws and the severity of your offense.
This can be an overwhelming and stressful experience, especially when you have never been in this situation before. However, try not to stress yourself out—instead, reach out to a Los Angeles DUI lawyer to represent you in your case.
What Constitutes a DUI in the State of California?
In California, a DUI offense occurs when someone operates a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, impairment can also be the result of drugs—whether prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal substances.
This is true even if the driver’s BAC is below the legal limit. But what does this broad definition mean? Ultimately, you can get a DUI charge after ingesting various substances if they affect your ability to drive safely.
For first-time offenders, California state laws typically treat the offense as a misdemeanor, which carries specific penalties and requirements. However, the severity of your penalties can be elevated if any of these aggravating factors are present at the time of the offense:
- Producing a high BAC level
- Refusing to submit to chemical testing
- Having a minor passenger in the vehicle
- Engaging in reckless driving behaviors
Criminal Penalties Your Los Angeles DUI Lawyer Can Defend You Against After a First-Time DUI
If you are convicted of a DUI for the first time, California state laws allow for the following criminal penalties to be imposed as punishment for the crime:
- Jail time: A first offense can result in a jail sentence that ranges from two to six months. However, in many cases, judges will opt for probation instead of incarceration, especially if no aggravating factors were present at the time of the incident.
- Fines: People who are convicted of first-time DUIs can face fines between $390 and $1,000 or more. This is in addition to penalty assessments that can further increase the total amount of money you owe.
- Probation: Offenders are typically placed on informal probation for anywhere from three to five years. The conditions of your first-time DUI probation will often include obeying all laws, choosing not to drive if you have any measurable amount of alcohol in your system, and submitting to chemical tests when requested by law enforcement.
- DUI education program: Enrollment in a DUI education program—such as the AB-541 program—will likely be mandatory. These programs last between three to nine months, though the exact duration will often correlate with your BAC level at the time of your arrest.
Administrative Penalties and License Suspension
In addition to criminal penalties, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may impose the following administrative penalties:
- License suspension: A first-time DUI offense typically results in a six-month license suspension. However, after serving a period known as the 30-day “hard suspension,” you might be eligible for a restricted license. This could mean you are granted limited driving privileges for work and educational purposes.
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Depending on the circumstances of your case—such as a high BAC level or the refusal to take a chemical test—the court might require you to install an IID in your vehicle. The IID will prevent your car from starting if alcohol is detected on your breath.
Collateral Consequences Beyond Legal Penalties
Beyond the immediate legal penalties, a first-time DUI conviction in California can have lasting effects on your insurance rates, your future employment prospects, and your criminal record:
- Insurance rates: A DUI conviction often leads to more expensive auto insurance premiums. This is because insurers now view you as a high-risk driver.
- Employment implications: Certain professions—especially those that require you to drive—often have policies that disqualify applicants or employees with DUI convictions. This can impact your job prospects and career advancement opportunities.
- Criminal record: A DUI conviction results in a permanent criminal record, which can impact various aspects of life, including travel, housing, and professional licensing.
Contact Us Today to Connect With DUI Attorneys in Los Angeles if You Are Facing a DUI for the First Time
A first-time DUI offense in California can result in legal, financial, emotional, and personal consequences. However, when you know what to expect when you get a DUI for the first time, you can put your mind at ease.
Additionally, hiring Los Angeles DUI attorneys to represent you in the face of first-time DUI charges can help you feel more prepared as well. At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we can connect you with attorneys who have decades of combined experience.
Reach out to us today to take the first step toward building a defense strategy and moving forward with your case.
