A first-time DUI is normally charged as a misdemeanor crime in North Hollywood. However, even a misdemeanor DUI conviction can have lasting impacts on your freedoms and professional/personal life.
If you have been arrested for a first-time DUI, you need to speak with a North Hollywood DUI lawyer as soon as possible. As a first-time offender, there are opportunities to mitigate the negative consequences, but you need an experienced lawyer to advocate on your behalf.
A lawyer can defend you against the charges and represent you in administrative hearings regarding license suspensions. At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we have decades of experience connecting people like you with legal representation. Reach out to our team today to learn more about how a first offense DUI lawyer serving North Hollywood can help.
How a DUI Lawyer Serving North Hollywood Can Help
The immediate aftermath of being arrested for a DUI can be chaotic and disorienting. Many first-time offenders we represent have never been charged with a crime before and don’t know the court process after being arrested for a DUI.
A lawyer can help you understand the criminal process and represent you in any proceedings. More specifically, a DUI lawyer can:
- Review evidence and police testimony
- Attend DUI administrative hearings with you
- Negotiate with the prosecution for lesser penalties
- Explore options for alternative sentencing
- Challenge police and court procedures
- Represent you at trial
Facing legal trouble is a scary experience, but you are not alone, and help is available. An experienced attorney will protect your rights and work to preserve your freedom to the maximum extent possible.
First DUI Offense Definition and Punishments in California
First-offense DUIs are typically treated more leniently than subsequent offenses, especially if there were no aggravating factors or prior criminal history. That being said, the punishment can still be harsh:
- Up to six months in jail
- A maximum fine of $1,000 plus assessment fees
- Three to five years of probation
- Six-month license suspension
- Up to nine months of DUI school
Note that in California, the lookback period for prior DUI offenses is ten years. So, if you were convicted of a DUI more than ten years ago, a new arrest and conviction would only count as a first offense.
Will I Go to Jail for a First-Time DUI?
A first-time DUI can carry up to six months in jail, though offenders can often avoid prison through a combination of mandatory counseling, probation, or an ignition interlock device (IID). Since it’s a first-time offense, the courts are more likely to be lenient on you—more so if you display remorse and good behavior.
However, a first-time DUI offense can result in jail time if the offense is serious enough or if you have a prior criminal history. If you do receive a jail sentence for a first-time DUI, there may be options for reducing your sentence or early release.
License Suspensions for a First-Time DUI
If you are arrested for a DUI, it will immediately trigger a driver safety administrative hearing separate from the criminal trial. An administrative hearing is a civil procedure where you can contest your license suspension.
However, you must request a hearing within ten days of being arrested or else you’ll lose your chance to challenge suspensions. A North Hollywood first offense DUI lawyer can represent you in a hearing and present evidence to preserve your right to drive.
Aggravating Circumstances Can Increase DUI Penalties
Various aggravating circumstances can result in harsher DUI penalties, such as those listed below:
- Speeding more than 20 mph over the posted speed limit can result in an additional 60-day jail sentence.
- A BAC level greater than 0.15% can make the offender ineligible for probation.
- Refusing to take a breathalyzer test after being arrested can result in a mandatory 48 hours in jail.
- Having a minor under the age of 14 in the vehicle can trigger separate child endangerment charges.
Common Defenses to First-Time DUI Charges
Below are some common defenses an attorney can utilize to defend you against first-time DUI charges:
- Illegal stop. A first offense DUI can be dismissed if your attorney proves the police performed an unlawful stop when you were arrested.
- Not driving. DUIs in California require the prosecution to prove you were actually driving a car while drunk. If the engine was off or you were in the back seat, it doesn’t count as “driving” for a conviction.
- No evidence of impairment. An attorney can also question the proof of your intoxication, such as police officer statements, breathalyzer readings, and field sobriety test results.
Contact a First Offense DUI Lawyer Serving North Hollywood
A first-time DUI might not seem like a big deal, but it’s a serious offense that merits an equally serious legal response. Without a lawyer, you may face the maximum punishment and the greatest loss of your freedoms and privileges. When the stakes are so high, you can’t leave the outcome of your case to chance.
Contact Los Angeles DUI Lawyer online or call today, and we can put you in touch with an experienced North Hollywood first offense DUI lawyer.
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