First Offense DUI Compassionate Representation. Unbeatable Results.

Santa Clarita First Offense DUI Lawyers

Serving Clients Throughout Valencia, California

When faced with a first-offense DUI charge in Santa Clarita, the stakes are high. A conviction can lead to severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Many drivers believe they have no chance of avoiding a conviction. However, as in any criminal charge, you are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and your attorney can take action to counter the prosecution. With the right legal strategy and an experienced team, you can effectively fight these charges.

At DUI Defense Experts, based in Valencia, California, DUI defense is a significant part of our practice. We have defended countless drivers in the Santa Clarita area, leveraging our intensive knowledge and experience in DUI law, proceedings, investigatory practices, and negotiations. Our team of experienced Santa Clarita first-offense DUI attorneys is here to help you at this critical time, applying our expertise and aggressive stance to your case.

Request a free initial consultation with a Santa Clarita first-offense DUI lawyer to discuss the specifics of your case. Call DUI Defense Experts at (661) 847-3075 or contact us online.

Overview of First Offense DUI Law in California

In California, "Driving Under the Influence" (DUI) encompasses a range of offenses related to operating a vehicle while impaired. According to state law, a person is considered to be driving under the influence if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. For drivers under the age of 21, a BAC of 0.02% or higher constitutes a DUI. Additionally, California imposes severe penalties for those found driving under the influence of drugs, whether they are prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or illegal substances. Drugged driving is often investigated by Drug Recognition Experts (DREs), who are police officers specially trained to detect this type of impairment.

The state employs both "per se" laws—where a specific BAC level is considered conclusive evidence of impairment—and observational evidence, where erratic driving behavior, field sobriety test results, and other indicators can be used to establish impairment, even if the BAC is below the legal limit. Thus, you can be arrested for DUI if your BAC is below 0.08% if you are seen as being impaired to any appreciable degree.

First-Offense Penalties

The penalties for a first-offense DUI conviction can vary based on several factors, including:

Whether you have prior convictions in the last 10 years
Whether your BAC measured 0.15% or higher
Whether you caused an accident involving property damage, injury, or death
Whether other aggravating factors occurred

First offenses are generally charged as misdemeanors. Penalties can include:

Jail time ranging from 48 hours to six months
Fines up to $1,000
License suspension of six months
Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle for up to a year
Mandatory attendance in a DUI education program

If you are given a suspended sentence, penalties are generally reduced; you may be placed on probation. However, if your BAC measured 0.15% or higher, you would likely face steeper penalties.

Don't face a DUI charge alone. Contact DUI Defense Experts in Valencia, California, for dedicated and aggressive representation. We are committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case. Call us at (661) 847-3075 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation.

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