Irvine First DUI Lawyer
Need Legal Advice After Your First DUI Arrest? Contact Us Today!
Were you arrested for DUI for the first time? We know this can be a confusing and stressful time for you, but you do not have to face it without a skilled and aggressive legal advocate on your side. At The Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor, we are here to help you navigate the criminal process and fight for the most favorable outcome possible.
Why choose our Irvine first DUI attorneys?
- Available 24/7 to assist you
- Nearly 100 years of collective legal experience
- Thousands of cases successfully handled
- 100% client satisfaction guaranteed
Our team is highly experienced and well-versed in California DUI laws. We can help you understand your rights and options and work toward the best possible outcome for your situation.
Call (949) 752-1550 or contact us online today to let our firm protect your rights and future!
Penalties for a First-Time DUI in California
In California, a first-time DUI offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor. However, this is not always the case. If the DUI involved an injury, you have a prior DUI conviction on your record, or there are other circumstances that warrant it, you could be charged with a felony.
For a first-time DUI offense without any additional circumstances, the penalties are as follows:
- 3 to 5 years of probation
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fines ranging from $390 to $1,000, plus various fees
- Driver's license suspension for 4 to 10 months
- DUI school
In certain cases, a first-time DUI offender may avoid jail time by completing a court-approved alcohol and/or drug treatment program. If you have been charged with first-time DUI, you must speak to an experienced lawyer about your options.
Additional penalties for a first DUI conviction can include:
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle
- Increase in auto insurance premiums
- Requirement to file an SR-22 (proof of financial responsibility) with the California DMV
Remember, there may be additional penalties if you are convicted of driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15% or higher, refusing to take a chemical test, driving under the influence of drugs, or being under the age of 21 and driving with any amount of alcohol in your system.
Irvine DUI Case Process
After a first DUI arrest in California, you will be facing two separate cases: a criminal case and an administrative case. The criminal case will determine the criminal penalties you face if you are convicted of a DUI, while the administrative case will determine what happens to your driving privileges.
Here is what you can expect from the DUI case process in California:
- Arrest: After a DUI arrest, you will be taken to the local police station, where you will be booked. This will involve having your mugshot and fingerprints taken and providing a statement. You will then be held in a jail cell until you are sober or until you can post bail.
- Arraignment: In California, you will be required to appear in court for your arraignment, where you will be formally charged with a DUI. You will be asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If you have an attorney, he or she may be able to appear on your behalf.
- Pre-Trial: During the pre-trial phase, your lawyer will review the prosecution's evidence against you and begin to develop a defense strategy. This may involve filing motions to suppress evidence or exclude certain witnesses. Many DUI cases are resolved during the pre-trial phase.
- Trial: If your case cannot be resolved through a plea bargain, it will proceed to trial. During the trial, the prosecution will present evidence against you, and your lawyer will present your defense. The jury will then decide whether or not you are guilty of DUI.
- Sentencing: If you are found guilty, a sentencing hearing will be scheduled. If you are found not guilty, the case will be dismissed. If you are found guilty, the judge will determine your sentence, which can include fines, jail time, and more.
If you are convicted of a first-time DUI offense in California, you may be offered the opportunity to enter a plea bargain. A plea bargain is an agreement between the prosecution and the defense in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest to the charges in exchange for a lesser sentence or dropped charges. If you are offered a plea bargain, you need to speak to a lawyer before accepting it.
How Our Irvine First-Time DUI Attorneys Can Help
At The Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor, we are highly experienced in handling all types of DUI cases, including first-time offenses. When you choose to work with us, you can be confident that we will put our knowledge and skill to work for you.
Our Irvine first-time DUI lawyers can:
- Review the details of your arrest, including the reason for the initial traffic stop, the administration of any field sobriety tests, and the accuracy of any chemical tests
- Investigate the arresting officer's training and experience
- File any necessary pre-trial motions, such as motions to suppress evidence
- Represent you at all court hearings and proceedings
- Aggressively advocate for your rights and best interests, in and out of the courtroom
- Answer your questions and address your concerns
Our team is committed to providing our clients with the personalized, one-on-one legal counsel they deserve. We understand that this is a difficult time for you and your family, and we are here to help you navigate the criminal process from start to finish.
Call us at (949) 752-1550 or submit an online contact form today to schedule a free consultation with our Irvine first DUI lawyers.
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At The Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Chris not only got me down to a Wet Reckless but was able to significantly reduce the penalties I would face."
Im am so glad that I read the reviews of Taylor and Taylor after my first "incident" and immediately contacted them. Chris was great at calming my nerves as this was my 1st offense and at a .06 it was right on the line on a trial or pleading it out. Chris not only got me down to a Wet Reckless but was able to significantly reduce the penalties I would face. His whole office staff was also very helpful and he returned my calls when I had questions if not the same day, the next. I plan on having my record expunged and will be going back to him for that. He attended all DMV and court hearings on my behalf which took A LOT of stress off me. I strongly recommend him.
Suzi J. -
"I have come across many attorneys in my life and I have never been treated as well as I have her"
I have come across many attorneys in my life and I have never been treated as well as I have here. Every phone call was returned in a timely and courteous manner. The first consultation was very professional, and my attorney Chris patiently answered every question I had. In situations like this, responsiveness is key and this firm never left me feeling uninformed. I was very satisfied with the outcome of my case and would definitely recommend this firm to anyone in need of a DUI defense attorney.
Anthony D. -
"Truly great team of lawyers. Handled everything the very best they could. Won DMV hearing and got my case expunged for a minor issue, so no record, as it should be! Can definitely rely on them."
Truly great team of lawyers. Handled everything the very best they could. Won DMV hearing and got my case expunged for a minor issue, so no record, as it should be! Can definitely rely on them.
Nick T. -
"I would recommend this firm with no qualms!"
I received counsel in a sensitive legal matter from Lawrence Taylor Sr., and his advice was spot on. I did some research and I also know that the senior Mr. Taylor is in the top echelon in his field. He has written text books on DUI and he has taught the topic in law school. I would recommend this firm with no qualms!
Jerry S. -
"I have practiced for a long time, and can tell you that when these guys walk into court the clients will fair 1000% better!"
This is a top level law firm. The Bible of DUI's comes from this firm! These are the guys other attorneys call when they are stuck on a legal issue or need some guidance. There is no other firm or DUI attorney that has the kind of experience these folks do. I have practiced for a long time, and can tell you that when these guys walk into court the clients will fair 1000% better! Most attorneys do not have trial experience, and if your case must go that direction it's scary to see non experienced dui attorneys walking in with no experience. NOT these guys. Chris Taylor is one of the best trial attorneys I have ever seen; and a force to be reckoned with. The folks I have recommended have had nothing short of positive experiences. A DUI is nothing short of stressful, and can have such an impact on a persons life between restricted or no driving privileges, classes, the cost, and the general stress of it all. This law firm handles all of these issues with such ease, and most important you know you are the most well represented client in any court or DMV hearing
Tania C. -
"Thankfully Mr. Taylor was able to help fight my case without me ever having to go to court"
You should never drink and drive anywhere, but especially don't do it in la Jolla! Cops down here have nothing better to do then make your life miserable. It is also a college town which adds assault to injury. I should take my own advice because I was recently arrested for a DUI down in La Jolla. A friend of mine referred me to Mr. Taylor's office and I am extremely glad I got into contact with them. I hardly blew over the legal limit and did perfectly fine on the sobriety tests but still was arrested. Thankfully Mr. Taylor was able to help fight my case without me ever having to go to court and I was able to have the charges dropped. Extremely professional law firm with the experience to get you the results you want.
Steven K. -
"They will fight strategically to help you win your case."
These are the best lawyers in LA/OC when it comes to DUI cases. They will fight strategically to help you win your case. My Attoney Chris Taylor was impeccable in many aspects; one he interrogated the officer causing him to fumble with his initial statement; two he is well respected within the courtroom; three he keeps you well informed with everything he is doing and what you may need to do. I can't be more pleased with the outcome of his performance. Thank you God for Taylor and Taylor!
Kendall L. -
"Christopher always made me aware of what was going on with my hearings, and got me the best outcome possible."
When you need to get a lawyer, you aren't usually in a great situation. I wasn't at least. Christopher and his team never made me feel ashamed, they just help me get through a situation where sh*t happens. Christopher always made me aware of what was going on with my hearings, and got me the best outcome possible. He made things easy to understand, helped with the paperwork, and I while I *hope* to not have to seek his services again, I would highly recommend him and his team for anyone needing a lawyer!
Jessica S.