First-Time DUI Defense in San Diego, CA

Wondering how one may be affected by DUI charges?

In today’s world, a first offense misdemeanor DUI can be a very serious offense. In addition to a possible four to six month long suspension of one’s driving privilege by the DMV, a first offense DUI Court action could result in:

• A substantial fine
• An Alcohol treatment program of three to nine months
• A jail sentence (a maximum of six months)
• Other possible conditions, such as Public Service Work, a MADD and/or AA meetings, etc.
• An Ignition Interlock device (IID) required to be installed in one’s car, at their expense
• A DUI conviction on their record

Once one has a DUI on their record, a subsequent DUI offense within 10 years (from violation date to violation date) can carry greatly increased penalties. While on probation, after a first offense (typically for five years) conditions include that; one not drive a vehicle with any measurable alcohol in their system, that they not drive unless validly licensed and insured, that they agree to take a blood or breath test if arrested on suspicion of DUI, and that they have no same or similar offenses. One would also have to agree to blow into a Preliminary Alcohol-Screen (PAS) device on the request of a peace officer, if stopped while on DUI probation. At Mark R. De Yoe, APLC we fight to minimize both the label attached to an offense, and the terms and conditions of probation imposed by the Court.

The California DMV

In addition to the penalties imposed by the criminal Court in a first offense case, the Department of Motor Vehicles takes its own independent action to suspend one’s driving privilege. When one has been arrested for DUI, they generally have only 10 calendar days to contact and schedule a DMV Hearing with the DMV, to avoid an automatic DMV Administrative suspension action, effective thirty days from the date of the arrest, should their blood or breath test be a .08%, or more. We can help one fight - both the DMV Administrative suspension action, and the Court charges, but in these cases, it is extremely important for one charged with a DUI to meet with experienced DUI defense counsel at their earliest opportunity.

Get a Top San Diego DUI Lawyer to Fight for You

It can be extremely humiliating and embarrassing to be stopped and arrested for a DUI. The justice system can be a very frightening place. Having a DUI misdemeanor on one’s record can damage their reputation and affect employment opportunities. If one is facing a DUI charge for the first time, they need an experienced and effective DUI attorney to help them navigate through a very challenging time.

Mark R. De Yoe, APLC is the kind of attorney who really can help those in these pressure-packed circumstances. Mark sincerely enjoys helping people, and he addresses a case from the client’s perspective (not the police officer’s). While there are many attorneys in this day and age, Attorney Mark R. De Yoe takes a personalized approach in obtaining the best results possible. He will walk one through the process and be there for them at each critical phase of the case. Mark’s advice and counsel has helped many prevent this kind of experience from ruining their futures.