Misdemeanor DUI

Our firm of Long Beach DUI attorneys will quickly review your case to determine how it will be charged. Most first, second, and third DUI cases are misdemeanors, however if this is your fourth DUI or your DUI is paired with an injury, your charges could be bumped up to a felony.

The minimum penalties in California for first-time misdemeanors are as follows:

3 years of informal probation
A fine of up to $2000
A three-month alcohol education program
A public criminal record

If you refused a chemical test or were convicted of a DUI with a BAC of .20 or greater, your alcohol education program will be lengthened to 6 months. What many of our clients are surprised to learn is that none of these consequences have to happen if you hire a Long Beach DUI attorney. It is not uncommon for many DUI cases to be dismissed before a trial date is even set.

An experienced Long Beach DUI lawyer will be able to exploit any small error in your case, especially any error made by the arresting police officer. If the officer did not read you your Miranda Rights for instance, your case could be dismissed. If the officer stopped you without true probable cause, your case could be dismissed.

Sometimes “suspicious” driving has nothing to do with alcohol. What if you were just tired or reaching for something across the passenger seat? Even with a BAC content level above the legal limit, a good lawyer can use any of these defenses to stop your DUI case in its tracks.

Even if this is your first DUI and it is just a misdemeanor, it is in your best interest to hire an attorney. Contact us to consult with your Long Beach DUI attorney today.