California DUI Defense Built on Serious Courtroom Experience
A first DUI arrest can feel disorienting, and the decisions made in the days that follow matter. Hutton & Khalaf is a criminal defense firm serving clients throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, and our attorneys bring more than 65 years of combined legal experience to DUI defense. We’re available 24/7 because urgent legal situations don’t wait for business hours.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Pasadena, don’t wait to get legal counsel in your corner. Call us now at (626) 397-9700 for a free, confidential initial discussion.
Trial-Ready Representation for a First-Time Arrest
Our courtroom experience comes from defending serious and complex DUI allegations, including cases involving injuries, significant charges, and substantial consequences. That same trial preparation shapes how we approach a first-offense case. Prosecutors know whether a defense attorney is prepared to go to trial, and that readiness can affect how a case is negotiated well before a courtroom becomes necessary.
We keep each client’s individual circumstances at the center of the defense. A first DUI arrest isn’t a routine matter to us, and we don’t treat it like one.
First DUI Penalties Under California Law
A first DUI conviction under Vehicle Code 23152 is charged as a misdemeanor. Vehicle Code 23536 sets the statutory penalty at 96 hours to 6 months in county jail and a fine of $390 to $1,000, plus penalty assessments that can significantly increase that base amount. In practice, most courts grant probation under Vehicle Code 23538, which still requires at least 48 hours in jail and completion of a state-licensed DUI education program.
Summary probation for a first offense typically runs 3 to 5 years. The DUI education program generally runs 3 to 9 months, with the longer program required when a driver’s BAC exceeded 0.20 percent or when the driver refused chemical testing. These consequences attach to a conviction, which is why the defense begins at the arrest stage, not after a plea.
License Consequences & the DMV Hearing Deadline
A DUI arrest in California triggers two separate processes: a criminal case in court and an administrative license action through the DMV. They proceed independently. A driver who wants to contest the DMV’s administrative suspension must request a hearing within 10 days of the arrest. Missing that window waives the right to challenge the suspension through the DMV process.
A first-time offender may be eligible to install a certified ignition interlock device under Vehicle Code 23575, and current DMV policy allows a first-offense driver to obtain an IID-restricted license right away rather than serving a hard suspension first. This restricted license allows continued driving for work and DUI education purposes in appropriate cases. Acting quickly on both tracks can give a client more options.
How a Pasadena DUI Case Moves Through Court
DUI arrests in Pasadena proceed through the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s Pasadena courthouse, which handles cases arising in Pasadena and surrounding communities, including Altadena, Arcadia, Monrovia, and Sierra Madre. These cases are prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office through its Pasadena branch. The arraignment, the first court date where a plea is entered, is typically scheduled several weeks after the arrest.
Pretrial negotiation can lead to meaningful outcomes. A first-offense case may resolve through a reduced charge such as a wet reckless plea under Vehicle Code 23103.5, a non-DUI resolution, or a dismissal when evidence problems are significant enough to undermine the prosecution’s case. Our Pasadena office sits at the convergence of the 210, 134, and 110 freeways, making us accessible from the San Fernando Valley, Downtown Los Angeles, and the San Gabriel Valley.
What Defense Counsel Examines in a First DUI Case
A DUI charge doesn’t equal a conviction. Every case begins with a review of how the stop or checkpoint was initiated and whether it was legally justified. From there, we examine whether field sobriety tests were properly administered and whether the chemical testing process followed required procedure. Errors at any of these stages can affect the admissibility and weight of the evidence against you.
Anyone arrested for DUI has the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney before answering questions or agreeing to a plea. Exercise both. One more point worth knowing: refusing a chemical test after a lawful DUI arrest triggers a separate consequence under California’s implied consent law, independent of the underlying DUI charge. If a refusal is part of your situation, that becomes part of what we address.
“I always advise them to immediately call Mark Khalaf.”
Several friends and relatives have been arrested for DUI, and I always advise them to immediately call Mark Khalaf. He has a track record of over 20 years of experience in Criminal Defense Law and a wealth of knowledge and experience in helping his clients navigate and represent them in court and the legal process.
My friends and relatives have told me that Mark provides in-depth explanations, keeps it real, offers realistic possible outcomes, and consistently keeps in contact.
I will continue to refer people to Mark, and I have peace of mind that I have a strong Attorney on my corner in case I ever need representation.
Hutton & Khalaf is a criminal defense firm with a particular focus on serious and complex DUI and domestic violence cases. Attorney Mark Khalaf and our team bring that focus to every client we represent, including those facing a first DUI arrest in Pasadena, California.
Talk to a First Offense DUI Lawyer in Pasadena Today
The 10-day DMV hearing deadline starts at arrest. The sooner you speak with a first offense DUI attorney in Pasadena, the more options may remain open. We offer a free, confidential initial discussion with no obligation, and we’re available around the clock for situations that can’t wait.
