DUI Defense for a First-Time Charge in Ventura, CA

Ventura First-Time DUI Defense Attorneys

At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, we understand the stress and uncertainty of a DUI arrest; especially if your criminal record does not reflect prior DUI convictions.

After an arrest, you probably have a lot of questions about DUI, such as:

• "Will I go to jail?"
• "What are the penalties?"
• "Will I lose my driver's license for a first DUI?"

These are real questions; let our Ventura DUI attorneys help you find the answers. When you work with us, you can rest assured that a skilled defense lawyer will be by your side to guide you through the entirety of your case.

A standard, first-time DUI offense in California is punishable by:

• Informal probation (between three and five years)
• Incarceration (up to six months in a county jail)
• Fines (ranging from $390 to $1,000)
• Alcohol/Drug Education Program (three months)
• Driver's License Suspension (up to six months)

If you are unable to pay the fine, this penalty can be exchanged for 13 days in jail or 13 days of Cal-Trans roadside work. The penalties for a first DUI in California may vary by county and are not restricted to these consequences; certain variables can trigger heightened penalties, depending on the level of property damage and injury related to your arrest.

You Can Lose Your Driver's License after a First-Time DUI Arrest

When law enforcement arrests you for suspicion of drunk driving, the DMV will automatically suspend your driver's license unless you schedule an administrative license suspension hearing within ten days. In other words, the DMV can suspend your driver's license even if the court hasn't found you guilty of DUI. If you lose the administrative license hearing, you could face a license suspension. Additionally, the court could take away your driving privilege if you are convicted of driving under the influence.