DUI - General Information

Most DUI cases are charged as misdemeanors. A first time offender is typically sentenced to:

License Suspension: 4 months of full restriction or a 1 month suspension with a 5 month work restriction
Probation: 1-5
Alcohol Education Classes: 3 to 9 months depending on BAC reading
Fines of up to $2000
Possible Jail or Jail Alternative sentence of 0 to 6 months

Being arrested for DUI will result in two distinct justice processes---a criminal case and a case with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It is important to note that the DMV is its own separate entity. Many clients think that if they’re DUI criminal case is dismissed in court they are automatically in the clear with the DMV. This is not true. You can still lose your license just by merely being arrested for DUI. A Riverside DUI attorney can help you negotiate with the Riverside courts as well as the Riverside DMV.

The prosecution will use your BAC level and failure of any field sobriety tests as evidence of your intoxication. But a good lawyer will be able to invalidate the science of these oftentimes faulty tests and get your case dismissed. If the arresting officer violated protocol before, during, or after your arrest, this is also cause to dismiss your case.

Legally, you have 10 calendar days from the date of your DUI arrest to request a hearing with the DMV. If you do not request this hearing, your license will be automatically suspended. You have the right to request a DMV hearing after the 10 calendar days; however the DMV has the right to refuse your petition.

Contact the law offices of the Riverside DUI attorney to avoid having your license taken away and the many other consequences that result from a DUI arrest.