First Offense DUI Attorney in San Diego

Arrested For Your First DUI In San Diego?

A first DUI arrest can feel overwhelming. One minute you are driving home, the next you are facing handcuffs, a notice about your license, and a court date you do not understand. If this is your first experience with the criminal justice system, it is normal to feel scared and uncertain.

At Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys, we help people who are facing a first DUI and are worried about their future, their family, and their ability to keep working. A first offense in California can bring criminal penalties and a separate California DMV action, and both can move quickly. You do not have to try to handle this on your own. Our team has been defending people in San Diego County for many years, and we have built a 5-star reputation for preparation, communication, and client focus. We take a straightforward approach, which means we explain your options clearly, prepare thoroughly, and advocate aggressively without making unrealistic promises.

Call (619) 975-2033 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online to learn more.

Why Work With Lee Law Group

When you are deciding who should handle your first DUI, you need more than a name from a search result. You need a firm that understands how these cases are actually handled in local courtrooms and that treats you as a person, not a file. That is the foundation of how we practice at Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys.

Our firm was founded by Ernest J. Lee Sr., who spent years working at several law firms in the greater San Diego area before opening our office in 2007. That background gave him insight into different approaches to criminal defense and personal injury practice, and it shaped his belief that working people deserve the same quality of advocacy as large companies and wealthy clients. Today, we carry that belief into every first DUI case we handle. Two of our attorneys have been selected to the Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists, which reflects peer recognition of their professional skill. Our 5-star rating from past clients is another sign of how seriously we take communication and preparation. Clients consistently mention that we return calls, explain what is happening, and make sure they feel informed rather than left in the dark.

We are not a distant firm that drops into San Diego for occasional cases. Our office on Camino Del Rio S places us in the center of the community, and we appear regularly in San Diego County courts. That familiarity with local judges and prosecutors helps us understand how first offense DUI cases are typically approached here, which can influence how we advise you on options such as negotiations or motions.

Above all, we are committed to making quality representation accessible. Many first-time DUI clients are working people who do not have money set aside for legal fees. We structure our practice with those realities in mind and work to provide clear information about costs so you can make informed decisions without surprises.

What Happens After A First DUI Arrest

Knowing what to expect after a first DUI arrest can take some of the fear out of the process. While every case is different, the basic path in California often involves both a criminal case in court and a separate California DMV action. Our role is to guide you through each step and help you make decisions that protect your future.

After an arrest, you are usually given a citation with a date for your first court appearance, often called an arraignment. Depending on where the arrest occurred, that appearance may be scheduled at a San Diego County courthouse that handles misdemeanor cases. At arraignment, the court generally advises you of the charges, and you enter an initial plea. Many people feel intimidated by this first appearance, which is one reason we encourage you to speak with counsel before that date if possible.

Separate from the court case, the officer may have taken your physical driver's license and given you a temporary license, along with a notice of possible suspension. That notice usually starts a short period in which you can request a hearing with the California DMV to challenge the suspension. If you do not request a hearing in time, the DMV commonly proceeds with a suspension based on the arrest report and test results.

Penalties for a first DUI conviction can include fines, probation, mandatory DUI education classes, and in some situations, a short jail sentence or an ignition interlock device requirement. The exact outcome depends on factors such as your blood alcohol level, whether there was an accident, and your record. Our attorneys review the evidence, including the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, and breath or blood results, to identify issues that may affect how the case is resolved. Throughout this process, we work to make sure you understand what is happening now and what comes next. Clients often tell us that having someone explain how the court, prosecutor, and DMV fit together makes a stressful situation easier to manage. Our goal is to replace guesswork with a clear plan tailored to your first DUI case.

First Steps To Protect Your License

For many people, the most urgent concern after a first DUI arrest is whether they can keep driving to work, school, or family obligations. Acting quickly can make a real difference, especially when it comes to the administrative side of a possible suspension.

In California, the notice you receive after a DUI arrest usually starts a short deadline to request a DMV hearing. If that deadline passes without a request, the DMV commonly puts a suspension in place based solely on the arrest paperwork. A hearing request can often pause that automatic suspension while the hearing is pending, which may help you keep driving for a time, depending on your situation.

Because the timeline is tight, we encourage people to reach out as soon as possible after an arrest. When you contact us about a first DUI, we can talk with you about the date on your paperwork, explain the hearing request process, and discuss how the DMV case connects to the criminal case in court. That way, you are not guessing about deadlines or trying to interpret forms on your own.

Helpful steps to consider after a first DUI arrest:

• Gather all documents you received from law enforcement, including any temporary license and court notice.
• Write down your memory of the stop, testing, and any statements while the details are still fresh.
• Avoid discussing the incident on social media or with anyone other than your attorney or a close supporter.
• Contact a first offense dui lawyer to discuss DMV deadlines and your upcoming court date.

Part of our work includes handling DMV hearings for local clients and coordinating those hearings with what is happening in San Diego County court. That unified approach can help avoid mixed messages and give you one team watching the full picture of your driving and criminal record.

How We Approach First DUI Defense

When you hire our firm, we view your first DUI case as more than a file number. We start by listening carefully to your story, your concerns, and your goals. Some clients are most focused on their license, others on employment or immigration issues, and others simply want to minimize long-term damage. Understanding your priorities helps us shape our approach.

Our attorneys then obtain and review the key evidence, which can include police reports, body camera or dash camera footage when available, and records of breath or blood testing. We look closely at the reason for the traffic stop, how field sobriety tests were conducted, and whether testing equipment and procedures complied with California law. This careful review supports our belief that thorough preparation is the foundation of strong advocacy.

Because we appear regularly in San Diego County courts, we are familiar with how local judges and prosecutors typically handle first offense DUI cases. That local knowledge can inform whether it makes sense to pursue certain motions, seek particular types of negotiated resolutions, or prepare for contested hearings. While no two cases are the same, awareness of local practices helps us give you realistic guidance rather than guesses.

Throughout the process, we keep communication open. Clients often tell us that one of their biggest fears was being left in the dark, unsure of what their attorney was doing. We work to return calls, answer questions, and explain developments in plain language so that you feel involved in your own defense. Our goal is that you always know what is happening and why.

As a first offense dui attorney San Diego residents can turn to, we do not promise specific outcomes. Instead, we commit to preparing your case carefully, advising you honestly, and advocating firmly for the best result the law and facts will allow. That approach reflects both our professional standards and our belief that quality defense should be available to working people in this community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my license after a first DUI?

You may face a license suspension through the DMV and the court, but it is not automatic in every situation. Timing matters because a quick DMV hearing request can preserve your ability to drive temporarily in many cases. We can review your paperwork and explain your specific options.

Can I avoid jail time on a first offense?

Many first DUI cases resolve without significant jail time, especially when there were no injuries or prior offenses. Outcomes depend on your record, test results, and other facts, as well as the court involved. We can discuss typical approaches in San Diego County and how they may apply to you.

How soon should I contact a DUI lawyer?

It is wise to speak with a lawyer as soon as you can after release. There are short DMV deadlines, and early advice can help you avoid missteps with the court and your employer. Our team works to respond quickly so you are not trying to sort this out alone.

How much does a first DUI defense cost?

Costs vary based on the complexity of the case, potential motions, and the amount of investigation needed. We know most clients are working people with real budget limits, so we strive to explain fees clearly at the start. That way, you can plan and decide without surprises.

How will your firm communicate with me?

We emphasize open dialogue and responsiveness. Our team works to return calls, answer questions, and keep you updated on court dates and next steps. Clients appreciate that we explain the process in plain language, so you always know where your case stands and what comes next.

Talk To Our Team Today

A first DUI charge is serious, but you do not have to face it alone or guess about what will happen next. With informed guidance, many people are able to move through this process, protect important parts of their life, and learn from the experience while limiting long term damage.

At Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys, we bring years of San Diego courtroom experience, a 5 star client rating, and a commitment to working people who need strong advocacy. We take the time to understand your situation, explain your options, and build a plan tailored to your first DUI case. When you are ready to talk, we are here to listen and help you take the next step with clarity.

To discuss your first DUI in San Diego with our team, call (619) 975-2033.