RIVERSIDE DUI ATTORNEYS
Former Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney, Hart J. Levin, now serves as your DUI defense attorney in Riverside. With over 500 cases dismissed, we are the specialists to turn to for the best chance at limited consequences & a clean future.
If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Riverside, it’s critical to understand what comes next. Under California law, you have just 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a DMV administrative hearing to challenge your automatic license suspension.
Without help from an experienced Riverside DUI lawyer, the process can be confusing—and missing that 10-day window can make things much harder down the line. At The Law Offices of Hart J. Levin, we’ll take care of this step for you by requesting the DMV hearing on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected and your license remains valid while your case is pending.
Act Quickly to Protect Your Future After a DUI Arrest
If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Riverside, time is not on your side. California law gives you only 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a DMV hearing to fight for your driver’s license. The sooner you contact an experienced Riverside DUI lawyer at The Law Offices of Hart J. Levin, the better your chances of protecting your license, your record, and your future.
Most people have no idea what to do after a DUI arrest—and that’s completely normal. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process. We’re known for our aggressive defense strategies and unwavering commitment to helping clients move forward with confidence.
When you’re arrested, police officers can confiscate your driver’s license and issue a temporary pink slip that’s valid for only 30 days. If you don’t act before that window closes, your license will be automatically suspended on day 31. The length of your suspension will depend on your record, the details of the arrest, and the effectiveness of your defense attorney.
DUI Penalties in California
California imposes serious penalties for DUI convictions—but with an experienced Riverside DUI defense attorney on your side, many of these consequences can be reduced or avoided entirely.
Potential penalties include:
First Offense DUI
- Jail time: 4 to 6 months
- Fines: $390 – $1,000
- Probation: 3 to 5 years
- DUI school: 3 or 9 months
- License suspension: 4 months or more
- Possible Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
Second Offense DUI
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Fines: $390 – $1,000
- Probation: 3 to 5 years
- DUI school: 18 months or longer
- License suspension: up to 2 years
- Mandatory IID in all vehicles
Third Offense DUI
- 4 months to 1 year in jail
- Fines: $390 – $1,000
- Probation: 5 years
- DUI school: up to 30 months
- License suspension: up to 3 years
- Mandatory IID
Aggravating Factors That Increase Penalties
While the penalties above apply to standard DUI charges, certain aggravating factors can lead to longer sentences, higher fines, and more severe consequences. The right Riverside DUI lawyer can often negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing, such as a “wet reckless.”
Common aggravating circumstances include:
- Accidents involving injury
- Excessive speeding or reckless driving
- High blood alcohol content (0.15% or higher)
- Refusing a chemical test
- Having a child under 14 in the vehicle
DUI Accidents Involving Injury
When a DUI results in bodily injury, prosecutors may charge the offense as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the injuries and the driver’s prior record.
Misdemeanor DUI With Injury (First Offense)
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Fines and fees up to $20,000
- Mandatory alcohol education
- IID installation
- 6-month license suspension or restrictions
- 3–5 years probation
Penalty for 1st Offense DUI With Injury (Felony)
- Up to three years state prison
- Fines up to $20,000
- Court assessment fees and other costs that can exceed $10,000
- Alcohol and drug education classes
- Revocation of your driver’s license (for up to 10 years)
- Five Years of Formal Probation
Felony DUI With Injury (First Offense)
- Up to 3 years in state prison
- Fines up to $20,000
- Additional court fees exceeding $10,000
- 10-year license revocation
- 5 years of formal probation
High Blood Alcohol Levels
If your BAC is 0.15% or higher, the court may impose additional penalties. Anything over 0.20% is considered especially serious and can significantly increase fines, jail time, and program requirements.
DUI With a Child in the Vehicle
Driving under the influence with a child under 14 in the car adds a mandatory 48 hours in jail for a first offense. Repeat offenders face even longer jail sentences and stricter penalties.
Special Circumstances
Certain professions and personal situations can make a DUI conviction even more damaging. At The Law Offices of Hart J. Levin, we understand how to handle these sensitive cases with precision and discretion.
- Military Personnel: May face additional discipline from commanding officers or military courts.
- Healthcare Professionals: Risk suspension or loss of medical licenses.
- Immigrants: Aggravated DUI cases can trigger deportation or visa denial.
- Lawyers: The State Bar may impose disciplinary action.
High-Security - Clearance Holders: Risk losing clearance and classified work access.
The Lasting Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Riverside
A DUI conviction can follow you for years, affecting nearly every area of your life. Many clients underestimate the impact until it’s too late. The ripple effects of a Riverside DUI can extend far beyond the courtroom:
- Criminal record and loss of driving privileges
- Difficulty passing background checks
- Reputation damage
- Family and relationship strain
- Job loss or denial of employment
- Trouble securing housing or credit
- Higher auto insurance rates
Protect Your License and Your Future Today
A DUI charge doesn’t have to define your future—but quick action is essential. The Riverside DUI lawyers at The Law Offices of Hart J. Levin are ready to fight for your rights, protect your license, and pursue the best possible outcome in your case.
Contact us immediately to request your DMV hearing in Riverside and begin building your defense before it’s too late.
DUI Lawyer in Riverside, CA
Highest Rated DUI Defense Attorneys in california
Attorney Hart Levin began his career in the District Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted thousands of criminal cases, including over 3,000 DUIs. He later left the D.A.’s office to establish what is now recognized as one of California’s top DUI defense law firms. With a combined 70 years of experience, Hart and his team have successfully defended clients against serious felony charges and life-altering DUI cases.
The Law Offices of Hart J. Levin is consistently ranked as a leading DUI firm with the highest client satisfaction. The firm continues to secure some of the state’s most notable DUI dismissals and reductions.
- Being ranked #1 among 500 law firms in the Law Firm 500, a national law firm ranking system
- We have also received the Avvo Clients’ Choice Award every year since we began
- Been named a Super Lawyer and Rising Star for the past 4 years in a row
- Maintain an attorney rating of 10 out of 10 (the highest rating an attorney can achieve)
- Selected as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association
- Awarded the 10 Best in Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
- We have also been named “Top DUI Lawyer” by Avvo every year since the firm began
- Free case review and consultations. We offer flexible payment plans with no interest and accept all major credit cards. Se habla español.
Riverside DUI FAQs
In most first-time DUI cases, defendants typically avoid jail time. Jail is usually only a risk in cases with aggravating factors. The attorney you choose can make a significant difference in the outcome.
In most cases, drivers convicted of a DUI may be eligible for restricted driving privileges, such as operating a vehicle equipped with an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) or a hardship license that allows driving only to work, school, and religious services. However, if you are accused of a “refusal,” you could lose your license for at least a full year, with no option to drive to work.
A DUI conviction in California stays on your record permanently unless your attorney takes action to remove it. An experienced DUI defense lawyer can help you have the conviction expunged or sealed, so you won’t have to disclose it on job applications or during interviews.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Hart J. Levin boast one of the highest DUI dismissal rates in California. Their deep knowledge of DUI law and meticulous attention to every case detail allow them to uncover critical flaws in many prosecutions, giving clients the best chance for a favorable outcome.
Hart J. Levin and his expert team have earned the highest possible ratings, including: AVVO Clients’ Choice winner from 2012–2022, named SuperLawyer 2014–2022, rated the number one firm by the Law Firm 500, and an attorney ranking of 10 out of 10 (AVVO), year after year.