First-Time DUI

Bakersfield First-Time DUI Lawyer

Defending Clients Charged With Their First DUI in Kern County 

Motorists who are arrested for drunk driving in the state of California can face severe penalties, even for a first-time offense. Police officers can show that you are under the influence of alcohol through a sobriety test or chemical test. 

However, no matter how serious your case may be, our seasoned California first offense DUI attorney can defend you. At Middlebrook & Associates, we make it a priority to fight tirelessly fight your first-time DUI charge to try and minimize the damage it can have on you and your future. 

Call Middlebrook & Associates today at (661) 874-1325 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our first-time DUI attorney in Bakersfield!

DUI Laws in California

Understanding the DUI laws in California is crucial for anyone facing a first-time DUI charge. In the state, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, for drivers under the age of 21, any detectable amount of alcohol in their system can lead to DUI charges. Additionally, California has an implied consent law, meaning that drivers automatically consent to a chemical test for alcohol or drugs if lawfully arrested for DUI.

California's DUI laws are stringent, and law enforcement is vigilant in enforcing them. At Middlebrook & Associates, we stay abreast of the latest legal developments to provide you with the most effective defense tailored to your unique situation.

What are the Penalties for a First-Time DUI in California?

If you are convicted of your first DUI charge in California, several penalties will be imposed.

For just your first offense, you could face:

Strict drunk driving laws exist for drivers who are under the age of 21. Individuals in these categories can be charged with an underage DUI with a blood alcohol concentration level of 0.01%. As for drivers under the age of 18, a "no tolerance" law exists.

With California's implied consent law, drivers who refuse to submit to a chemical test are subject to a fine and automatic license suspension. A one-year driver's license suspension can be imposed for a first offense of refusing to submit.

How Likely is Jail Time for a First-Time DUI in California?

The likelihood of jail time for a first DUI offense in California depends on several factors, including the specific circumstances of the DUI offense and the judge's discretion. In California, a first DUI offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor, and the penalties can include fines, license suspension, probation, and mandatory participation in a DUI education program. Jail time is practically mandatory for people convicted of a DUI. Even if it is your first offense and no one was injured, a judge can sentence you to six months in jail.

Defenses Against First-Time DUI Charges

At Middlebrook & Associates, we understand that each DUI case is unique, and we approach the defense with a tailored strategy. Some common defenses against first DUI charges include:

  • Improper Stop or Arrest: If law enforcement lacked sufficient probable cause for your stop or arrest, this could be a pivotal factor in constructing a robust defense.
  • Faulty Breathalyzer or Blood Test: A common defense strategy is challenging the chemical tests' accuracy. Our team will thoroughly examine the procedures followed during testing to identify any potential errors or inconsistencies.
  • Rising Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): We might assert that your BAC was below the legal limit when you were driving, and it only exceeded the unlawful threshold by the time the chemical test was administered.
  • Medical Conditions: Certain health conditions or medications can affect the results of a DUI test. Our attorneys will explore whether such factors played a role in your case.
  • Illegal Search and Seizure: If evidence was acquired through an unlawful search and seizure, there may be grounds to have that evidence excluded, significantly affecting the prosecution's case.

Contact Our Bakersfield First-Time DUI Attorney Today

Facing a first-time DUI charge in Bakersfield demands the expertise of seasoned legal professionals. Middlebrook & Associates is here to provide you with a robust defense, leveraging our extensive experience in DUI law. Our commitment is to protect your rights, minimize the impact of the charges on your life, and seek the best possible resolution for your case. 

Contact Middlebrook & Associates today to schedule a meeting with our first-time DUI lawyer in Bakersfield!

Why Choose Middlebrook & Associates?

  • 38 Years of Collective Legal Experience
  • Over 250 DUI Trials Handled - With a 97.4% Success Rate
  • Handled More Than 8,500 DMV Hearings in Kern County
  • Expert Member of California DUI Lawyers Association
  • ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer - Scientist Designation
  • AV Rated by martindale.com - Leading Authority on Attorney Ratings
  • Teaches Lawyers & Scientists - DUIDLA, American Academy of Forensic Science & American Chemical Society
  • Founding & Board Member - DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA)
  • Top 100 Lawyers in America - DUI Defense

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Client Testimonials Hear from Real People Who We've Helped
  • “The best DUI attorney available!”
    My wife and I just wanted to express our gratitude for what Mr. Middlebrook has done for our son. We were afraid of the worst possible outcome. Not only did he offer us comfort but he delivered a terrific outcome on the case. We thank you so much and would suggest to anyone that they hire Richard Middlebrook if they should ever need the best damn DUI attorney available!
    - John F
  • “After a recent successful result against the DMV, Judge Thomas Clark had this to say about our own Mr. Richard Middlebrook:”
    [T]he Court is aware of (and takes notice of) Mr. Middlebrook’s special knowledge and skill in this specialized area of the law, his nationwide reputation and the demand for his services on a national basis and recognizes that those factors increase the reasonable value of his time when applied to a case of this nature with the far-reaching implications implicit in this case. Taking those factors into account, the Court finds that $750 is a reasonable hourly rate for Mr. Middlebrook's services on this particular case."
    - Judge Thomas Clark
  • “We are very grateful to Mr. Middlebrook for his extremely professional handling of our daughter’s case”
    By way of background, I am a civil trial lawyer who practices law in another state. In 2020, after a questionable traffic stop, my daughter was arrested for DUI. Our family engaged Mr. Middlebrook to assist her. After he reviewed the evidence, Mr. Middlebrook identified the weaknesses in the State’s case and formulated a trial strategy to include the retention of an appropriate expert witness. While waiting for trial, Mr. Middlebrook prevailed in the administrative proceeding allowing my daughter to retain her driver’s license pending trial. After plea negotiations fell through, we went to trial on the criminal case. I have over 35 years of experience in a courtroom and have tried dozens of cases to verdict. On the first day of trial, I could tell that Mr. Middlebrook had the respect of the trial judge and the prosecutor. He developed an excellent rapport with the jury. In his examination of the expert witnesses for each side, Mr. Middlebrook demonstrated a deep understanding of the science related to DUI cases. His cross-examination of the arresting officer was respectful while making the officer appear to be, at best, incompetent in his handling of the stop and administration of the breathalyzer test. The jury acquitted my daughter on one charge and deadlocked on the other. An acceptable plea agreement on the remaining charge was thereafter reached allowing for all charges to eventually be dismissed and expunged from her record. We are very grateful to Mr. Middlebrook for his extremely professional handling of our daughter’s case, and I highly recommend him.
    - Ken I.
  • “The best law firm!”
    Hello my name is Pedro I did the biggest mistake of my life and drove with alcohol in 2019 in my system. When I got caught I felt like I was never going to get through this by myself till I heard about Richard middlebrook. I went to their office very worried not knowing what was going to happen 2 me or my life. Before Richard and his team got to work they made sure i was calm down and started explaining to me everything by detail in how they work and what I liked the most Is that I didn't have to show up to court not once or twice. I really do recommend them for anybody who is going through hard times like I did you'll be in good hands with Richard and his team they do what they exactly promise to do and that is be their for you and you'll end up with good results by choosing them to pick up your case.
    - Former Client

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