At the beginning of 2022, the law regarding DUI diversion changed. DUIs are no longer eligible for diversion in California. Please contact our office with any questions. Email us at abortellaw@gmail.com OR Call us at: (415) 523-7878
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Are you a first-time DUI offender who is worried about what comes next? Find out more about how the Law Firm Of Aaron Bortel can help.
Being charged with a DUI can be an incredibly stressful and overwhelming situation for a number of reasons. Not only are the potential financial and legal consequences a subject of great concern, but you will also need to process the emotional weight of your incident while juggling the flurry of legal calls, meetings, and hearings you will need to prepare for.
If you’re facing your first DUI arrest, it is important to seek a knowledgeable DUI defense attorney in Sonoma County, CA who can prepare you to navigate the process. Your attorney will ensure that you know exactly what to expect so that you are not met with any surprises in your DUI case.
By gathering a basic understanding of the potential penalties and how you can defend yourself against them, you will be better poised to handle your case head-on with our attorney. By working with an experienced DUI lawyer, you may be able to lessen or even eliminate your charges completely. For this reason, it is important to understand how the process works.
After you have been pulled over and subject to a series of field sobriety tests, law enforcement officers may arrest you for DUI and ask you to take a breathalyzer test to determine your blood alcohol content, or BAC. It is important to note that refusing to take these tests can result in additional penalties and extended license suspensions.
Once you have been arrested, your license will be automatically suspended. You can request a hearing with the DMV to contest your suspension, but the request must be made within ten days of your request.
Your hearing with the DMV will be separate from any court proceedings that are related to your charges. While it is possible to win this hearing and retain your ability to drive even if you are convicted of DUI, you will need to request your hearing within the 10-day period. If you fail to request a hearing, your license will be automatically suspended following your DUI charges, and you will be unable to contest the suspension with the DMV.
While the severity of your penalties can vary based on factors such as your BAC level or involvement in an accident, there are specific penalties listed in California law for first-time offenders. But first-time or otherwise, DUIs are expensive.
As a first-time offender, you can expect to pay anywhere from $390 to $1,000 in fines, not including additional court and legal fees. You may also face a license suspension of up to four months, but you may be eligible for a restricted license that allows you to drive to and from work and DUI classes.
First-time offenders in Sonoma County, CA are generally required to attend a DUI education program for anywhere from 3-9 months. You will also be subject to a 3-5 year probation period, requiring you to comply with conditions such as avoiding future DUIs and attending the aforementioned educational programs.
Along with these penalties, there is a potential for first-time DUI offenders to face jail time. While a higher BAC level or other aggravating factors may extend your time, first-time offenders typically do not spend more than 48 hours in jail.
After your DUI arrest, you will be required to appear in court for your arraignment, but not before you are formally charged and asked to enter your plea. California law provides three options for a plea, including:
Many clients choose to plead not guilty to charges, and you would be well advised to work with an experienced legal professional who can offer guidance and advocate for you. Possible legal defenses can include…
When you partner with the team at the Law Firm Of Aaron Bortel, you are placing your case in the hands of a dedicated legal team who will provide the support you need to defend yourself against your DUI charges.
Are you struggling to navigate the legal intricacies of your DUI charges alone? Contact the Law Firm Of Aaron Bortel for prompt, professional assistance,
Are you in need of an experienced DUI defense attorney in Sonoma County, CA who will personally fight for you in your DUI case? Attorney Aaron Bortel brings over 30 years of experience to the table, working closely with the close-knit team at the Law Firm Of Aaron Bortel to provide you with legal counsel that you can depend on.
Don’t try to handle your DUI case alone; contact us today for an initial consultation at
(415) 523-7878.