Eugene A. Ahtirski DUI/DWI Law Blog on Lawyers.com

DUI California

Monday, May 7, 2012 by Eugene A. Ahtirski

Getting a DUI can have drastic consequences, besides the time you will spend in jail, and trying to get bailed out you can expect:

First DUI conviction in California you will receive jail for no less than 96 hours and no more than 6 months. The fine will be no less than $390 and no more than $1,000 (plus penalties). Your drivers license will be suspended for six months, however, if allowed, the court may grant the convicted a temporary restricted license. Your drivers license will not be reinstated until proof of financial responsibility and proof that you have completed a "driving under the influence" program approved by the state. Depending on the circumstances of the case, a first time DUI offender may be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device at their own expense.

Second DUI conviction in California, you will get get jail for no less than 90 days and no more than 1 year. The fine will be no less than $390 and no more than $1,000 (plus penalties). Your drivers license will be suspended for 1 year. Your drivers license will not be reinstated until proof of financial responsibility and proof that you have completed a "driving under the influence" program approved by the state. Depending on the terms of the license suspension, the DUI offender may be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device at their own expense.

Third DUI conviction in California, you will get jail for no less than 120 days and no more than 1 year. The fine will be no less than $390 and no more than $1,000 (plus penalties). You will be considered by the state a "habitual traffic offender" for 3 years following your conviction and have your license suspended for 2 years. Your drivers license will not be reinstated until proof of financial responsibility and proof that you have completed a "driving under the influence" program approved by the state. The person may apply for a restricted driver's license under certain circumstances by the court, however an Ignition Interlock Device may be required.

Fourth DUI conviction in California you will receive jail, prison or both, for no less than 180 days and no more than 1 year. The fine will be no less than $390 and no more than $1,000 (plus penalties). You will be considered by the state a "habitual traffic offender" for 3 years following your conviction and have your license revoked for 3 years. Your drivers license will not be reinstated until proof of financial responsibility and proof that you have completed a "driving under the influence" program approved by the state. The person may apply for a restricted driver's license under certain circumstances by the court. The person may apply for a restricted driver's license under certain circumstances by the court.

This what you can typically expect from the public defender, but with a trained DUI Attorney, they can sometimes find ways to negotiate lesser sentences if not a complete dismal. Or figure out how to avoid a drastic negative impact on your life.

Posted at 15:00 PM

Topic: DUI/DWI