Receiving a DUI in Irvine can have severe consequences, but it doesn’t have to be the end, and you have options. An Irvine DUI lawyer can look at the situation for ways to question the evidence against you, reduce your criminal charges, and even help reduce your sentence.
You might also wonder about what will happen after a DUI. Will you lose your driver’s license or are you facing county jail time? To get answers and the assistance you need for the best outcome, contact Los Angeles DUI Attorney.
Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions about being accused of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Southern California or Orange County.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Irvine
DUIs are treated as a misdemeanor in Southern California, but the penalties are serious. If it’s your first time being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, the consequences are typically less severe than a repeat offense. This is what you can expect following a DUI in Orange County:
- Unless you request a hearing with the local DMV within 10 days of your law enforcement arrest and attempt to end the process, your license will be suspended for 30 days. If you don’t do this, you’ll forfeit your right to have a hearing, and your license will be suspended automatically after 30 days.
- The first step in your criminal proceeding is an arraignment. During this hearing, you’ll enter your plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- After an arraignment, you may continue to a trial, or your Irvine DUI lawyer can prevent you from going to trial through negotiation. If you go to trial, your lawyer will use strategies to help win your case against law enforcement, but ultimately a jury will decide the outcome.
- If the jury finds you guilty during the trial, you’ll face penalties that differ in severity based on factors, such as the judge, whether or not you had previous DUIs, or if anyone was hurt. Depending on the situation, penalties can include fines, court costs, treatment or education programs, limited driving privileges, a suspended license, and jail time.
What Can an Irvine DUI Attorney From Our Criminal Defense Firm Do for You?
Facing a DUI charge in Irvine can be daunting, but having an experienced DUI lawyer on your side can make a significant difference.
A criminal defense attorney who is experienced in DUI cases understands the complexities of the law and the local court system, which can be crucial for navigating the legal process effectively. Here are several ways a DUI lawyer in Irvine can assist you:
- Legal knowledge: A DUI lawyer is knowledgeable about Orange County DUI laws and potential defenses. We have decades of experience reducing potential penalties and more, so don’t wait to contact us.
- Free case evaluation: Your attorney will conduct a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding your arrest, including the legality of the traffic stop, the administration of field sobriety tests, and the accuracy of breathalyzer and blood alcohol level results. This evaluation is essential for building a strong defense.
- Court representation: If your case goes to trial, a DUI lawyer will represent you in court. They will present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue your case, striving for the best possible outcome.
- Post-conviction assistance: If you are convicted, a DUI lawyer can assist with post-conviction matters, such as reducing penalties or exploring options for expungement, allowing you to move forward more easily.
By enlisting the help of a knowledgeable Irvine DUI lawyer, you can better navigate the legal system and work towards achieving a favorable resolution to your case. If you’ve been accused of drunk driving, contact us to get in touch with an experienced defense attorney today.
Minimum Penalties for a First DUI Offense
Assuming no one was hurt or killed, penalties can vary depending on the situation. But the minimum penalties for each level of offense are:
- 48 hours of jail time. This jail time can be waived, but doing so will increase your license suspension to 90 days.
- A minimum license suspension of four months, including the 90-day penalty and at least 30 days from the DMV. License suspension could be as much as a year or more.
- Fines and costs of about $1,800, including the minimum fee of $390 plus different assessment fees you’ll pay directly to the government.
- Completion of a mandatory $500 alcohol treatment program that lasts three months. You won’t be able to reduce your license suspension time without taking this.
Maximum penalties for a first offense are:
- $ 3,600 total fees and fines.
- Six months of county jail time.
- More license suspension and alcohol treatment time.
You might also have your car impounded in Orange County for 30 days and be required to install an ignition interlock device on your car.
Minimum Penalties for a Second DUI Offense
Many of the following penalties are extensions of those from a first offense in Orange County. If this is your second time being arrested for a drunk driving charge, you could be looking at the following:
- $1,800 in fines and fees
- 96 hours of jail time
- Completion of a mandatory $1,800 long-term (18-month or 30-month) alcohol treatment program
- Minimum license suspension of one year and restricted driving (only being allowed to drive to work, work-related errands, and to alcohol treatment) for two years
- Required installation of the interlock device on all your vehicles
Maximum penalties for the second offense can be up to $4,000 in total fines and costs, a year of county jail time, and two years of restricted driving. You might also have your car impounded for 30 days, along with the installation of the interlock device. Learn more by contacting us; we are here to help you keep your criminal record clean.
Minimum Penalties for More than Three DUI Offenses
Individuals with a record of three or more DUI offenses will face serious repercussions. The minimum penalties include:
- $1,800 in fines and fees
- 120 days of jail for a third offense or 180 days for a fourth offense
- Driver’s license completely revoked for a minimum of three years with a third offense or four years with a fourth offense (no restricted driving privileges)
- Mandatory completion of a $1,800 mandatory 30-month alcohol treatment program before getting your driver’s license back
Get Connected to a Qualified Attorney in Irvine, California Today
Being accused of driving with an unlawful blood alcohol concentration can greatly affect, even ruin, your life without a good criminal defense strategy. Don’t assume there’s nothing that can be done in your case. Speak with an experienced Irvine DUI lawyer, but do it quickly, as deadlines are tight after a DUI.
Our network of Orange County defense lawyers has spent their entire careers working DUI cases and staying up-to-date on DUI laws throughout Irvine and the Los Angeles Area.
Fill out our online contact form to connect with our team and schedule a free DUI case evaluation.
