Being arrested and charged with your first DUI in Riverside can be one of the most stressful and overwhelming moments of your life. Fear, confusion, and uncertainty are often the first emotions that surface.

You may be asking yourself, “What happens next?” or “Will I lose my license?” These questions are natural, and you’re not alone.

As an experienced Riverside DUI lawyer, I have guided many people through the difficult process of a first DUI arrest, and I want to provide you with the clear, trustworthy information you need to move forward.

If you’re facing a DUI charge in Riverside, call 1-888-839-4384 or use our online contact form for a free consultation with an experienced California DUI lawyer today!

Understanding the DUI Process in Riverside

When you are arrested for a first Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in the State of California, you’re not just facing a traffic ticket; you’re facing a criminal charge under California law. Driving under the influence can result in severe consequences, including fines, probation, mandatory DUI education programs, community service, driver’s license suspension, and even time in county jail.

The severity of your penalties will depend on several factors:

Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of arrest.
Whether you refused a chemical test.
If an accident, injury, or property damage occurred.
Your cooperation with law enforcement during the stop.

The legal process itself can feel intimidating. After your drunk driving arrest, your case moves quickly into the court system:

Arrest and Booking: After being stopped and tested, you’ll be taken into custody and booked at the station.
DMV Hearing: You only have 10 days from your arrest to request a hearing with the California DMV to challenge the automatic suspension of your license.
Arraignment: This is your first court appearance. Here you’ll be formally advised of the charges and enter a plea.
Pretrial Motions and Hearings: Your Riverside DUI lawyer can challenge the evidence, such as the legality of the traffic stop or the accuracy of breath and blood tests.
Plea Bargaining or Trial: Depending on the evidence, your criminal defense attorney may negotiate reduced charges or penalties, or take your case to trial.

Each stage is critical, and having a Riverside DUI attorney by your side ensures you have an advocate fighting for your rights.

Why It’s Crucial to Act Quickly

Time is not on your side after a first DUI in Riverside. One of the most important steps you can take is to contact a Riverside DUI lawyer immediately. Waiting too long can mean missing deadlines, such as the DMV hearing request, which could result in an automatic suspension of your driver’s license for up to four months or longer.

A local DUI attorney understands the Riverside County court system, the specific procedures of the Riverside Hall of Justice, and how local prosecutors handle DUI cases. This knowledge can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome.

How a Riverside DUI Attorney Can Help You

When you hire a Riverside DUI lawyer, you gain more than just legal representation; you gain an experienced legal guidance through a complicated and intimidating process. Here’s what you can expect:

Case Evaluation: Your DUI defense attorney will examine the details of your stop, arrest, and field sobriety tests to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Challenging Evidence: Breathalyzers and blood tests are not always accurate. A skilled Riverside DUI attorney knows how to question these results and whether your constitutional rights were violated.
Negotiating Penalties: First-time DUI offenders may be eligible for reduced charges or alternative sentencing, such as DUI programs instead of jail.
Court Representation: Having a criminal defense lawyer appear on your behalf can reduce your stress and, in some cases, minimize how often you must personally appear in court.
Protecting Your License: Your lawyer can represent you at the DMV hearing to fight for your driving privileges.

By working with a Riverside DUI lawyer, you take control of your case rather than letting the system control you.

What to Expect with a First DUI in Riverside

For a first DUI offense in Riverside, typical penalties may include:

Fines and fees ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 after court costs.
License suspension of four months (or longer if you refused a chemical test).
Probation of three to five years.
Mandatory DUI school lasting three to nine months.
Up to six months in county jail, although many first-time offenders may avoid jail with proper legal representation.

These are not minor consequences. Beyond the legal penalties, you may face higher insurance rates, professional license issues, or employment challenges. That’s why having a Riverside DUI attorney working to protect you is so important.

Riverside DUI Penalties

Offense	Jail / Custody Exposure	Fines & Fees*	License Consequences (DMV)	DUI Program / IID	Probation (typ.)	Riverside-Specific Notes
First DUI (VC 23152)	48 hours – 6 months (often convertible or stayed)	$390 – $1,000 base (total w/ assessments commonly $1,900–$2,800)	4–10 month suspension; APS action unless overturned; IID or restricted license options	3–9 month DUI school; IID commonly required for immediate driving	3–5 years (summary)	DMV hearing must be requested within 10 days; Riverside Hall of Justice handles most filings
Second DUI within 10 years	96 hours – 1 year (mandatory minimums apply)	$390 – $1,000 base (significantly higher after assessments)	2-year suspension/revocation; IID eligibility; HTO exposure begins to matter	18–30 month DUI program; IID frequently required	3–5 years (summary)	Local practice often ties custody alternatives to early program enrollment and IID proof
Third DUI within 10 years	120 days – 1 year	$390 – $1,000 base (higher w/ assessments)	3-year revocation; habitual traffic offender (HTO) designation	18–30 month DUI program; IID typical for any driving	3–5 years (summary)	Proof of continuous sobriety, SCRAM/AA/MADD panels may affect negotiations
Fourth DUI within 10 years	6–12 months county jail or 16–36 months state prison (wobbler)	$390 – $1,000 base (plus assessments)	4-year revocation; HTO designation	18–30 month DUI program typically ordered	Up to 5 years; felony probation possible	Felony filing considered; priorable within 10 years under CA law
Aggravated DUI / Injury DUI (common enhancements & VC 23153)	Enhancements can add mandatory time; Injury DUI: up to 1 year county jail (misd.) or 16–36 months prison (felony)	Up to $5,000 base (injury cases) + restitution; assessments apply	Up to 1–3 year suspension/revocation; longer in serious injury cases	Program length varies; IID typically required for any driving	3–5 years; felony probation possible for 23153	High BAC (.15/.20+), refusal, 100+ mph w/ reckless, minor passenger, or crash w/ injury can trigger add-ons

*“Base fine” ranges are set by statute; total out-of-pocket is higher once state & county penalty assessments and fees are added.

Taking the First Step Forward

Facing your first DUI in Riverside is not the end of the road. With an experienced Riverside DUI lawyer by your side, you can face this challenge with confidence. Your attorney will not only explain each step of the process but also fight to protect your rights, your license, and your future.

Talk To An Experienced DUI Lawyer in Riverside, CA Today

The sooner you act, the stronger your DUI defense can be. If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Riverside, reach out immediately to a Riverside DUI attorney. Taking this step is the most effective way to reduce the impact of this charge on your life, avoid a DUI conviction, and begin moving forward.

Call 1-888-839-4384 for a free consultation with a top rated DUI defense attorney in Riverside, California now!

More California DUI Lawyer Resources

If you’d like to learn more about the California DUI lawyers at Drunk Driving Defense, read some of our articles below.

You can also use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation anytime.

Riverside, CA DUI Lawyer