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]

[url]http://www.california-drunkdriving.org/laws.html[/url]

You can get a PD.

[4william]

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'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!