California - What Happens When You Get A Dui?
By H. Gillogly, Fri Dec 9th
This is one of the most common questions asked to DUIlawyers. When you ask lawyers this question, you do notalways get straight answers because every circumstance isdifferent. According to DUI.com the most common penalties are asfollowed.
$1200 fine
3 years probation
3-5 days sheriff work alternative program
4 months suspended license
First offender school
When a driver in the state of California is arrested for drivingunder the influence of alcohol their driver’s license isimmediately confiscated by the police and then served with theDMV’s ‘Notice of Suspension’. This will formally suspend theirlicense, provide temporary driving privileges for 30 days andwill also explain some aspects of the applicable law. Inaddition, it states that there is a right to contest thesuspension and force the DMV to return the license as long asthe DMV’s Local Driver Safety is contacted by the attorneywithin 10 calendar days of the arrest.
A driver’s license is immediately suspended if their bloodalcohol level is above .08% (or above .01% for drivers under 21years of age) or if they refuse to take a chemical test. If thedriver is from another state other than California, then theofficer has no right to seize their license. However, theofficer will issue a ‘Notice
of Suspension’ which suspends thedriver’s license in the state of California (after 30 days) fromdriving. If there is a conviction in court, the state ofCalifornia will contact the home state of the convicted party,and that state will usually suspend their license the same waythey do it there. Ramification of Getting a California DUI
First off – getting a will cost you money.
First offence: $390 - $1000 plus local fees, penalties andassessments for total of $1300 - $3500. This doesn’t include anylawyers fees –which can be from $500.00 to $15,000 depending onif you’re in a small town or large metro area. Generallyspeaking the more experienced the lawyer (and you want anexperienced lawyer) the more it will cost.
There are social ramifications of getting a as well. Acharge of DUI/DWI can have serious ramifications on adefendant's driver's license, criminal record and ability towork and function in society. Some employers may decline inhiring someone because of a felony level DUI.
Ask yourself before getting behind the wheel after drinking ifit’s really worth it. Based on the above –a cab ride home isdownright cheap. Be safe –not sorry.
About the author:This article can be freely reprinted as long as this resourcebox and all links stay intact.
Kerry L. Steigerwalt is one of the most successful andprestigious criminal defense lawyers in San Diego. If you havebeen convicted of a please visit us athttp://www.sddefenselawyers.com
