The consequences of a DUI conviction may include fines, jail time, and license restriction, suspension or revocation
In the state of California, you can be charged with DUI or driving under the influence even if you don’t consider yourself impaired as a result of your drug or alcohol consumption. If your blood alcohol level is 0.08 percent or above (or 0.05 percent or above for drivers under 21), or if you test positive for high amounts of certain legal or illegal drugs, this qualifies as a DUI. If convicted, you can face the following consequences.
Consequences of a First DUI Conviction
Assuming the DUI incident did not result in an accident causing injury or death to any party, a first-time DUI conviction will result in the following penalties at minimum:
- Fines of $390 to $2,800
- 48 hours in county jail or a 90-day license restriction
- License suspension through the DMV
- Required completion of an alcohol treatment program
- 3 to 5 years of probation
If your blood alcohol level was high or the circumstances of your DUI justify it in some other way, additional stricter penalties may apply. These include increased fines, up to 6 months in county jail, a 6 to 10-month license suspension, 30-day vehicle impoundment, and the installation of an “interlock” breath device on your vehicle that will prevent it from starting up when there is alcohol on your breath.
Subsequent DUI Convictions
If you are convicted of additional DUIs within 10 years of your first DUI, the severity of the penalties will increase even further. You will almost certainly spend time in county jail, possibly up to 16 months, and you will be required to install an interlock device on your car. Your alcohol treatment program will be longer, as will the periods of suspension or restriction on your license. For third or fourth convictions, your license can actually be revoked entirely for 3 or 4 years.
DUIs Involving Injury or Death
Naturally if the DUI causes injury or death, the consequences will be more severe. The DUI will probably be charged as a felony and you could end up in state prison for 1 to 5 years, depending on the nature of the incident and how many DUI convictions you already have.
More About Your Drivers License
Even simply getting arrested for a DUI will affect your drivers license. This is because the DMV immediately conducts an administrative review of your case and typically issues a 4-month suspension of your license. You can fight this suspension by having a criminal defense attorney like Torrence L Howell challenge it during the first 10 days after your arrest.
If you are convicted of a DUI, the judge may order further suspension, restriction, or revocation of your license. If your license is restricted, you will only be permitted to drive to and from work and to and from your alcohol treatment program. If your license is revoked, you will not be able to drive at all.
Get Help with DUI Charges
As you can see, getting convicted of a DUI can have a big impact on your ability to lead a normal daily life. Fortunately, you can get help fighting DUI charges from Torrence L Howell. Call the Law Offices of Torrence L Howell today for a free consultation.
