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First Time DUI
If you have been charged with your first DUI in San Bernardino or Riverside County, contact an experienced DUI attorney to review the facts of your case before pleading guilty in court. An experienced attorney will understand the criminal process and can use their knowledge to protect your legal rights and driving privileges.
Despite the public distrust of drunk drivers and recognition of dangers posed by people under the influence, first time DUI offenders will not always be given jail time if convicted in court. Aside from jail time (up to 180 days) however, a DUI conviction could have other serious ramifications, including:
- Suspension of driving privileges up to 4 months (longer if chemical test was refused)
- Up to nine months of court-mandated alcohol classes
- Fees of up to $5,000
- Up to five years of probation
On top of suffering with the court-assessed penalties, those found guilty of DUI could be affected socially, educationally and career-wise. Damage to one’s reputation is also a possibility.
How an Experienced DUI Law Firm Can Help
By hiring an attorney familiar with the DUI process and the local court system, a defendant can have peace of mind knowing that their lawyer will review all pertinent evidence in their case, including any police protocol regarding chemical testing to ensure the validity and reliability of the results. An experienced lawyer can help flesh out the best defense to the case and position you strongly for courtroom negotiations with the prosecution.
FIGHT YOUR SAN BERNARDINO OR RIVERSIDE COUNTY DUI
Anytime a person is facing his or her first DUI offense, they should contact a DUI attorney with plenty of experience with local courthouses and prosecutors to ensure they are treated fairly and obtain a favorable result.
Client Testimonials
I had the pleasure of working a very large scale drug case with Mr. Serrao, representing co-defendants. Mr. Serrao was a pleasure to work with. Highly skilled and very aggressive in his advocacy on his client’s behalf. I highly recommend Mr. Serrao for anyone looking for a criminal defense attorney.
Babak Farahan
John-Paul is an extremely effective criminal defense attorney. The one thing that makes him stand out from other defense attorneys is that he talks to his clients to learn the circumstances surrounding their incident and then he makes a forceful and articulate argument in defense of his clients. I recommend my clients to John-Paul when they are in need of a criminal defense attorney because I know he will stand up for them.
Stephen Rinka
John-Paul is a superb attorney. He was my mentor when I was in law school, and now as an attorney I still go to him for advice on complex cases. When my brother required representation I referred him to John-Paul. That is how highly I think of JP as an attorney. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs representation.
Kit Westbrook
John-Paul is well known in our community as a smart and effective criminal defense lawyer who is sensitive to his clients’ situations and responsive to their needs. I refer my clients to him with confidence when they need help with the criminal justice system.
Lawrence Brock
Mr. Serrao worked on my DUI charge earlier this year and all I can say is WOW! Not only did he keep me updated with the case but his knowledge of the process helped calm my nerves, which was very important to me. He showed care for me as a client and I can’t thank him enough. I would recommend him to anyone in need of a quality criminal defense attorney.
Derrick J.
John-Paul took my civil case when no one else would because other lawyers didn’t have confidence in my daughter who has special needs to testify, if needed. John-Paul won her case against the school district without a jury because he cared about my child, believed she was honest and deserved justice. He still doesn’t mind taking my calls whenever I have a question regarding her case.
Dionne L.
Attorney John Paul-Serrao helped us to win our case against the insurance company after we were involved in a traffic accident where our car was rear ended, we tried to handle it ourselves with the insurance company and they did not want to cooperate with us, so we hired Mr. Serrao and he was able to get us a settlement above with the insurance company was willing to pay. I would highly recommend him.
Lupe G.
Occasionally you meet another attorney who is so impressive both personally and professionally that you want to be affiliated with them in any way you can both personally and professionally. That is how I feel about John-Paul. I not only consider him one of the finest attorneys I know, but I now proudly call him my friend. He is among the very best.
David Booth
