DUI First Offense in CA

[ak83]

What is the name of your state? California

Hi, I'm 21 years old from San Diego, and I just got my first DUI over the weekend. I was driving to my friend's place, went through a stop, and was pulled over. The police officer had me go through a series of field motion tests and arrested me. My breathalyzer tests at the station came out to 0.16 then 0.15. I fully complied with all of their orders and was later released. I felt like a deer in the headlights the entire time and was deeply embarassed by my mistake.

My court date is at the end of this month, and I was wondering what kinds of penalties I'll be facing? And will jail time be one of them? I've been so stressed out the past few days, because I'm a full-time (and graduating) college student and work on campus as well. I have a clean record (no moving violations, et al) up till now. I don't know if I have enough money to hire an attourney, so would a public defender suffice in my case?

Thanks so much for any help. I learned my lesson the hard way and will never, ever drink and drive again.

 

[ENASNI]

Search engines are your friends

http://www.california-drunkdriving.org/laws.html

You can get a PD.

 

[4william]

Do the program!

Listen, we all make mistakes. Now, you have to pay the piper and I mean, "pay."
First, you enter a plea, "guilty" or, "not guilty."
If you plea, "not guilty" the judge will schedule you for trial.
If you plea "guilty," which I think you will, given the circumstances, the judge will impose a fine, traffic school, etc. All is costly, so, be ready.
"If" you want to "work off" the fine, you can by working Cal'Trans work projects where each 8 hour day that you work, the court will deduct $50 from the fine. It's up to you how much you want to work, and, be prepared to work! They really work you. Ever see those orange vans towing a latrine on the freeways? That's "work projects" in action. There are various jobs...mostly picking-up trash on the freeways, etc.
Also, you will attend traffic school, and upon completion, they give you a certificate of compliance that you will take to the DMV. You pay a $100 re-issue fee and you get your license back. Total time frame from the arrest is about 3 months.
This is your first offense? ...don't sweat it, just do what the judge orders and work the program.
Very expensive but there is light at the end of the tunnel.......Good luck! William

 

[emtp356]

I know how u feel!

I'm in the same boat 2!
My court date is on Feb 16th.Work put me on a LOA.Looking 4 a new job after 19yrs @ the same place.Gotta pay bills some how.
GOOD LUCK 2 ya!
I know i'm hoping 4 the best!