Newport Beach DUI Attorney

Have You Been Arrested for Drunk Driving in Newport Beach, California?

Being arrested for DUI is an unpleasant experience that can have a major impact on your future. You may believe that the state’s evidence against you is unbeatable. However, that may not be the DUI case. Defenses do exist that can render the evidence insupportable. However, it takes a savvy and skilled criminal defense attorney who specializes in DUI cases to achieve that.

At RPM Law, our Newport Beach DUI lawyer is thoroughly versed in the mechanics of how to deconstruct your arrest to uncover mistakes, flaws, inconsistencies, and weaknesses. Many aspects of your arrest can be analyzed, from why you were pulled over in the first place to how your blood alcohol test was conducted. Our DUI lawyers urge you to take advantage of our knowledge, experience, and dedication in fighting your DUI charge through the courts.

Act Now: Contact Our Top Newport Beach DUI Defense Team at (714) 699-9889

Understanding DUI Charges in Newport Beach, CA

Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs can occur in more than one way. As an adult in Newport Beach, if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measures .08 percent or more on a breathalyzer test, you are illegally over the limit. If you are under 21, an underage DUI consists of a BAC of .02 percent. You can also be arrested if a police officer witnesses impaired driving on your part even if your BAC is below the legal limit.

Is a DUI a Felony in California?

The severity of a DUI charge can range from a misdemeanor to felony charges. Whether you will be charged with a felony DUI charge depends on several factors, from the circumstances surrounding the charges to your criminal history. The first three DUI offenses will be charged as misdemeanors charges unless there are mitigating circumstances. There are four instances when a DUI can be charged as a felony in California: if the defendant has four DUIs over a 10 year period, was previously convicted of felony DUI charges, was driving under the influence when someone was injured or killed, or was driving under the influence with a minor in the car.

Penalties for a First-Time DUI Offense in California

A first criminal offense DUI in California is charged as a misdemeanor that can lead to various penalties that can include:

• A fine of $390 up to $1,000
• Additional penalty assessments that can lead to thousands of dollars
• 48 hours to 6 months in jail
• 3 to 5 years of informal probation
• A six-month license suspension
• Mandatory DUI school
• Installation of an ignition interlock device, at offenders owo

First criminal offenders can usually apply for a restricted license allowing you to drive to work or school.