Considerations for a First-Time DUI in California

 Posted on May 08, 2023 in DUI

Facing charges for driving under the influence (DUI) can be a very stressful and frightening experience, especially for first-time offenders. In California, penalties for DUI can be steep, and understanding your legal options is essential in order to fight the charges against you and to try and obtain a favorable case outcome. If you have been arrested for a first-time DUI, contacting a DUI defense attorney is essential, as a DUI conviction can have seriously detrimental consequences. While hiring a lawyer does not by any means guarantee an acquittal, it does ensure your rights and interests will be safeguarded at all times. 

Keep These Things in Mind

Here are some essential considerations if you have been charged with a first-time DUI, including:

• Call a specialized DUI attorney – If you are facing a first-time DUI charge, you must hire an attorney specializing in DUI cases. Your attorney will work closely with you to develop your defense and choose the most appropriate strategy for your situation.

• The legal and financial consequences of a conviction – California has strict DUI laws that apply to all drivers, regardless of whether it is their first-time DUI or not. For a first-time DUI, penalties can be plentiful, including $2,000+ in fines, up to six months in prison, community service, suspension of your driver's license for up to six months, and more. Additionally, a DUI conviction can result in increased auto insurance rates and may affect your employment opportunities. 

• Evidence and defense strategies for a first-time DUI – The prosecution must prove specific facts beyond a reasonable doubt to win a DUI conviction. Understanding the evidence against you and what possible defense strategies are in your best interest to implement is essential. Your DUI attorney may decide to challenge the breath or blood test results, the arresting officer's conduct during the stop and arrest, and other factors that may call into question the validity of the evidence presented against you.

• Attend your court dates – Do not skip any of your court dates, as this will only increase your legal liability. Keep in mind that just because this is your first DUI, and assuming you have a clean criminal record, you are still very much in deep legal trouble. Do not take any chances; attend all court proceedings!

Contact a San Francisco DUI Attorney

Contact the highly skilled Napa DUI lawyer with Burglin Law Offices, P.C. for more information. Call 415-729-7300 for a free consultation. 

Source - https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/dui/california-dui-laws/