Orange County First DUI Defense Attorney

Get a Board Certified DUI Defense Attorney on Your Side

Being arrested for a first DUI can be overwhelming, stressful, and frightening—especially if you have never had any interaction with the criminal justice system before. In California, DUI laws are strict, and even a first offense can carry serious consequences that affect your license, finances, and future. If you are facing these charges, working with our Orange County first DUI defense lawyer at Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry, Inc. can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case.

Attorney Virginia L. Landry, known as Orange County’s DUI Queen®, is Board Certified in DUI Defense Law by the NCDD. With 35 years of experience, our firm understands how prosecutors approach first-time DUI cases and how to challenge the evidence used against you.

Contact us today at (949) 694-8804 to request a free consultation.

What Is a DUI in California?

Under California law, you can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) if you operate a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Most first DUI cases involve alcohol, but prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and illegal substances can also lead to DUI charges.

In general, you may be charged with DUI if:

• Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher
• Your BAC is 0.04% or higher while driving a commercial vehicle
• You are under 21 and have a BAC of 0.01% or higher
• You are impaired by alcohol or drugs, even if your BAC is below 0.08%

Prosecutors do not need to prove reckless driving—only that your ability to operate a vehicle safely was impaired. An Orange County first DUI defense attorney can analyze whether the arresting officer had legal grounds to stop you and whether the evidence meets California’s strict legal standards.

What Occurs After an Arrest?

Many people assume their case only moves forward in criminal court, but a first DUI arrest actually triggers two separate legal processes in California: a criminal case and a DMV administrative action.

Criminal Court Process

After your arrest, you will receive a court date where you will be formally charged. The prosecution will attempt to prove impairment using evidence such as:

• Field sobriety test results
• Breath or blood test results
• Police reports and dash/body-cam footage
• Witness testimony

Your attorney may challenge the traffic stop, testing procedures, and the accuracy of the chemical tests used against you.

DMV License Suspension

You have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a DMV hearing. If you do not request this hearing, your driver’s license may be automatically suspended—even before your court case is resolved. A skilled Orange County first DUI defense attorney can represent you at the DMV hearing and fight to protect your driving privileges.

First DUI Offense Penalties in California

While a first DUI is typically charged as a misdemeanor, the penalties can still be severe. A conviction may include:

• Fines and penalty assessments totaling up to $2,000 or more
• 48 hours to 6 months in county jail (often reduced or converted to alternatives)
• License suspension of up to 6 months
• DUI education program (typically 3 to 9 months)
• Probation lasting 3 to 5 years
• Ignition interlock device (IID) installation in some cases

Aggravating factors—such as a high BAC, a traffic accident, or having a minor in the vehicle—can increase penalties. An experienced Orange County first DUI defense attorney works to reduce or avoid these consequences whenever possible.

Long-Term Consequences of a First DUI

A first DUI conviction can follow you long after your case ends. It may affect:

• Employment opportunities
• Professional licenses
• Auto insurance rates
• Background checks

This is why working with an Orange County first DUI defense attorney is so important—even for a first offense. Early legal intervention can significantly reduce the long-term impact on your life.

How Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry, Inc. Defends First DUI Charges

At Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry, Inc., we take a proactive and detail-oriented approach to DUI defense. No two cases are exactly alike, and effective representation begins with a thorough investigation.

Our defense strategies may include:

• Challenging whether the traffic stop was lawful
• Questioning the accuracy of breathalyzer or blood test results
• Identifying errors in field sobriety testing
• Examining officer training and protocol compliance
• Negotiating reduced charges or alternative sentencing

In some cases, we may be able to seek a reduction to a lesser offense, such as reckless driving, or pursue dismissal if your rights were violated.

Call (949) 694-8804 to let us start defending you.