Getting arrested for a DUI in Orange County can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first offense—or if you’re dealing with aggravating circumstances like an injury or multiple priors. The choices you make in the hours and days after a DUI arrest can impact your driving privileges, your criminal record, and even your freedom.
At the Law Offices of Jeffrey D. Kent, we provide aggressive, strategic defense for clients facing DUI charges across Orange County, including Fullerton, Santa Ana, Irvine, and beyond. This guide walks you through the critical next steps and explains how an experienced Orange County DUI lawyer can help protect your future.
Step 1: Request a DMV Hearing Immediately
You only have 10 days from the date of your arrest to contact the California DMV and request a hearing. If you don’t, your license will be automatically suspended—even if you haven’t been convicted in court yet.
Our team handles this step for all our DUI clients. As experienced DMV hearing attorneys in Fullerton, we will:
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Schedule the hearing on your behalf
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Represent you at the DMV
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Challenge the license suspension
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Help you obtain a restricted license or prevent suspension altogether
Step 2: Understand the Charges You’re Facing
DUI charges can vary widely depending on the circumstances:
Misdemeanor DUI
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Most first and second offenses
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May include fines, license suspension, and DUI classes
DUI with Injury
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Charged as a felony or misdemeanor
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Enhanced penalties: possible jail or prison time
Learn more about DUI with injury charges here.
Felony DUI
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Usually involves serious injury, multiple prior convictions, or death
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Leads to prison time and long-term license revocation
See how our felony DUI lawyers can defend you.
Step 3: Speak With an Experienced DUI Attorney
A DUI conviction can affect your job, insurance, travel eligibility, and more. Don’t take a chance with public defenders or general practice attorneys.
At our firm:
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We focus exclusively on criminal defense
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Attorney Jeffrey Kent is a former prosecutor who knows how the DA thinks
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We’ve successfully handled hundreds of DUI cases across Orange County
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We offer personalized defense to reduce or dismiss your charges
Learn more about our practice areas or contact us now for a free consultation.
Common DUI Penalties in Orange County
Penalties vary based on your record and case specifics, but may include:
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Jail time (or alternative sentencing programs)
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Fines and court costs
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Mandatory DUI school
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Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation
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License suspension (can be fought at the DMV hearing)
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Probation or community service
We can often negotiate reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or case dismissal depending on evidence quality.
Client Review: A DUI Turned Around
“I was arrested in Irvine after a holiday party and charged with DUI. Jeff Kent took my case, fought the license suspension, and found errors in the field sobriety test. Case dismissed and I kept my license.”
— L.G., Orange County
Read more client reviews or view notable case victories.
FAQs: Orange County DUI Arrests
Q: Can I get my license back before trial?
A: Yes. With a DMV hearing and IID installation, many clients get restricted licenses or avoid suspension.
Q: Should I plead guilty to my first DUI?
A: Not without talking to an attorney. Many first-time DUIs are beatable—don’t assume you have to plead guilty.
Q: What if I refused the breathalyzer?
A: Refusal can lead to longer license suspensions—but also limits some of the evidence against you. Let us evaluate your specific case.
Visit our FAQ section for more.
What Sets Us Apart
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🏆 25+ years of DUI and criminal defense experience
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⚖️ Former prosecutor insight
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🔍 Detailed evidence review and suppression motions
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💼 Trusted by professionals, students, and families
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⭐ Consistently ranked as one of the best criminal attorneys in Fullerton
What to Do Now
If you or someone you love has been arrested for DUI in Orange County, time is critical. Every hour counts when building your defense and preserving your license.
Let the Law Offices of Jeffrey D. Kent be your ally.
📞 Call now or request your free consultation
👉 Speak with an Orange County DUI lawyer