Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
The most frequently prosecuted crimes in California are DUI or Driving Under the Influence related crimes. Under California Law, it is illegal to drive with a Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC of 0.08% if you are over the age of 21 or drive while "impaired" by either alcohol or drugs. If you are over the age of 21 and convicted of DUI or Driving Under the Influence you risk jail time, license suspension by both the Court and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), with the length of suspension varying depending on the seriousness of the offense such as injuries caused to third parties and prior convictions. You also face fines and mandatory alcohol classes.
If you are under age 21 and are found to have any measurable amount of alcohol in your system while driving, you will have your license suspended for one year by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You are face the same types of punishments as adults in the criminal Courts.
DUI Penalties
1st DUI Offense Penalties
- 48 hours of jail time
- 3-5 years probation
- $1,400 - $1,800 in possible fines and court fees
- mandatory DUI school
- up to 6 months driver’s license suspension
2nd DUI Offense Penalties
- 96 hours of jail time
- 3-5 years probation
- $1,800 - $2,800 in possible fines and court fees
- mandatory DUI school
- up to 18 months driver’s license suspension
3rd DUI Offense Penalties
- 120 days of jail time
- 3-5 years probation
- $1,800 - $2,800 in possible fines and court fees
- mandatory DUI school
- up to 3 years driver’s license suspension
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