First Offense DUI in California

Defendants facing a first DUI in California face both criminal and administrative penalties. A single count of DUI in California may incur elevated administrative action, if the driver refuses to submit to a breathalyzer test. The outcome of any DUI case in California, however, will be contingent on the case-specific nature of the arrest and ensuing criminal proceedings. Having legal counsel from the outset is highly advisable.

Administrative Penalties

• First offense DUI carries penalty of administrative license suspension for at least four (4) months

• The courts will also mandate completion of an alcohol assessment or treatment evaluation in any case, which is required for license reinstatement as well

• License reinstatement now requires mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device

• License reinstatement, including driving with a restricted license, requires SR-22 insurance coverage

Criminal Penalties

• First offense conviction carries mandatory incarceration of three (3) days, with potential incarceration of not more than six (6) months

• Fines incurred upon conviction range from $1,000 to $1,600, but completion of sentence, including adherence to probation requirements and other items will incur addition expenses as well

• Convictions remain on record for period of ten (10) years regarding influence on subsequent DUI arrests

Getting Legal Help

The state of California does allow reduction of DUI charges to lesser criminal or driving offenses in limited instances. Likewise, with the insight of legal counsel, drivers can work towards dismissal or favorable plea bargain agreements in light of the case-specific nature of their DUI arrest. For more information and insight, consult with a California first offense DUI lawyer.