California DUI Attorney

A DUI charge may seem light compared to other kinds of arrests, but the penalties you'll face for it in California are quite severe. The fine is $1,300 with 3 years probation. Other penalties are community service for 3 to 5 days, attending the First Offender School, and 6 months license suspension.

A California DUI lawyer can help you lessen your sentence or reduce the charge to reckless driving. Look for lawyers who specialize in drunk driving defense and give a reliable assessment of your situation. DUI lawyers are available in Los Angeles and San Diego for Southern California arrests. For Northern California arrests, look for a San Francisco DUI lawyer or an Oakland DUI lawyer.

There are two cases faced upon having a DUI arrest. The first is the DMV hearing where you can face license suspension. A hearing should be done within 10 days of your arrest or else you lose your license. Contact your lawyer within these 10 days so you'll be able to go over the hearing details. A restricted license is given 30 days after hard suspension from the DMV. You can only drive from home to work, and to and from the required DUI programs. The limitations go on for 5 months. The other is your court case. Jail is the unlikeliest penalty for first offenders, but you'll have to do community service like cleaning litter. For offenders with higher BAC levels, First Offender School is recommended. Some inevitable consequences are losing your job after an impounded vehicle and installment of an ignition interlock device.