Sacramento, CA DUI Lawyer

Being arrested for a first DUI in Sacramento can feel overwhelming, frightening, and deeply uncertain. You may be worried about losing your license, paying heavy fines, or even facing jail time. These are valid concerns, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone.

Every year, many people in Sacramento County face criminal charges for DUI, and with the right legal guidance, they are able to move forward and protect their future.

As a Sacramento DUI lawyer, I’ve helped countless clients who were in your exact position. My goal here is to explain what you’re up against, what steps to take immediately, and how a skilled Sacramento DUI attorney can help you navigate this process.

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

Understanding A DUI in Sacramento, CA

A DUI, or Driving Under the Influence, is charged when law enforcement believes you operated a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. According to California DUI law, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for most drivers.

However, if you were under 21, driving a commercial vehicle, or if the officer believed you were impaired regardless of your BAC, you can still be arrested.

In Sacramento, a first DUI is usually charged as a misdemeanor, but the consequences can still be severe. The penalties depend on several factors, including:

• Your BAC at the time of arrest (especially if it was 0.15% or higher).
• Whether you refused a chemical test under California’s implied consent law.
• If there was an accident that caused injury or property damage.
• Any aggravating circumstances, such as having a minor passenger in the car.

It’s also important to note that after a DUI arrest, you face two separate processes: a criminal case in Sacramento Superior Court and an administrative hearing with the California DMV. If you don’t request a DMV hearing within 10 days of your arrest, your license will be automatically suspended.

DUI Penalties in Sacramento

Below is a summary of typical penalties for a DUI conviction in Sacramento County. Actual sentencing can vary depending on your case, the judge, and whether aggravating factors are present.

Note: These are standard penalty ranges under California Vehicle Code §§ 23152 and 23536–23546. Sacramento judges may impose harsher or more lenient sentences depending on case facts.

In Sacramento County, judges take aggravating factors very seriously. If your first DUI in Sacramento involved a high blood alcohol concentration (0.15% or higher), refusing a chemical test, causing a crash, or driving with a minor in the vehicle, the court may impose harsher penalties.

This can mean longer DUI school, additional fines, stricter probation terms, or even mandatory jail time. Having a Sacramento DUI attorney by your side is critical, as your lawyer can argue for alternatives such as community service, work programs, or treatment in place of jail.

How A Local Sacramento DUI Lawyer Can Help

Hiring a local Sacramento DUI lawyer can make a tremendous difference in how your case unfolds. A first DUI in Sacramento involves navigating both the Superior Court and the California DMV, and each has its own rules, procedures, and deadlines. A Sacramento DUI attorney who regularly practices in Sacramento County understands how local judges, prosecutors, and DMV hearing officers handle these cases.

Your criminal defense attorney can take immediate action to protect your license by requesting a DMV hearing within 10 days of your arrest, while also preparing your defense in court. They will review the details of your arrest, challenge the validity of field sobriety tests and chemical tests, and identify whether your rights were violated during the stop. If law enforcement mishandled any of these steps, it may be possible to get certain charges dismissed.

A knowledgeable DUI defense attorney can also negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, such as a wet reckless, or advocate for alternatives to jail, including work programs, alcohol education, or community service. By presenting a strong DUI defense strategy, it may be possible to get the case dismissed.

Most importantly, a Sacramento DUI attorney serves as your advocate when you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. By guiding you through each step, explaining your options, and fighting for the best possible outcome, your lawyer helps you regain control of your future and move past this difficult chapter in your life.

What To Expect After A DUI Arrest in Sacramento

If this is your first DUI in Sacramento, knowing what comes next can reduce some of the stress and uncertainty. Below is a typical timeline of how these cases move forward in Sacramento County:

1. Arrest and Chemical Testing
   • Law enforcement pulls you over and conducts field sobriety tests or a breathalyzer.
   • If arrested, you may also be required to submit to a blood or breath test under California’s implied consent law.
2. Booking and Release
   • You’ll be taken to a local jail or police station for fingerprinting and processing.
   • In many first DUI cases, you’re released the same day, either on bail or on your own recognizance.
3. Driver’s License Confiscation and Temporary License
   • The police officer will usually take your driver’s license and issue a pink paper license valid for 30 days.
   • At this point, the California DMV begins the administrative suspension process.
4. DMV Hearing Deadline (10 Days)
   • You or your Sacramento DUI lawyer must request a DMV hearing within 10 days of your drunk driving arrest.
   • Without this request, your license will be automatically suspended once the 30-day temporary license expires.
5. Arraignment in Sacramento Superior Court
   • Your first court appearance, where formal charges are read. This will most likely be held at the Gordon D. Schaber Courthouse in Downtown Sacramento.
   • You and your attorney decide whether to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
6. Pretrial Hearings and Motions
   • Your Sacramento DUI attorney may challenge the traffic stop, arrest procedure, or accuracy of test results.
   • This stage is also where many plea negotiations take place, which can lead to reduced charges.
7. Trial (if necessary)
   • If your case is not resolved through negotiation, it will proceed to trial before a judge or jury.
   • The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and your lawyer will present your defense.
8. Sentencing and License Consequences
   • If convicted of DUI, penalties may include fines, probation, DUI school, and possible jail time.
   • Your driver’s license consequences depend on both the court outcome and the DMV’s decision.

Talk To An Experienced DUI Lawyer in Sacramento, CA Today

Facing a first DUI in Sacramento may feel like your life is spiraling out of control, but you still have the power to influence what happens next. The sooner you act, the more options you have. I’ve seen many cases where swift action made a significant difference in the outcome.

Don’t delay. Reach out to a Sacramento DUI lawyer as soon as possible to protect your license, your record, and your future. The right Sacramento DUI attorney will stand by your side, fight for your rights, and help you work toward the best possible resolution.

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