The Consequences Of A Drunk Driving Conviction Are Severe
The consequences for a DUI range depending on your record but can include:
- Jail time
- Fines
- Suspension of your driving privileges
- Loss of job
- Criminal record
Even if this is your first offense, it is important to protect your future and defend it aggressively. As your attorney, I will investigate your arrest and determine whether or not the police had a reasonable basis to stop you and whether they followed proper police protocol after your arrest. I am an aggressive litigator and a proven negotiator. I will work hard to help get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Protecting Your Driving Privileges
If you have been arrested for DUI in California, your license may be suspended for up to a year. The license suspension is separate from the criminal proceedings and is determined by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). I handle your DUI criminal proceedings and the administrative proceedings with the DMV. If you have multiple DUIs on your record, you may be facing a complete revocation of your driving privileges. Contact me today to learn more about your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Charges In California
People charged with DUI often have urgent questions about what happens next and how early decisions may affect the outcome of their case. Below are answers to common concerns I hear from clients facing DUI charges in Imperial County and East County, San Diego.
Should I plead guilty at my first DUI court date (arraignment)?
In most cases, entering a guilty plea at arraignment is not in your best interest. The arraignment is typically the first formal court appearance, where charges are read and an initial plea is entered. At this early stage, the prosecution may not have produced all evidence, including police reports, body camera footage or chemical test records.
Pleading guilty too soon can eliminate opportunities to challenge the legality of the traffic stop, the arrest process or the accuracy of breath or blood testing. It can also lock you into penalties before alternatives are explored. I generally advise clients to plead not guilty initially so there is time to review evidence, file motions and evaluate whether reduced charges or dismissal may be possible.
Will I go to jail for a first DUI in California?
A first DUI does not always result in jail time, but it remains a possibility under California law. Whether incarceration is imposed depends on several factors, including blood alcohol level, whether an accident occurred and any prior driving history.
Many first-time cases are resolved with probation, fines, alcohol education programs and license restrictions instead of custody. However, aggravating circumstances can increase penalties. Each case requires careful review to determine exposure and available options. Early legal representation can make a meaningful difference in how penalties are addressed and whether alternatives to jail are available.
Can I be charged with DUI if I was asleep in my car or not driving?
Yes, a DUI charge can still occur even if you were not actively driving. California law allows arrests based on “actual physical control” of a vehicle. This may include situations where a person is found asleep in a parked car with the keys accessible or the engine running.
These cases are highly fact-specific. Prosecutors must still show intent or ability to operate the vehicle. Factors such as vehicle location, key placement and engine status matter. I examine these details closely to challenge whether the legal standard for DUI has truly been met.
Contact A Defense Lawyer If You Have Been Charged With Drunk Driving
Arrested for DUI? From your first offense, breath and blood test, to felony DUI, I provide experienced legal services for all types of drunk driving crimes. Call 760-235-4480 or send me an email to schedule your free initial consultation.
If you are a resident of Mexico or Arizona and arrested for DUI in California, I can help. I handle California cases for out-of-state residents.