Getting a DUI for the first time can feel overwhelming. You might be concerned about your future, how it will affect your family, or the impact on your job.
A conviction can lead to fines, a suspended license, higher insurance rates, or even jail time, all of which can have long-term consequences. A first offense DUI lawyer in West Covina can protect your future.
If you’re unsure where to turn after a DUI, we are here to help. We connect you with experienced local attorneys who can handle your case. With years of experience and thousands of clients helped, we can find the right West Covina DUI lawyer for you. Having strong legal representation will make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
How a First Offense DUI Attorney in West Covina Will Help
Hiring a local attorney offers several advantages. Since they are nearby, scheduling in-person meetings is easier. You can discuss your case in detail and get answers to your questions without delay. Quick and clear communication ensures you stay informed about important deadlines and legal options.
A local DUI lawyer also understands the courts, judges, and prosecutors in your area, which can be helpful when negotiating for reduced charges or lighter penalties.
They will use their knowledge and experience to build a strong defense. With a dedicated attorney on your side, you’ll have the support needed to navigate the legal process with confidence.
A DUI lawyer in West Covina can handle all the legal aspects of your case, including:
- Review your arrest details
- Find mistakes or rights violations
- Negotiate for lower charges or penalties
- Represent you in court
- Guide you on license reinstatement
- Explore diversion program options
- Protect your driving record
- Build a strong defense
Facing a DUI charge can be confusing, especially if it’s your first offense. You may have questions about what happens next, how it will affect your driver’s license, and what penalties you might face. The legal system can be complicated, with strict deadlines and procedures that are difficult to navigate on your own.
An experienced first offense DUI attorney in West Covina will explain every step of the process and help you understand your rights and options. They will review the details of your arrest, look for any mistakes or violations of your rights, and build a strong defense.
What Happens After Your First DUI Arrest
If you are charged with a DUI in California, you will have to deal with both the court system and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). These two agencies handle your case separately, each with its own rules, deadlines, and possible penalties. The court focuses on criminal charges, while the DMV decides whether to suspend or revoke your driver’s license.
Here’s what usually happens after your first DUI arrest:
- The police will take your driver’s license and issue a temporary one.
- You’ll receive a notice about a possible DMV suspension, which you must keep with your temporary license.
- The police will send this notice to the DMV, which will review your case and typically move forward with suspending your license.
To challenge a DUI charge, you must deal with both the court system and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), as each handles a different part of your case.
The court is responsible for deciding whether you are guilty of the DUI offense. This process involves hearings, legal arguments, and possibly a trial, all of which can impact your future.
At the same time, the DMV will review your case separately to determine what happens to your driver’s license. They can suspend or revoke your license, even if your case is still pending in court.
To challenge this, you must request a DMV hearing within a short timeframe, usually 10 days. If you miss this deadline, your license could be automatically suspended.
Navigating both systems can be complicated, so let us help. Your lawyer will explain your legal options, represent you in court, and fight to keep your driving privileges. With an attorney on your side, you’ll have someone working toward the best possible outcome for your case.
A First Offense DUI for Minors
For drivers under 21, the consequences of a DUI are much stricter compared to those for adults over the legal drinking age. California enforces a zero-tolerance policy under Vehicle Code §23136, which means that even a very small amount of alcohol in your system (a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of just 0.01%) can result in serious penalties.
If you are caught with any detectable alcohol in your system, the DMV can suspend your driver’s license for one year. If your BAC is 0.05% or higher, you may also face fines, mandatory DUI education programs, and a one-year suspension period.
A BAC of 0.08% or more could lead to even harsher penalties, similar to those imposed on drivers over 21, including higher fines, misdemeanor probation, and potential jail time.
Because of these strict laws, underage drivers have little room for error when it comes to DUI charges. Work with an experienced West Covina first offense DUI attorney to protect your future.
DMV Penalties for a First Offense DUI
If you don’t request a DMV hearing within 10 days of your DUI arrest, or if you attend the hearing but lose, you could face serious penalties. The Department of Driver Safety (DDS) will likely suspend your driver’s license for at least four months.
The DMV will also add points to your driving record and charge additional fees. If you accumulate too many points (4 within 12 months, 6 within 24 months, or 8 within 36 months), you may face a longer suspension or even lose your license altogether.
Because these penalties can significantly affect your ability to drive and your financial situation, act quickly after a DUI arrest. A first offense DUI lawyer in West Covina will help you navigate the process.
SR-22 Insurance
After a DUI, you will also need to get SR-22 insurance, which is a special type of coverage required for high-risk drivers. The SR-22 is not an insurance policy itself but a certificate that your insurance company files with the DMV to prove that you carry the state’s minimum required coverage.
Because insurers see DUI offenders as high-risk, SR-22 insurance is much more expensive than regular auto insurance. Your monthly premiums can increase significantly, sometimes by hundreds of dollars per year. Some insurance companies may even refuse to cover you, forcing you to switch providers.
You will typically need to maintain SR-22 coverage for at least three years. If your policy lapses or is canceled during this period, your insurer will notify the DMV, which could lead to further penalties, including an extended license suspension.
Criminal Penalties for a First Offense DUI
The court system is responsible for handling the criminal side of a DUI case. This means the court will determine whether you are guilty of the offense and decide what penalties you will face. A West Covina first offense DUI lawyer can represent you in court to fight for a favorable verdict or reduced penalties.
The penalties for a first-time DUI conviction in California include:
- Fines ranging from $390 to $1,000
- Extra fees and costs could increase the total amount owed to thousands of dollars or more
- DUI education classes for a minimum of three months
- A required jail sentence can range from 3 days to 6 months, although it may be waived if part of your probation
- DUI probation can last anywhere from 3 to 5 years
A DUI conviction remains on your record for ten years. If you are arrested for another DUI within this time, the penalties will be significantly harsher. A DUI conviction can also affect various aspects of your life, including your job opportunities, college applications, and more.
An experienced first offense DUI attorney in West Covina can minimize these consequences by challenging evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, and working to have the charges reduced or dismissed when possible.
Other Potential Penalties for a First DUI Offense
In addition to criminal and DMV penalties, many drivers are required to install an ignition interlock device (IID). This device functions as a breathalyzer, requiring the driver to blow into it before starting the vehicle. Drivers are responsible for covering the costs of installing and maintaining the IID.
For first-time DUI offenders, there are two options for using the IID. You can opt for a 12-month restricted license, allowing you to drive to specific places like work or school. Alternatively, you can choose to use the IID for a maximum of 6 months after your license is reinstated.
Additional penalties may include mandatory alcohol or drug counseling, community service, or wearing an alcohol-detecting “SCRAM” bracelet. While these penalties are less common for first-time offenders, they are at the judge’s discretion and may be ordered based on the specifics of the case.
Effective Defense Strategies in a First Offense DUI Case
A DUI lawyer will build a personalized defense strategy by carefully reviewing the details of your case. Their goal is to protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome for you.
Challenging the Legality of the Traffic Stop
For a DUI arrest to be valid, law enforcement must have a legitimate reason to stop your vehicle, such as a traffic violation or reasonable suspicion of impairment.
If the police did not have a valid reason for pulling you over, any evidence gathered during the stop (including field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, or statements made) could be deemed inadmissible in court.
Your attorney will review the details of the stop, such as the officer’s justification for pulling you over, and look for any inconsistencies or violations of your rights.
If the stop was unlawful, your lawyer may argue that the case should be dismissed or that the evidence should be excluded, potentially leading to a more favorable outcome.
Disputing the Accuracy of Breathalyzer or Blood Test Results
Breathalyzer tests and blood tests are commonly used to measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC), but they are not always foolproof.
Various factors can affect the accuracy of these tests, such as improper calibration of the device, administration errors, or medical conditions that interfere with the results. Additionally, improper handling of blood samples or delays in testing can lead to contamination or degradation of the sample.
Identifying Errors in Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are used by law enforcement to assess a driver’s level of impairment, but these tests are not always reliable indicators of intoxication.
Several factors can influence a person’s ability to perform well on these tests, including nervousness, poor weather conditions, or medical conditions like inner ear problems or leg injuries that affect balance.
Work With an Experienced First Offense DUI Lawyer in West Covina
If you’re facing charges for impaired driving, a West Covina first offense DUI attorney will assess your case. Don’t give up hope until you’ve had a chance to speak with a legal professional who understands DUI cases and can advocate for your best interests.
Your attorney can help by negotiating a plea agreement or even working to get the charges dropped. Reach out to Los Angeles DUI Lawyer today or complete our online contact form to connect with a trusted DUI defense lawyer. We’re here to support you through this difficult situation.
