Being arrested for DUI can lead to criminal charges that, if convicted, may result in huge fines, license suspension, and significant prison time. If you were arrested in Tustin for a DUI, you need a plan to protect yourself. For the sake of your freedom and entire future, you need to speak with an experienced Tustin DUI lawyer.
When you contact us, we start working right away to pair you with the best DUI attorney for your needs. We know every case is different, so we maintain a connection with some of the best lawyers who know the DUI process. They’ll take on your case, starting with a FREE consultation, with the aim of getting you reduced charges—or even having them dismissed completely. To get started today, call us at (310) 862-0199 or complete out the form to your right today.
What Are the penalties for a DUI in Tustin?
If you’re convicted of DUI in Tustin or any area of California, you can face penalties like:
- License suspension
- Fines, fees, and court costs
- Jail time
- Mandatory treatment or education programs (at your own cost)
- Limited driving privileges
- And possibly more
Almost immediately, your driver’s license will be suspended—unless you take action quickly. This is known as an “administrative suspension” that kicks in automatically without intervention. To try and prevent your license from being suspended 30 days after your arrest, you’ll need to contact the local DMV and request a hearing. (You can either do this yourself or have your lawyer do it for you—which has several advantages.)
If you can, this is the first action to take. It’s much easier to deal with the rest of the process if you aren’t stuck looking for alternate transportation options along the way.
The penalties you can face for DUI depend on factors like:
- whether this is your first DUI offense or not
- How strict the judge is
- Whether or not anyone was hurt or killed
Below are the minimum penalties for each stage of a DUI offense (assuming no one was injured or killed).
DUI Minimum Penalties for First Offense
- Minimum fine of $390 plus other “assessment” fines from the government, all totaling about $1800 in fines and other costs
- Driver’s license suspension for a minimum of four months (including a 30 day minimum from the DMV and a 90 day minimum for criminal penalties), but this can often extend to longer
- 48 hours of jail time (can be waived, but it will increase license suspension by 90 days)
- Mandatory three-month alcohol treatment program for $500
DUI Minimum Penalties for Second Offense
- Same amount of fines and costs as a first offense
- Driver’s license suspension for at least one year plus restricted driving (only being able to drive to/from work-related tasks and to/from alcohol treatment) for two more years
- 96 hours of jail time
- Mandatory completion of either 18-month or 30-month alcohol treatment program for $1,800
- Required interlock device installation on all of your vehicles (at your own cost)
DUI Minimum Penalties for Third Offense
- Same amount of fines and costs as the first offense ($1,800 minimum)
- Complete revocation of driver’s license (meaning you can never legally drive in the state of California) for at least three years—or at least four years for a fourth offense—with no restricted driving privileges
- 120 days of jail time for third offense or 180 days for a fourth offense
- Mandatory 30-month alcohol treatment program, costing $1,800
Again, these are minimum penalties for each stage of offense. They can easily be more, which is why it’s so vital to hire a DUI lawyer and improve your chances as soon as you’re arrested.
Is Winning a DUI Case Possible?
DUI defendants often feel there’s nothing they can do to improve their chances after a DUI arrest, especially if they think there’s strong evidence against them. While a DUI case is certainly tough, they are absolutely winnable. Don’t assume you have a helpless case; speak with a DUI attorney who can assess the full situation and look for weak spots you might not be aware were there. Hard “proof” might not be as solid as it appears. Tustin lawyers successfully win DUI cases for their clients every day.
Here are some examples of ways your DUI case could come out favorable for you:
- Reduced charges: Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to strike a deal. Typically, the prosecution will agree to reduce charges against you or will request a lighter sentence. If things go really well, the charges can get changed from “DUI” to “reckless driving,” which brings much lighter penalties
- Case is dismissed or charges are dropped: If your lawyer can show there isn’t enough evidence against you, they negotiate well, or even if the prosecutors are too busy to take your case, it can be dismissed. If this happens, it’s the same as you never being arrested at all—you don’t go to court and nothing goes on your record
- You get acquitted: Acquittal means walking away free—being found “not guilty” of the crime. If you go to trial, this is the ideal outcome and often results from your lawyer proving some evidence against you isn’t valid in court
Even when a case can’t be completely won, there are usually ways to pursue lighter penalties or reduce charges. The best way to really know is by working with a DUI attorney who is knowledgeable and dedicated to this area of law.
Speak with a Tustin DUI Lawyer Today
DUI charges are some of the most complicated and serious charges. Don’t try to handle them without adequate legal representation. Hire a DUI attorney who knows exactly where to start and what to look for in your case. Contact us today to get in touch with the best lawyer for you who can offer you a FREE consultation, no strings attached. Call us at (310) 862-0199 as soon as possible so you can get the help you need.
