First Time DUI in California
Within the state of California, once you have been faced with DUI, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it is a serious charge that can have a very lasting impact on your life. A DUI lawyer ought to be consulted as soon as possible following your DUI charge so that a defense against DUI may be formulated. Many individuals automatically think they should plead guilty to DUI just to "get over it" and "be through with it". But the reality is that doing this can subject one to serious penalties, even if it's your very first time charged with DUI. California is really a strict state when it comes to DUIs, and therefore DUI penalties can be harsh.
Fees and Penalties for DUI
In California, all cases of DUI involve facing penalties which are dependent on particular laws that govern DUI charges. When the judge hearing your DUI case makes any ruling or judgment against you, your individual circumstances are going to be taken into account. This may include the facts of your case, the way in which you were arrested as well as the facts surrounding your arrest, your BAC level (blood alcohol concentration) whenever you were arrested, and even the judge's unique views on DUIs. One big factor that may determine the degree of DUI penalties you will face will be the experience and skill level of your DUI attorney with regards to working with the district attorney or D.A. in your case. Sometimes your competent DUI lawyer is able to make a deal and have your charges reduced. In other instances, your lawyer may need to litigate your case in front of a jury.
What You Can Expect After DUI Conviction
Generally, with the first time DUI offense in the state of California, you will likely lose your driving privileges. Having a first time DUI conviction, nearly all drivers lose their right to run a car or truck for six months or longer. You will additionally face steep fines of up to $1000. These fines can be even steeper when subjected to penalty enhancement. You may also be out-of-pocket to pay for the mandatory installing of a product that is used to verify your sobriety before you could start your vehicle, thus assuring a legal court that you don't drive drunk again. According to the BAC test results in your case, you may also be expected as a condition of your sentence to attend an alcohol treatment course that can last for as long as half a year. Unfortunately, with a first time offense of DUI in California, you could also spend up to six months in jail.
Enhanced DUI Penalties
California DUI penalties are enhanced for certain situations. For example, if you're adjudged guilty of speeding while committing the DUI, or maybe you won't have a field sobriety test or submit to blood alcohol content testing, or if you're driving having a minor in your car while you're drunk, you may be penalized much more. When you have enhanced DUI penalties you may pay more in costs and fines, you could spend more time in DUI rehab programs, or you may spend additional time in jail.
As you're able to understand, even when it is your first DUI offense in the state of California, this can be a serious charge. A DUI charge signifies that you're in serious trouble. Finding an experienced DUI attorney to defend you against DUI is a crucial initial step that will help you to maintain your liberty, your reputation, as well as your way of life.
About the Author
Have you been charged with driving under the influence and now need to find a good Sacramento DUI lawyer? Contact Brianne Doyle at 916-806-6400 or visit her website at http://bdoylelaw.com/ . She is a great criminal defense attorney http://bdoylelaw.com/criminal-defense-attorney and can give you the help you need.
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