DUI Penalties in California

The laws that govern drivers within California are some of the strictest in the country. This could not be more true than with California DUI laws that negatively impacts nearly a quarter million drivers every single year. Without proper legal representation, these drivers are subject to fines, fees, suspended licenses, and even time in prison.

While an experienced DUI attorney in California can provide the legal assistance needed to lower or in some cases completely remove charges, undefended drivers are generally subject to a scaling system of penalties for every charge. For drivers that have not had a history of alcohol-related offenses, the first three charges within a ten year period will generally remain at misdemeanors. These are a step below felonies, but they may still have devastating effects to a driver's eligibility to drive and their finances.

When drivers do not fight DUI charges, every conviction will place points onto a license. Points then become public information to employers and insurance companies alike. On top of the base fines, premiums will go up as well as any potential jobs as a commercial driver becoming impossible. For drivers that receive over three DUI charges within a ten year period, or when damage to person or property takes place, the charge will immediately be bumped up to a felony.

When drivers do not utilize the aid of an experienced legal defender to beat DUI offenses, the problems can become long-lasting and catastrophic. Individuals only have a short window of a few days to contact both the DMV and their legal defense to ensure that they keep their license, bank account, and record intact.

Source: Mr. Ticket

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