First Time DUI in California
I Was Arrested For A First Time DUI in California. What Am I Looking At?
When you are charged with a First Time DUI in California, you actually have two cases pending against you. One case is criminal and the other is civil (administrative). Your criminal case is prosecuted by the Prosecutor’s Office. The civil case is an Administrative Per Se License Hearing (or APS hearing). This hearing pertains to your driver’s license and is handled by the California Department of Motor Vehicles Office of Driver Safety. You have 10 days after your arrest to request an APS Hearing or it is waived. Be sure to request this hearing or retain a DUI lawyer in Orange County to do it for you within the 10 day time period or you automatically forfeit your right to contest your pending driver’s license suspension.
As you know, prosecutors, the courts, and even the law, all want to show how tough they are against people with a DUI case. The punishment includes potential jail time, loss of your license, loss of a job, and thousands of dollars in fines if not handled correctly. Don’t let the system excessively punish you without looking at all sides. Although you probably are still dealing with the impact from your arrest, this is more serious than you realize.
The law has a maximum (six months in jail, and a fine and fees that total $5000) and a minimum (three years probation, an alcohol school, and base fines of $390). DUI cases are sometimes reduced to another charge, which would reduce the sentencing range. The prosecutor also will add punishment if there were any of the following:
- a blood alcohol level of at or above a .16%;
- children in the car;
- an accident (with or without injury);
- an allegation that you were speeding while DUI;
- or any priors.
Potential DUI Punishment for Orange County DUI cases:
The law has a maximum (six months in jail, and a fine and fees that total $5000) and a minimum (three years probation, an alcohol school, and base fines of $390). DUI cases are often reduced to another charge, which would reduce the sentencing range. The prosecutor also will add punishment if there were any of the following:
- a blood alcohol level of at or above a .16%;
- children in the car;
- an accident (with or without injury);
- an allegation that you were speeding while DUI;
- or any priors.
We can help avoid the more severe punishment for any of the above. Professionally handling DUI cases in Orange County, using our expertise in this field, is all we do.
What our past DUI clients have stated about us
“Robert is professional, incredibly intelligent and not only a great attorney, but a great person to work with.” – Rebecca N., from Yelp.
“I found Robert Miller to be both professional and approachable. He returned my calls quickly and answered my questions with confidence. I felt that he explored every option available to me and fought hard on my behalf. I would gladly recommend Robert Miller to anyone who needs top-notch legal counsel and specifically a great DUI defense attorney.” – Elizabeth O., from Yelp
“Strongly recommend Attorney Robert Miller for legal services. Robert is passionate about law and representing his clients. He is approachable, extremely knowledgable and has a track record that is hard to beat”. — Brett W., from Yelp
“Robert is the true definition of an expert and professional. I came into this situation knowing that I needed the best and I was recommended to Robert Miller & Associates. I can GLADLY say not only would I HIGHLY recommend him, he is the ONLY attorney I would ever think about hiring. My entire case was dismissed.” – from a client’s Avvo review
As one client stated about their experience:
“During two meetings with Robert and several telephone conversations we were able to craft a defense strategy. In several court appearances Robert was able to convince the district attorney of our defense. Ultimately the case was dismissed. Robert gets a five star rating from me. He is professional and easy to reach either by phone or email or even text message. His fees are fair and very competitive.” (Maurice N., from a Yelp review).
What other attorneys say about our expertise
“I highly endorse Mr. Miller. Very experienced and caring attorney who produces great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact him first.” (Mark Clay, Esq., from one of over 60 attorney endorsements through Avvo.)
Our results in First Time DUI in California cases
Meet Our Skilled DUI Attorney
- The author of three books on DUI, including two for other DUI attorneys in the profession, both published by Aspatore Press.
- Awo time graduate of the DUI Trial Skills College at Harvard Law School, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
- Rated a 10.0 and ranked in the “Superb DUI Attorney” category on Avvo
- Awarded the Orange County top DUI lawyer “Clients Love Us” award on Yelp;
- Certified in Field Sobriety Testing;
- Graduate of additional scientific coursework on scientific testing on breath testing, and blood testing;
- Member of the National College of DUI Defense;
- Member, DUI Defense Lawyers Association;
- Member of the California DUI Lawyers Association, among many other certifications and professional organizations.
Legal Expert Press Appearances
Why Hire Us for Your First Time DUI in California?
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