Facing your first DUI arrest can be intimidating, especially in Riverside, where prosecutors often pursue these cases aggressively. Should I get a lawyer for my first DUI? Yes, having a skilled legal advocate can make a significant difference in how your case unfolds. Even a first offense can bring steep fines, a license suspension, mandatory programs, and a criminal record that follows you for years. At Scott Henry: Criminal & DUI Defense, we understand the impact this charge can have on your life, and as your Riverside DUI lawyer, we focus on protecting your future from the very start.
In most situations, hiring a lawyer for a first DUI is highly recommended. The right attorney will guide you through both the court process and DMV hearings, protect your rights at every stage, challenge questionable evidence, and work to reduce or even eliminate potential penalties.
Contact Riverside Dui Lawyer
call us at 714-544-1433 Is Your First DUI Considered a Felony?
In most cases, a first DUI in California is a misdemeanor. However, it can be charged as a felony if certain serious factors are involved. In Riverside County, this can include causing injury or death, having a prior felony DUI conviction, or being involved in an accident with significant property damage.
For anyone wondering Should I get a lawyer for my first DUI, understanding the difference matters. A misdemeanor conviction can still bring lasting consequences, but a felony DUI carries even harsher outcomes, including state prison time, heavy fines, and multi-year license suspension.
In a typical misdemeanor first DUI case, the process begins with an arraignment, where you enter a plea and receive future court dates. Pretrial hearings follow, where your attorney can negotiate with the prosecution, challenge the admissibility of evidence, and file motions to suppress results from unlawful stops or testing errors. In some cases, these negotiations can lead to reduced charges, such as a “wet reckless,” which carries fewer long-term penalties.
What Happens If You’re Convicted of a DUI?
A first DUI conviction in Riverside can lead to significant penalties, including fines and court fees, probation, mandatory participation in DUI education programs, a driver’s license suspension of up to six months, and increased insurance costs.
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, your license will only be reinstated at the end of the suspension or revocation period if you pay a $125 reissue fee and file proof of insurance. For drivers under 21 suspended under the Zero Tolerance Law, the reissue fee is $100. If it’s determined there was no valid basis for suspension, you may apply for a replacement license. Beyond court penalties, a DUI can also affect your life in other ways:
- Professional licenses (teachers, nurses, commercial drivers) may be at risk.
- Immigration issues may arise for non-citizens.
- A criminal record can make jobs or housing harder to secure.
For example, a Riverside professional who relies on driving for work could lose their job after a suspension, even if they avoid jail. These ripple effects are another reason why early and effective legal representation matters.
What to Do Immediately After a DUI Arrest
The steps you take right after your arrest are crucial. By law, the arresting officer must send the Department of Motor Vehicles your license, the notice of suspension, and a sworn report. The DMV automatically reviews these materials and any chemical test results to decide whether your suspension stands.
You have just 10 days from the date of arrest to request a DMV hearing to challenge the suspension. Missing this window means the suspension goes into effect automatically. For those asking Should I get a lawyer for my first DUI? This is where early representation matters, your attorney can schedule the hearing, present evidence, and challenge the officer’s account before the suspension takes hold.
Acting quickly gives your attorney more opportunities to gather evidence, locate witnesses, and prepare arguments before your DMV hearing. In many cases, this early action can be the deciding factor in keeping your license and limiting penalties.
Finding an Experienced DUI Defense Attorney
Not all defense lawyers have the same depth of DUI experience. In Riverside, choosing an attorney familiar with local courts can make a meaningful difference. Look for the following aspects:
- A strong track record in first-offense DUI defense.
- Knowledge of local judges, prosecutors, and DMV hearing officers.
- Experience challenging BAC results and arrest procedures.
- Clear, consistent communication about your case.
When clients ask Should I get a lawyer for my first DUI?, they often underestimate the complexity of defending against the charge. A good defense attorney examines every stage of the stop, arrest, and testing to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Before your consultation, gather important documents such as your arrest report, DMV notice, and chemical test results. Prepare questions about the lawyer’s experience in Riverside courts, strategies for challenging BAC evidence, and their record with DMV hearings. Be cautious of attorneys who avoid discussing specific DUI defense tactics or have little experience in this area of law.
How Can Scott Henry: Criminal & DUI Defense Help You With A DUI Charge?
At Scott Henry: Criminal & DUI Defense, we take a hands-on approach to DUI defense in Riverside. We know the local legal landscape and how to fight for the best outcome in both DMV hearings and court. Our defense process includes:
- Immediate case review to assess the evidence and arrest procedures.
- DMV hearing representation to fight for your driving privileges.
- Evidence challenges, including field sobriety and chemical test accuracy.
- Negotiations for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options.
We understand that a DUI charge affects more than your driving record; it can impact your career, finances, and reputation. Our goal is to reduce those consequences and protect your future.
Call Our Riverside DUI Defense Team Today
Facing a DUI is stressful, but you don’t have to handle it alone. At Scott Henry: Criminal & DUI Defense, we act fast to protect your license, challenge the evidence, and guide you through every step.
If you’re still asking, “Should I get a lawyer for my first DUI?”, the answer is yes, and we’re here to help you take control of your case. Call us at 714-294-0599 for a confidential consultation and a defense strategy tailored to your situation.
