DUI in California

DUI's for blowing UNDER the legal limit â€

src: mrpace7.files.wordpress.com

Compared to those of other states, California's penalties for "driving under the influence" (DUI) are relatively severe.

Video DUI in California

Penalties

The license of a driver charged with DUI in California is revoked, and a 30-day temporary license issued in its place. The driver may ask for a hearing by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for extension of the temporary license or authorization to apply for a new permanent license; in most cases the outcome of such a hearing is a determination that thetemporary license may be used only in traveling to and from work until the case is resolved. (If no hearing is requested then all driving privileges expire at the end of the 30 days, until the judge in the criminal case determines the driver's final disposition.) Separate from the DMV's determination are any criminal charges; in conjunction with sentencing the presiding judge will determine any restriction, revocation, or restoration of the accused driving privileges. Attorney's fees for a DUI case typically from from $2,000 to $6,000.

Minimum penalties for first conviction

Approximately $1800 in fines
Average time for first offense: 48 hours, less time served at initial arrest until release on own cognizance.
90-day restricted license to go to and from work, and or to a Certified 3-month alcohol treatment program
Attend a 3-month mandatory California sanctioned alcohol treatment program costing $500
Driving privileges suspended after 30 days from the arrest date (imposed by the DMV)
Auto insurance must now carry an SR-22 insurance certificate for 3 years. Additional insurance fees will be required
3 - 5 years probation
Possible installation of an ignition interlock device on the offender's vehicle
Average total fines, fees, alcohol treatment program, increased auto insurance, and cost of a DUI defense attorney $7,000-$11,000

Minimum penalties for a second offense

(note: It is considered a second offense if the accused is arrested for a DUI within 10 years of the first offense)

10 days in jail
$1,800 in fines
18-30 month California State sanctioned alcohol treatment program costing an additional $1,800
installation of an interlock device on all vehicles owned by the offender
Driving privileges revoked for one year from the arrest date (imposed by the DMV)
Drastically increased auto insurance rates, and extended SR-22 insurance certificate required
10 years probation

Minimum penalties for a third offense

120 days in jail
$1,800 in fines (may go up to $18,000)
Revocation of driver's license for 3 years
Completion of a 30-month alcohol multi-offender program
Drastically increased insurance coverage ranging in the thousands of dollars, if and when driving privileges are restored
If charged as felony: forfeiture of the offender's vehicle indefinitely.