The consequences of DUI in California are pretty serious.  DUI or driving under the influence is actually a common occurrence, which unfortunately affects all of us.  Many people drink and drive or use other intoxicants and drugs, both prescription and illegal and get behind the wheel of a car.





When someone gets pulled over and is found to have been intoxicated beyond the legal limit, a DUI can be on your record for a long time.  Companies are alerted when you are a high risk driver. In their point of view, one DUI on your record means that you are more likely to get another. The next DUI could be far more serious, with someone critically hurt or injured. If this happens,the insurance has to pay out for those bills. Because of this risk, they will make sure that once you get a DUI you will pay higher rates.

There is also the matter of huge fines, possible jail time and substantial surcharges from the state, as well as lawyer fees and court costs. Being convicted of DWI or driving whilst impaired, can carry penalties such as fines, mandatory jail terms and the suspension of your driving license. The penalties for even a first offense can be severe so it is important that you hire a competent DWI lawyer to represent you.

It is always advisable to retain a good lawyer or attorney who is experienced with DWI and DUI cases and case law.  You should hire a lawyer who has a practice in the state in which the offense took place.  There are some defenses that your attorney may pursue which can bring about a better outcome.  DWI and DUI charges are taken quite seriously in court and some states carry extremely harsh penalties even for first time offenders like California, Arizona and Texas.

For many who drink and drive regularly, they often do not get caught.  Still, these people are risking life and death and not just put themselves at risk, but risk the lives of others around them, including you.  If you drive at night, there is a good chance that someone around you has been drinking and driving.

There have always been those who drink and drive and, so far, have not been caught.  It is a poor and careless decision to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking heavily but many still do it.  The consequences are huge and can last a very very long time after someone is caught with a dui.

California Statutes On First DUI Offense

Some or all of the following may be applied to a first DUI offense in California

California Criminal Status: Non-injury DUIs generally misdemeanors. DUIs that result in bodily injury may be elevated to felony status, depending on the circumstances.

Jail: 48 hours, but not more than 6 months.

California DUI Fines/Costs: $390-$1,000 plus penalty assessments.

California License Suspension: 4 months suspension; restored after 30 days upon showing of hardship. 1 year suspension if under 21.

Ignition Interlock Device: Court may order use of interlock device.

Vehicle Impound: Court may order impoundment.

California DUI School: Mandatory alcohol education if under 21. Possible first offender school for 3-6 months, depending on BAC level.

California Probation: 3 years informal – no probation officer.

Community Service: In some courts, you may work off some of your fees/costs by doing community service.

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