If you recently saw those dreaded flashing police lights behind your car and realized you were being pulled over on suspicion of DUI, you’re probably feeling pretty panicked right now. It’s understandable, because Irvine, CA and California as a whole imposes severe penalties on those who are convicted of DUI charges, even if it’s the first time you’ve been pulled over for a DUI.
Potentially devastating DUI penalties
Even if it’s your first DUI charge in Irvine, CA, if you are convicted, you could be facing serious penalties. While a 1st DUI charge is almost always a misdemeanor, a conviction can still bring stiff consequences in accord with California law. Upon conviction, at a mimimum you’ll automatically lose your driver’s license for a minimum of four months, plus you’ll have to attend a three-month court-approved alcohol and/or drug education program known as the AB 541 Program. In addition, you’ll have to pay between $390-$1,000 in fines, as penalty assessments, totaling between $2,000-$2,500, and you’ll have to go to jail for up to six months. You’ll also be on informal probation for 3-5 years, the conditions of which are, among other things:
- You may not drive with ANY measurable amount of alcohol in your blood
- You don’t have the right to refuse to submit to a chemical test of your blood, breath, or, in rare cases, urine.
- You cannot commit any additional crimes.
According to the judge’s discretion in your Irvine, CA case, additional probation conditions may be set, including:
- AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meeting attendance
- MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Victim Impact Program participation
- Restitution (payment to victims or their families if you caused an accident while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol)
- IID (Ignition Interlock Device) installation on any car you own or operate for a maximum of four years. Installation of the IID isn’t mandatory in Irvine, but it may be required by the judge in your particular case.
A DUI in Irvine, CA is no joke! If it’s your 2nd or subsequent DUI, the potential penalties are even harsher than the ones listed above.
That’s why you need to get Irvine’s best criminal defense attorney on your side. Dan Chambers of the Chambers Law Firm has successfully worked on hundreds of DUI cases throughout Southern California and in Irvine specifically. He has thousands of satisfied clients who have recommended his DUI services to others. Perhaps you landed on this page because a friend or family member recommended him to you, but if you don’t have referral, he’d be glad to provide you with references from previous clients.
Local Irvine, CA office for your convenience
Dan Chambers has 6 offices in Southern California to serve his clients—including one conveniently located right here in Irvine, CA. Schedule a free initial consultation by calling 714-760-4088, emailing dchambers@clfca.com, or by using the chat box below this page, and you’ll have the opportunity to meet with attorney Dan Chambers himself in-person at the local Irvine office or any of the other offices you choose.
Your case matters at the Chambers Law Firm
Why does Attorney Chambers meet with Irvine clients in-person? Because when you come to the Chambers Law Firm, you and your case matter. You’ll always be treated with utmost respect, and you can rest assured that your case will considered with the seriousness it deserves. Already during your free initial consultation in Irvine, Attorney Chambers will begin crafting a specific legal strategy according to the facts of your case. He’ll honestly let you know what outcome you can expect to receive without sugarcoating or overstating anything.
Prevent conviction by choosing Dan Chambers
Attorney Chambers has decades of experience working within the Irvine, CA legal system, and he will use every tool in his toolbox to avoid a conviction from being issued in your DUI case. He deeply understands the consequences of a DUI conviction, and tirelessly works hard to achieve the ideal outcome in every single DUI case in Irvine CA and throughout Southern California.
Don’t wait another minute
Hurry! You only have 10 days from the date of your arrest to petition for a DMV Administrative Hearing to prevent suspension of your license. Call 714-760-4088, email dchambers@clfca.com, or use the chat box below to get Attorney Chambers on your Irvine, CA DUI case now.
