Skilled Legal Defense for DUI Charges in Riverside, California
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence in Riverside, CA, you are likely feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your future. A DUI charge in California is a serious legal matter that can lead to jail time, steep fines, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. Whether this is your first offense or you are facing multiple DUI allegations, the legal system can be complex and unforgiving without experienced representation.
At Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration, our DUI lawyers in Riverside, CA, are committed to protecting your rights and your future. We provide aggressive, knowledgeable, and personalized legal defense to clients throughout Riverside County who are facing DUI charges involving alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, or illegal substances. With years of experience handling DUI cases in the local courts, our team knows what it takes to fight back against these charges and seek the most favorable outcome.
DUI Charges We Handle in Riverside, CA
Not all DUI cases are the same. The penalties and legal strategy will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Our Riverside DUI attorneys handle a wide range of DUI-related offenses, including:
- First-time DUI arrests
- Multiple DUI offenses
- DUI involving drugs or prescription medication
- Underage DUI charges
- DUI resulting in injury or property damage
- Felony DUI cases
- Commercial driver DUI cases
- DMV license suspension hearings
Each type of DUI charge comes with its own set of challenges. We tailor our legal strategy to the specific facts of your case, always aiming to reduce charges, avoid jail, and protect your driver’s license whenever possible.
California DUI Laws and Legal Limits
In California, a driver is considered under the influence if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is:
- 0.08 percent or higher for most adult drivers
- 0.04 percent or higher for commercial drivers
- 0.01 percent or higher for drivers under 21
However, you can still be charged with DUI even if your BAC is under the legal limit if the arresting officer believes your ability to drive was impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
California Vehicle Code Sections 23152(a) and 23152(b) govern most DUI cases. These laws make it a crime to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or to drive with a BAC of 0.08 percent or more. If your case involves injury or multiple prior offenses, you could be facing felony charges with much harsher penalties.
DUI Penalties in Riverside County
A DUI conviction in Riverside can lead to a wide range of penalties, depending on your record, the level of impairment, and whether anyone was injured.
For a first-time misdemeanor DUI, penalties may include:
- Up to 6 months in county jail
- Fines and court costs exceeding $1,500
- 3 to 9 months of DUI education classes
- 4 to 10 month driver’s license suspension
- Probation for up to 3 years
- Installation of an ignition interlock device
Repeat DUI offenses or cases involving aggravating factors such as injury, refusal to submit to a test, or high BAC levels can result in longer jail sentences, increased fines, and felony charges. A felony DUI can lead to a state prison sentence, extended license revocation, and long-term consequences on your record.
How Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration Builds Your DUI Defense
When you hire Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration, you are not just getting a lawyer who understands the law. You are getting a defense team that understands the local courts, judges, and procedures in Riverside County. We begin by conducting a thorough review of your arrest, the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, chemical testing, and police procedures to identify any potential violations or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Key elements of our DUI defense strategy include:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
- Investigating errors in field sobriety or breath tests
- Questioning the accuracy of blood or urine test results
- Uncovering police misconduct or failure to follow procedure
- Highlighting medical conditions or external factors that may have influenced the arrest
- Negotiating for reduced charges, diversion programs, or alternative sentencing
Our goal is to help you avoid conviction entirely, or at the very least, minimize the penalties and impact on your life.
DUI and the DMV: Protecting Your Driver’s License
In addition to criminal court proceedings, you will also face an administrative license suspension through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This is a separate process from your court case and requires immediate action.
After a DUI arrest, you have only 10 calendar days to request a DMV hearing to challenge the suspension of your license. If you fail to request the hearing, your license will be automatically suspended.
Our Riverside DUI attorneys represent clients in both criminal court and DMV hearings. We handle every aspect of your case to protect your driving privileges and keep you on the road legally.
Local Experience in Riverside DUI Cases
DUI cases in Riverside are handled through the Riverside County Superior Court system, and each courthouse has its own procedures and tendencies. Our team has experience appearing in:
- Riverside Hall of Justice
- Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta
- Larson Justice Center in Indio
- Corona Courthouse (for related Riverside County cases)
We know how to work with local prosecutors, negotiate with judges, and present strong cases that align with the preferences and standards of the Riverside court system.
Areas We Serve
Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration proudly serves clients throughout Riverside County, including:
- Riverside
- Moreno Valley
- Corona
- Jurupa Valley
- Perris
- Eastvale
- Norco
- Lake Elsinore
- Temecula
- Hemet
- San Jacinto
- Chino Hills (San Bernardino County)
Whether your DUI arrest occurred in downtown Riverside or one of the surrounding communities, our legal team is here to help you fight back and move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Charges in Riverside, CA
What should I do immediately after a DUI arrest in Riverside?
After a DUI arrest, your first step should be to contact a DUI lawyer. You should also request a DMV hearing within 10 days to challenge your license suspension. The sooner you act, the better your chances of building a strong defense.
Will I lose my license after a DUI in Riverside?
A DUI arrest can lead to a license suspension through both the DMV and the criminal court. However, you may be eligible for a restricted license or an ignition interlock device. A lawyer can help you understand your options and fight the suspension.
Can a DUI be reduced to a lesser charge in California?
Yes, DUI charges can sometimes be reduced to lesser offenses such as reckless driving or wet reckless. This usually depends on the circumstances of the arrest, the strength of the evidence, and the skill of your attorney.
How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Riverside?
DUI lawyer fees in Riverside vary based on the complexity of the case and the experience of the attorney. While costs can range from $1,500 to $10,000 or more, hiring an experienced lawyer often saves you money in the long run by avoiding harsh penalties.
Contact Our Riverside DUI Lawyers Today
If you are facing DUI charges in Riverside or anywhere in Riverside County, do not take chances with your future. A DUI conviction can have lasting effects on your job, reputation, and personal freedom. Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration is here to help you understand your legal options, protect your rights, and build a strong defense.
Call us today at 909-773-2356 for a confidential consultation with one of our experienced DUI lawyers in Riverside, CA. We are ready to fight for you.