On behalf of Law Offices of Kathleen G. Alvarado posted in criminal law on Saturday, April 7, 2018.
Even a first-time DUI can be a serious affair for a Riverside, California, resident. Even if going to jail is unlikely following a first offense, it is still possible for a person to be ordered to serve six months, even if their drunk driving was a one-time mistake.
Moreover, a person can also be ordered to pay up to $1,000 in fines, not to mention other expenses like probation fees, counseling fees and fees related to one’s license.
Finally, a first-time DUI can leave a person without a driver’s license for up to 10 months. Not surprisingly, a subsequent DUI will mean exposure to additional penalties, even if the person accused has never actually caused an accident while driving drunk.
Because the stakes are high, a lot of Riverside residents have turned to the extensive criminal law experience of our attorneys in order to get legal help and support after they have been arrested for and charged with a DUI.
Our first tactic is always to try to find a way to get the charges dismissed outright. We will investigate the facts behind the charge carefully and see if we can identify a flaw in the state’s case or a valid defense that may make the case not worth prosecuting. Failing this, we explore other options for our clients.
While we are seasoned trial attorneys who are prepared to take a case before a judge or jury, we will explore the possibility of reduced penalties or negotiating a plea to a reckless driving charge. Since the Department of Motor Vehicles is also involved in DUI cases as the agency that issues the initial license suspension, we can also represent our clients in matters before that Department.