CA DUI, First Offense

[wisher23]

I was pulled over yesterday morning, around 3:00am on the freeway. I did all the tests, failed.
They then arrested me. I took a breathalyser twice when i got to the police station. .17, .16. I then talked to a nurse, i broke down because it was a traumatizing experience for me. They then put me in a padded room, stripped me down, and gave me two blankets. Before i left, i had to talk to a psychiatric evaluator. She told me i should start going to AA Meetings, and seek help. I'm a mechanic, so i dont know if i'm not going to lose my job or not. I am very stressed out right now. Any tips on what i should do? any help is appreciated.

[sjmjuly]

Get a lawyer - ASAP. Don't try and go at this alone. I just got my first one three weeks ago. I know how you feel as I have never been in trouble - ever. Clean driving record and everything.
Get a lawyer - I did and it was the best thing I could have done. Though I was pulled over in Maryland and state laws are different, my lawyer told me to do some things prior to going to court to prove to the judge I was responsible for my actions. I have attended a Victim Impact Panel meeting, completed a DUI/DWI course and will be receiving an alcohol evaluation next week. I will probably attend some classes too. I only blew a .09, but it doesn't matter. The law is below a .08.
Regardless it's going to cost you money and your license for a specified period of time, unless you can petition the state to allow you to drive to and from work. Usually first time offenders are granted this request.
But seriously, call an attorney.

[pp2006]

Well, you drove drunk and got caught. You have to face some consequences. But really they aren't so bad if you are in the right county. (forget paris hilton).

AA suggestion is good. I think you should check AA. Believe me, it is not the end of the world. It will be over and I hope you learn and grow from it.