Were you recently arrested for a first-time DUI? A first offense may seem less serious than the consequences for accruing multiple DUIs, but in the state of California, even your first conviction can negatively impact your life in many ways, including fines, suspensions, and programs.
In other words, DUIs are not taken lightly. Furthermore, the legal process can move quickly, but try not to let this information frighten you. Instead, reach out to Los Angeles DUI Lawyer for help. We have decades of experience connecting thousands of clients with attorneys.
It can be hard to know who to hire as your Palmdale first offense DUI lawyer, but that’s what we’re here for—to provide you with resources and options as you search for the right Palmdale DUI lawyer for you. You’re not alone.
How California Defines DUI for First-Time Offenders
Under California law, it is unlawful for a person to operate a motor vehicle under these two conditions:
- While under the influence of alcohol, according to VC §23152(a)
- With a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more, according to VC §23152(b)
These laws apply to private passenger vehicles. Stricter standards exist for commercial drivers, who are held to a standard of no more than 0.04% BAC while behind the wheel. Meanwhile, drivers under the age of 21 face a zero-tolerance policy.
That said, a person can be charged with DUI in Palmdale based on observed impairment , even if their BAC is below 0.08%. Law enforcement officers may cite driving behavior, failed field sobriety tests, or other signs of impairment as evidence.
If you find yourself in any of these circumstances, make sure you contact a first offense DUI lawyer in Palmdale as soon as possible. That way, your attorney will have enough time to put together your defense and take legal action on your behalf.
Typical Legal Penalties for a First DUI in Palmdale
A first DUI offense in California is typically charged as a misdemeanor unless certain aggravating factors are present (e.g., injury to another person).
Standard penalties for a first-time DUI conviction in Palmdale include:
- Jail time: You could face anywhere from 48 hours to six months in Los Angeles County Jail. In many cases, jail time may be converted to community service, work release, or house arrest, especially for first offenders whose cases do not contain any aggravating factors.
- Fines and fees: This is often between $390 and $1,000 in base fines, plus penalty assessments that can raise the total cost to approximately $1,500 to $2,000 or more.
- Probation: You might be facing anywhere from three to five years of informal probation, which will often coincide with strict conditions, such as not driving with any measurable amount of alcohol in your system.
- DUI education: It’s possible that you could be facing mandatory completion of a DUI education program, such as a three-month or 30-hour alcohol and drug education program approved by the California Department of Health Care Services.
- License suspension: Many people facing first-time DUI charges have to endure a six-month suspension from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): As of 2019, under Senate Bill 1046, many first-time DUI offenders in Los Angeles County are required to install an IID for at least six months, which allows them to continue driving during the suspension period.
Prosecution of First-Time DUIs in Palmdale
First DUI offenses in Palmdale are typically prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The criminal case typically proceeds through the following phases:
- Arraignment: At this point in the process, the defendant is formally charged with first-time DUI, and he or she will then enter a plea.
- Pretrial hearings: Motions may be filed to suppress evidence, challenge test results, or explore alternative sentencing based on the details of your case.
- Trial or resolution: The majority of first-time DUI cases are resolved before reaching the point where they have to go to trial. This is often carried out through plea bargains that may reduce your charges or the penalties you’re facing.
It’s recommended that you retain legal counsel to represent you as your first offense DUI attorney in Palmdale. That way, you’ll set yourself up for a more favorable outcome in your case, and you’ll have a point of contact throughout the entire process.
Contact Us Today to Get Connected With a First Offense DUI Law Firm in Palmdale
Getting arrested for first-time DUI charges can be very frightening, especially if you’ve never had any run-ins with the law before. As a result, you might be unsure about what to expect, what’s going to happen next, and how this situation will impact your life moving forward.
We know you have a lot of questions, and Palmdale first offense DUI attorneys have the answers you need. This experience can feel isolating, but with a first offense DUI attorney in Palmdale by your side, you won’t have to go through everything on your own.
The sooner you reach out to Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, the sooner we can help you locate a Palmdale first offense DUI law firm that can help you with your case. The earlier you act, the better prepared you’ll be to face what’s ahead.
