Fresno, CA DUI Lawyer

Being arrested for your first DUI in Fresno can feel overwhelming. You may be scared about losing your license, worried about fines or jail time, and uncertain about how this arrest will affect your future. These feelings are completely natural.

As a Fresno DUI lawyer, I’ve worked with many people in your exact position, and I want you to know that you don’t have to go through this alone. With the right guidance, you can take steps to protect your rights, limit the consequences, and begin moving forward.

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

What is A DUI in Fresno, California?

A DUI, or Driving Under the Influence, in Fresno is defined under California Vehicle Code 23152. It means operating a motor vehicle while your ability to drive is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, you are legally considered impaired and can be charged with a DUI.

However, even with a lower BAC, officers may arrest you if they believe you were too impaired to drive safely.

In Fresno, DUI charges are handled in the Fresno County Superior Court, and cases often begin after a traffic stop, sobriety test, or chemical test. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) also plays a role, as a DUI arrest can trigger both a criminal case and an administrative license suspension.

For a first DUI in Fresno, the stakes are high. You could face fines, probation, DUI school, license suspension, and even jail time. In some cases, the court may require the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) before you can drive again.

Because both the criminal courts and the DMV have authority in your case, having a Fresno DUI lawyer guide you through both processes is crucial to protecting your rights and your future.

DUI Penalties in Fresno, California

If you’ve been arrested for a first DUI in Fresno, it’s important to understand that penalties in Fresno County become more severe with each offense. Local courts and prosecutors take drunk driving cases very seriously, and repeat violations can quickly escalate from fines and license suspensions to felony charges and prison time.

The table below outlines how DUI penalties progress from a first offense through aggravated and fourth DUIs in Fresno, California:

As the table above illustrates, having prior DUI convictions can greatly enhance the penalties the court will apply. This is why getting legal representation from an experienced criminal defense lawyer is so important for beating these criminal charges.

What to Do Immediately After a DUI Arrest in Fresno

The hours and days following your first DUI arrest are some of the most important in your case. What you do now can directly impact whether you keep your driver’s license, whether you face jail time, and how strong your defense will be. Here are the immediate steps I recommend:

1. Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
   Do not provide explanations or make statements to law enforcement beyond the basic information required. Anything you say can be used against you later.
2. Write Down the Details
   As soon as possible, document everything you remember about the stop, the field sobriety tests, the breath or blood test, and what the police officers said. Even small details can help your Fresno DUI defense lawyer identify weaknesses in the case against you.
3. Request a DMV Hearing Quickly
   In California, you only have 10 calendar days from the date of your arrest to request a DMV hearing. If you don’t, your license will be automatically suspended. A Fresno DUI attorney can file this request on your behalf and represent you at the hearing.
4. Hire a Local DUI Attorney
   Don’t wait to get professional help. A Fresno DUI lawyer will know the local judges, prosecutors, and courtroom procedures, which gives you an advantage when negotiating or preparing for trial.

Why Hiring a Fresno DUI Lawyer Matters

When facing your first DUI in Fresno, you may wonder whether you really need a criminal defense attorney. The answer is yes. Representing yourself against trained prosecutors in Fresno County is risky, and public defenders, while hardworking, often have very limited time for each case.

An experienced DUI attorney in Fresno can:

• Analyze whether the police stop and arrest were lawful
• Challenge the accuracy of the breathalyzer or blood test results
• Negotiate with the prosecutor for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options
• Help you pursue restricted driving privileges so you can still get to work or school
• Defend you in both the criminal court process and the DMV hearing

Because I practice regularly in Fresno, I understand the tendencies of the local courts and how DUI laws are enforced here. I’ve worked at the Fresno Superior Courthouse in Downtown at 1100 Van Ness Avenue Fresno, CA 93724 and know the judges and prosecutors. This local knowledge, combined with years of experience with the DUI legal process, allows me to craft DUI defense strategies that are tailored to Fresno DUI cases.

Moving Forward After a First DUI in Fresno

A DUI arrest doesn’t define you. Many people facing their first DUI in Fresno have no prior criminal record, stable jobs, and families depending on them. A mistake should not dictate the rest of your life. With the right defense, it may be possible to avoid jail, keep your license, and reduce the long-term impact of this charge.

Talk To An Experienced DUI Attorney in Fresno, California Today

Remember: a DUI arrest is not the same as a DUI conviction! You still have rights, and you still have options. The sooner you contact a Fresno DUI lawyer, the better chance you’ll have at securing the best possible outcome.

If you’ve been arrested for your first DUI in Fresno, I encourage you to reach out immediately for legal help. As an experienced Fresno DUI attorney, I can help you understand your charges, fight to protect your driving record, and work toward minimizing the penalties you face. The decisions you make now are critical; don’t face them without the guidance of a knowledgeable advocate.

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