First-Offense DUI

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer, but a first DUI is a criminal charge with real consequences, and having one usually helps. Even a first offense can carry county jail exposure of up to six months, fines, a license suspension,

A first DUI in California is usually a misdemeanor, and while it rarely means a long jail sentence, the penalties stack up fast. The law allows for a range, and where you land depends on your BAC, the facts, and how the case is handled.

For most first-time DUIs in California, actual time behind bars is unlikely. The law technically allows up to 6 months in county jail for a first offense, but in practice, first offenders with a clean record often receive probation instead

The arraignment is your first court appearance in a DUI case. It is short and mostly procedural. The court tells you the exact charges, you enter a plea, and the judge sets bail conditions and future dates. Nobody is deciding guilt or

DUI school is a state-licensed alcohol and drug education program you are usually ordered to complete after a DUI conviction. How long it lasts depends on the offense and your BAC, and it can range from a few months to two and a half years.

For a first DUI in California, the DMV suspension is often four months, though a restricted license may let you drive sooner. A second offense within ten years can bring a one-year suspension. These numbers can change based on your BAC,