Question 1

What should I do in the first 10 days after a DUI arrest?

Accepted Answer

Contact us as soon as possible. The single most time-sensitive step is requesting a DMV administrative hearing within 10 days of your arrest. Missing that window results in an automatic license suspension that takes effect before your criminal case is even decided. We handle the DMV hearing request for you and fight both the criminal charge and the license suspension simultaneously.

Question 2

Does a DUI conviction always result in losing my license?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily, and not immediately. There are two separate processes: the DMV administrative suspension and the criminal court suspension. We fight both. In many cases we can get a stay on your suspension so you continue driving during the process, and some clients avoid suspension entirely depending on how the case resolves.

Question 3

Am I required to take a field sobriety test in California?

Accepted Answer

No. Field sobriety tests like the walk-and-turn or one-leg stand are voluntary for adults. You can politely decline. The preliminary alcohol screening test, the handheld breathalyzer at the roadside, is also generally voluntary for adults. Once you are arrested, however, California's implied consent law requires you to take a chemical test, either a breath test or a blood test, or face additional penalties.

Question 4

My BAC was above 0.08. Can I still fight the DUI?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The BAC reading is one piece of evidence, not a guaranteed conviction. We look at whether the traffic stop was legal, whether the breathalyzer was properly calibrated and maintained, whether the 15-minute observation period before the test was honored, whether a blood sample was properly drawn and stored, and whether your BAC was still rising at the time of the test. There are multiple grounds to challenge the result.

Question 5

What is the difference between a misdemeanor DUI and a felony DUI?

Accepted Answer

A DUI is typically charged as a misdemeanor for a first, second, or third offense with no injuries. It becomes a felony if it involves injury to another person, if it is your fourth DUI within 10 years, or if you have a prior felony DUI conviction. Felony DUIs carry state prison time, not just county jail, and have far more serious long-term consequences.

Question 6

Can a DUI be reduced to a wet reckless?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. A wet reckless, formally reckless driving involving alcohol under Vehicle Code 23103.5, is a negotiated reduction that carries lesser penalties and does not count the same way as a DUI for future offense enhancements. Prosecutors agree to reductions when the evidence has weaknesses. We assess the strength of the case and negotiate accordingly.

Question 7

Will a DUI conviction affect my job?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your profession and your employer. Commercial drivers face the most severe consequences, including loss of their CDL. Healthcare professionals, teachers, and others with licensed professions may face disciplinary action. Many employers conduct background checks that reveal DUI convictions. These are realities we discuss with you upfront so you understand what is at stake beyond the court case itself.

Question 8

How much does a DUI cost in total?

Accepted Answer

Far more than most people expect. Court fines, which are multiplied by penalty assessments in California, can reach $10,000 or more. Add DUI school, insurance rate increases, ignition interlock device installation and rental, license reinstatement fees, and towing and impound costs and the total commonly exceeds $15,000 to $20,000 even for a first offense. Fighting the charge often costs less than accepting the consequences of a conviction.

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