My question involves a driver's license issued by the State of: California
I got stopped at a sobriety check point tonight. I'm driving using my UK licence though I am resident in CA. I hadn't had a drink and was one of the random selectees.
Unfortunately I know very little about the Californian legal system and need some guidance and help. This is a first time offense for anything.
They've impounded my car, and I have a citation for a misdemeanor.
Firstly what is a misdemeanor? what are the possible implications of this? What are the realistic implications of this particular case?
My court date is early next year, is it possible to get the license between now and then? What would that achieve?
What are the insurance implications? My insurance company know I was driving on a foreign license and my premiums were adjusted to reflect this.
What will happen at court?
Should I get a lawyer or is that just increasing my costs for what may be a small fine?
Is it worth fighting if it can be fought? It won't take much for them to find out how long I've been resident, which makes it significantly worse than a recent don't have a license.
Basically I'm completely at a loss for what needs to be done/should be done. I don't want to hire a lawyer if it's not necessary, but if it's sensible to do so then how do I select one?
The only thing that really sucks is the impounding of the car at the beginning of the weekend as I can't do a thing to get it back until Monday.
Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks.

