Riverside DUI Attorney

A DUI is a serious offense. Although a misdemeanor in most cases, you face fines, loss of your driver’s license, a substantial increase in insurance and jail time. For some people, it could lead to loss of a job.

Call a Riverside DUI attorney at 888-754-9860 and see what an experienced defense lawyer can do for your case.

A Riverside DUI attorney will fully investigate your case, review the police report for the officer’s observations, conduct and conclusions and analyze the results of a breath or blood test and how they were conducted. In many cases, a Riverside DUI attorney has had matters dismissed for police misconduct or illegalities or had the results of a breath or blood test ruled inadmissible.

A DUI entails two proceedings. You have the criminal case and a civil proceeding regarding the suspension of your driver’s license before the DMV, both of which a Riverside DUI attorney will handle. There is a short deadline to file a challenge before the DMV so it is imperative that you call a Riverside DUI attorney promptly after your DUI arrest.

The DUI Process

DMV or Per Se Hearing

You have only 10-days for your Riverside DUI lawyer to request a hearing before the DMV regarding the suspension of your license. The issues that your Riverside DUI attorney can contest are:

  1. Whether the officer had probable cause to stop and detain you

  2. Whether the officer had probable cause to arrest you for DUI

  3. If the results of your breath or blood test was 0.08%

If you prevail at this hearing, your Riverside DUI attorney can use this as a negotiating tool at your criminal proceeding.

Criminal Proceeding

There are 3 stages of your criminal matter if a misdemeanor:

  • Arraignment–a plea is entered at this stage. Your Riverside DUI attorney could negotiate a settlement though usually a not guilty plea is entered and your Riverside DUI attorney can do further investigation.

  • Pre-trial–this is a negotiating stage where most cases are settled. Your Riverside DUI lawyer may be able to negotiate a reasonable settlement of your case at this appearance.

  • Trial–If no plea agreement is reached, your Riverside DUI lawyer is prepared to mount a full defense.

Penalties for DUI

  • First DUI or DWI

Penalties for a first DUI or DWI may include:

  1. Jail. Most first DUI or DWI offenders face 48 hours in jail though you face up to 6-months in serious cases

  2. Suspension of license. You will lose driving privileges for 4 to 10 months though you may be eligible for a restricted license. If you refused testing, the suspension is one year.

  3. Fines: Your fine is $390 but other costs will be added so that it can be over $1,500.

  4. DUI Classes: 3-month DUI class and pay the associated costs

You may have to secure SR-1 insurance and possibly install an interlock ignition system.

  • Second DUI or DWI

Penalties for a second DUI or DWI within 10 years of the first include:

  1. Jail. 96 hours and up to one year in county jail and 3-5 years probation

  2. Suspension of license. 2 year suspension with eligibility for restricted license unless testing was refused.

  3. Fines: $390 to $1000

  4. DUI Classes. Mandatory class for 18 to 30-months

For a second DUI or DWI, you could have an interlock ignition system installed.

  • Third DUI or DWI

Penalties for a third DUI or DWI in 10 years include:

  1. Jail. 120 days to one year in county jail and 3-5 years probation

  2. Suspension of license. 3 years with restricted license after 12-months

  3. Fines: $390 to $1000 and other costs up to $15,000

  4. DUI Classes. Mandatory for 30-months

A third DUI or DWI will require installation of a interlock system

  • Fourth DUI or DWI

A fourth DUI or DWI is a felony with these possible penalties:

  1. Jail. 16 months, 2 or 3 years

  2. Suspension of license. 4 to 10 years

  3. Fines. Up to $5000 and other costs up to $18,000

  4. DUI Classes. 18 or 30-months

A fourth DWI or DWI could be negotiated to a misdemeanor with the assistance of a Riverside DUI lawyer.

  • Commercial DUI or DWI

If a commercial driver, you can be convicted of a commercial DUI or DWI if your BAC is 0.04%. If convicted you face;

  1. Jail. Same as for a motorist with a Class C license for first or multiple DUI or DWI offenses

  2. Driver’s license suspension. You lose your commercial driver’s license to drive for one year, regardless of the vehicle you were driving. A second conviction results in a life-time suspension. Your Class C license is also affected as it would for any other offender.

3. Fines. From $390 to $1000

4. DUI Classes. Same as for other offenders

Any of these penalties can be enhanced if aggravating circumstances are involved, which is why you need a Riverside DUI lawyer fighting for you.

Call a Riverside DUI Lawyer Today

You have little chance in court if you defend yourself or retain an inexperienced attorney. Call a Riverside DUI lawyer today at 888-754-9860 to get the representation you need and deserve.

Riverside CA 92501
(888) 754-9860