101 Facts About California DUI Law in 2023

Are you familiar with California's DUI laws? If not, you're in the right place. This article will provide an overview of the facts about California DUI laws, including their history, interesting facts, and surprising information. Did you know California has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country? The legal limit for driving under the influence is 0.08%, and a first offense without bodily injury is punishable by up to six months in jail and fines of up to $1,000! It's essential to be aware of all the specifics when operating a vehicle in California to avoid any potential penalties or consequences associated with breaking them. With this knowledge, you can stay safe on the roads and keep yourself out of trouble!

We know finding facts and figures about California DUI Laws can be time-consuming and frustrating, so we put together this list of the top 101 facts, notes, and statistics so you can easily reference them and refer back to them any time in the future. This space is constantly changing, so if you see a fact that is not up-to-date, feel free to let us know. And if you know a stat that we should add, let us know that too!

1. California Defines A Driver As “Under The Influence” When They Suffer Impairment By A Substance To The Point Where It Negatively Impacts Their Ability To Safely Operate A Vehicle.

The substance could be alcohol, illicit drugs, or a prescription. When it comes to driving, California makes no distinction between legally obtained or illegally obtained drugs; if they make you an unsafe driver, you are breaking the law.

2. Despite The Golden State's Laid-Back Vibe, California's DUI Statute Considers It A Crime For Anyone To Try To Drive With A Blood-Alcohol Content, Or BAC, Greater Than 0.08%.

The laws also govern various scenarios where a driver gets caught operating a vehicle while affected by drugs, alcohol, or both.

3. California's Laws Regarding DUI Violations Get Defined Under Vehicle Code Section 23152.

The main points are: It is against the law for a person under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, drug, or a combination of the two to drive a vehicle. A BAC of 0.08% or greater makes it unlawful to drive. The perceived intention to drive drunk or impaired.

4. While Non-Commercial Drivers Are Subject To A BAC Limit Of 0.08%, Commercial Drivers Cannot Operate Vehicles If Their Limit Reaches 0.04%.

Given the professional nature of the cars and trucks used commercially, the proximity to the public, and the size and use of certain types of heavy-duty commercial vehicles, a stricter standard is to be expected.

5. California's Commercial Drivers Are Guilty Of A DUI If Operating Their Vehicles While Under The Influence Where A “Passenger For Hire” Is Also Present At The Time Of The Offense.

That means if someone drives drunk and then attempts to switch with the passenger to claim that no DUI was committed, the driver can still be charged.

6. Someone Under The Age Of 21 Is Guilty Of A DUI Offense If They Drive A Vehicle With A BAC Of 0.01% Or Greater, As California Operates Under A “Zero Tolerance” Policy.

It is very easy to reach that level by consuming less than a can of beer or a glass of wine.

7. The Blood-Alcohol Content Level Can Play A Role In Determining Whether Someone Gets Charged With A Crime.

As the legal limit is usually 0.08%, reaching the limit is what is known as a “per se” DUI.

8. “Per Se” Means By Itself. In Matters Of Law, It Means That The Evidence Of A Violation Is Enough And Police Do Not Need Any Additional Evidence To Make An Arrest.

If, for instance, you were to be pulled over and the officer suspects you are intoxicated, blowing a 0.08% would be evidence enough you are breaking the law. You would then be charged with a “per se” DUI.

9. According To California Vehicle Code 23540, Persons Who Were Previously Convicted Of A Reckless Driving Charge Within 10 Years Of Getting Sentenced For A DUI Conviction Get Punished With Between 90 Days And A Year In County Jail And A Fine Between $390 And $1,000.

10. If You Are A First-Time DUI Offender Without Any Previous Criminal Behavior, You Will Likely Be Charged With A Misdemeanor Offense.

11. It Is Also Possible To Be Charged With A DUI At Arrest, But Have Those Charges Dropped Should It Be Determined That You Were Not Drunk Or Under The Influence Of Drugs And Alcohol.

For instance, an exhausted driver may exhibit behaviors similar to someone intoxicated, but driving in a sleep-deprived state is not drunk driving.

12. In California, Most DUIs Are Misdemeanor Offenses, And Those Convicted Of The Offense Typically Do Not Serve Jail Time.

Instead, the most common punishment is a few years probation and a fine.

13. According To California Vehicle Code 23540, Persons Who Were Previously Convicted Of A Reckless Driving Charge Within 10 Years Of Getting Sentenced For A DUI Conviction Get Punished With Between 90 Days And A Year In County Jail And A Fine Between $390 And $1,000.

14. Most DUI Charges In California Get Charged As Misdemeanors, Even If It Isn't A First-Time Offense.

Typically, a first, second, and third DUI with no aggravating factors will be charged as misdemeanors. Aggravating factors can elevate a California DUI to a felony much faster, even during a first-time charge.

15. Aggravating Circumstances That Can Elevate A California DUI To A Felony Much Faster Include: Drunk Driving With At Least One Minor In The Vehicle, Causing An Accident Where A Person Is Harmed Or Killed, And Behaving In A Belligerent And Combative Manner Toward Officers.

16. If You Get Convicted Of A Felony DUI In California, The Punishments Can Include As Much As Three Years In State Prison And A Fine Of Up To $5,000.

17. California Vehicle Code 23612, The “Implied Consent Law,” Says That The Act Of Driving A Motor Vehicle Within The State Is A Form Of Consent To Blood Alcohol Or Drug Level Testing.

It is the officer's discretion to request testing and should a driver refuse, the officer will inform them that their refusal is punishable by a fine and immediate imprisonment.

18. The Driver Also Loses The Ability To Operate A Motor Vehicle For Up To A Year; This Doubles To Two Years If It Occurs Within 10 Years Of A Separate Vehicle-Related Conviction, Such As A DUI Or Reckless Driving Charge.

19. To Obtain The Best Possible Legal Outcome, You Should Carefully Consult With Your Defense Attorney About Your Best Options.

This is especially true in instances where evidence, such as an unfavorable breathalyzer result, is strong enough to likely result in a conviction and the subsequent consequences.

20. “Wet Reckless” Or “Wet And Reckless” Is The Term Used To Describe A Plea Agreement Where A Person Charged With A DUI Agrees With The Prosecution To Plead Either Guilty Or No Contest To The Lesser Charge Of Reckless Driving.

The “‘wet” comes from the individual acknowledging the use of drugs or alcohol during their plea agreement, unlike a “dry” reckless charge where there are no drugs or alcohol involved.

21. Even If A Person Loses Their Driver's License Due To A DUI Suspension, They Can Apply For A “Hardship License” Or An Application For Critical Need Restriction.

The request is for those who had their license revoked, but due to extenuating circumstances need permission to drive.

22. You Will Need To Complete A California Proof Of Insurance Certificate, Or Form SR-22, As Part Of The License Reinstatement Process.

This type of insurance requires at least $15,000 bodily injury liability per person, $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and a property damage liability of $5,000.

23. The Punishment For A California DUI Varies.

Common punishments are probation, fines, and getting one's license revoked. For more felony DUI charges, there is also the possibility of serving jail or prison time.

24. A First-Time Conviction For A DUI In California Means The DMV Will Suspend Your License For Six Months To A Year.

25. Three Common Punishments For A First-Time DUI Conviction In California Include Up To Three Years Of Probation, A Fine Between $390 And $1,000 And The Mandatory Completion Of A 30-Hour First-Offender Alcohol Program, The Price Of Which Is $500.

26. Jail Time Is Not Mandatory For A DUI, Particularly If There Are No Aggravating Factors Such As Causing Bodily Harm Or Death Or The Dui Being The Fourth In A Period Of 10 Years.

The more aggravating factors, the greater the possibility of serving a mandatory jail sentence.

27. For Purposes Of The Implied Consent Law, Blood Will Only Be Drawn At The Request Of A Peace Officer And Only By A Physician, Nurse, Licensed Laboratory Technologist Or Bio-Analyst, Specified Regulated Unlicensed Laboratory Personnel, Or Certified Paramedic.

Blood should be taken as soon as possible after the alleged offense, and enough should be taken to permit duplicate determinations. Whatever blood remains after the test must be retained for one year after the date of collection and must be available to the defendant should he or she request it for additional testing.

28. To Obtain An Approved Urine Sample, The Defendant Must Initially Void His Or Her Bladder In The Administering Officer's Presence.

This first sample is not the approved sample and there is no requirement that it be retained. However, it lawfully may be retained and introduced into evidence at the defendant's trial. At least 20 minutes after the first sample is given, the defendant must urinate a second time, giving the approved sample.

29. The Breath Sample Shall Be Collected Only After The Subject Has Been Under Continuous Observation For At Least 15 Minutes Prior To Collection Of The Breath Sample, During Which Time The Subject Must Not Have Ingested Alcohol Beverages Or Other Fluids, Regurgitated, Vomited, Eaten, Or Smoked.

30. If The Person Wishes To Have The Hearing (With The Department Of Motor Vehicles) Held Before The Effective Date Of The Suspension Order, He Or She Must Request The Hearing Within 10 Days Of Receiving The Notice Of The Suspension Order.

The person must be served with a notice of the suspension or revocation order. The suspension or revocation does not become effective until 30 days after being given the notice, or until the end of a stay granted pending an administrative hearing on the matter.

31. DUI Checkpoint Locations Are Determined Based On Data Showing Incidents Of Impaired Driving-Related Crashes.

The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

32. If You Are Under 21 Years Old, Driving With A BAC Of .01% Or Higher Is Automatically Illegal.

33. Eight Million People In California Have A Criminal Record, And At Least 225,000 Will Have An Old Conviction Automatically Sealed As A Result Of The New Law, According To The Alliance For Safety And Justice, A National Criminal Justice Reform Group.

34. Most Jails Make People Who Get Charged With DUIs Stay Overnight – Until They Sober Up, While Others Make The Convicted Person Stay Until Bail Is Paid.

Regardless, you will need someone to pick you. Your license would be suspended. There is no way you'll be able to drive. Use the telephone in the jail to make your call. You can ask for change if you don't have any on you.

35. Before You Are Let Out Of Jail, You Will Be Given A Notice With A Court Date.

Although you might not go to prison because you are a first-time offender, and didn't get into an accident, not showing up to court can get you in trouble. Don't lose the notice that you were given, as you probably won't be given another one.

36. Miranda Rights Protect Your Constitutional Right To Remain Silent After An Arrest, To Have An Attorney Represent You, And To Avoid Self-Incrimination.

To exercise your Miranda rights, it is wise to vocalize your desire to remain silent. If you exercise your right by acknowledging the Miranda warning, you could strengthen your defense.

37. Failure To Appear Or Forgetting Your Court Date Could Result In A Bench Warrant For Your Arrest.

The courts will revoke any bail or bonds that you may have posted. It is one of the most harmful mistakes in a DUI case.

38. A Wet Reckless Plea Is Not A Guarantee And It Is Most Commonly Offered After Your First Offense.

The likelihood of a prosecutor offering a wet reckless plea to a second-time DUI offender is extremely slim.

39. A Wet Reckless Does Not Carry The Same Stigma As A DUI.

40. If Your Employment Involves Driving, A Wet Reckless Conviction Could Allow You To Retain Your Job.

41. Jail Time Is Not Mandatory For A Wet Reckless Conviction As It Is For A DUI.

A DUI conviction is up to 6-months in jail for a first offense and up to one year for subsequent convictions, while a reckless driving conviction carries no more than 90 days. This is significant if you are looking at a subsequent DUI conviction that carries a mandatory minimum jail sentence of more than 90 days.

42. The Court Will Not Automatically Impose A Suspension On Your License For A Wet Reckless.

However, the DMV can still suspend your license if your BAC was 0.08% or you refused to test unless you prevail at the administrative or per se hearing before the DMV.

43. A Wet Reckless Is Still Reported To The DMV And The DMV Will Treat It The Same Way They Would A DUI.

The DMV is a separate administrative hearing and if you have a BAC of above 0.08% or lose your DMV hearing, they may still suspend your license for up to four months.

44. It Is Not The Conviction Of Wet Reckless That Triggers The Need For SR-22 Insurance But Rather A Loss At A DMV Administrative Per Se Hearing.

The DMV will require SR-22 in order to have your driving privilege reinstated.

45. The Likelihood Of You Receiving An Offer Of A Wet Reckless Depends On The Individual Circumstances Of Your Case.

Some common examples of when a prosecutor offers the plea include (1) when your BAC is right at 0.08%, and (2) they would rather see a conviction than risk losing at trial. If you have been convicted previously of a DUI the chances are smaller that the prosecution will offer this plea unless your defense is really strong.

46. A Wet Reckless Looks Much Better On Your Record Than A DUI And May Help If You Are Trying To Get Employment Or Have Employment Where A DUI May Disqualify You From Certain Certifications Or Clearances.

A Wet Reckless also has a shorter probation period than a DUI which is typically 3-5 years of probation. Conversely, a Wet Reckless typically has a 1-2 year probation period and you will qualify more quickly for a misdemeanor expungement under penal code 1203.4.

47. A Wet Reckless Is Significant For 10-Years.

This means that if you receive a subsequent DUI or wet reckless conviction within 10 years of the original charge, the court will consider it as a subsequent and not a first offense.

48. It Is Not Uncommon To Get A DUI Charge Reduced To A Wet Reckless Under California Vehicle Code Sections 23103 And 23103.5.

You are actually pleading guilty to “dry reckless” under VC 23103 but the section requires that the prosecution state a basis for the substitute charge and to state whether alcohol had been consumed or drugs ingested. This means that the conviction will be treated as alcohol-related.

49. A Wet Reckless Is A Misdemeanor.

This is especially significant if you have 3 prior DUI convictions since a fourth is a felony, or you were involved in an alcohol-related injury or fatal accident that is usually charged as a felony.

50. Your Driving Privilege Will Be Revoked For 1 Year If You Are Convicted Of Either Driving With A Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Of 0.01% Or Higher Or Driving Under The Influence (DUI) Of Alcohol And/Or Drugs.

On the first offense, you will be required to complete the educational portion of a licensed DUI program. A subsequent offense may require a longer DUI program and you will not have a restricted DL to attend the DUI program.

51. If You Are Caught With An Alcoholic Beverage In Your Vehicle, The Vehicle May Be Impounded For Up To 30 Days.

The court may fine you up to $1,000, and either suspend your driving privilege for 1 year or require DMV to delay the issuance of your first DL for up to 1 year, if you are not already licensed.

52. You May Not Carry Liquor, Beer, Or Wine Inside A Vehicle Unless You Are Accompanied By A Parent Or Other Person As Specified By Law And The Container Is Full, Sealed, And Unopened.

53. California Implements An “Implied Consent” Law.

This means all drivers have to agree to take a blood or breath test if they are arrested for DUI.

54. If Drivers Refuse To Take The Test, They May Face Further Penalties, Such As License Suspension (This Is On Top Of The DUI Penalties).

55. California Law Will Again Require Drivers 70 And Older To Renew Their License In Person At A DMV Office.

There are only a few more days for individuals 70 and older to take advantage of the temporary rule allowing them to renew their driver's licenses or identification cards online or by mail – even if their renewal notice states a visit to a DMV field office is required.

56. According To The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), More Than Five Million Car Accidents Have Been Reported Daily In The U.S. Since 2020.

57. Around 43% Of Vehicular Accidents Resulted In Injuries, Equivalent To Four Car Accident Injuries Per Minute.

58. The World Health Organization (WHO) Observed That More Than Half Of Road Traffic Deaths Involve Vulnerable Road Users Like Pedestrians, Cyclists, And Motorcyclists.

59. Around 29 People Die Daily Due To Drunk Driving Incidents Across The United States, According To The Centers For Disease Control.

Annually, more than 10,000 people suffer from alcohol-impaired deaths.

60. A Sobriety Checkpoint Is A Roadblock Where Police Stop Vehicles To Test Drivers If They're Under The Influence Of Alcohol Or Drugs.

Recent studies have proven that sobriety checkpoints significantly reduce the rates of impaired driving in many states.

61. In California, If You're Convicted Of DUI For The Second Time Within Ten Years, You'll Almost Certainly Face Increased Penalties.

This could involve jail time, as well as higher fines and even the installation of an ignition interlock device in your car.

62. According To California Law, Anybody Who Drives While Inebriated Faces A DUI Charge.

Even if you only took Tylenol, diet pills, or your usual prescription medicine, a police officer might determine that you were DUI and arrest you.

63. If You Wish To Drive Again Once Your License Suspension Is Lifted, You'll Need To Get Sr-22 Vehicle Insurance, Which Is Incredibly Expensive.

64. An Officer Cannot Confiscate Your License However, You Will Receive An Order Of Suspension That Notifies You That Your California Driving Privileges Will Be Suspended In 30 Days.

65. After You Receive The Order Of Suspension, You Have 10 Days To Schedule A Hearing With The DMV If You Wish To Contest The Suspension Of Your California Driving Privileges.

66. If Your State Is A Party To The Interstate Drivers' License Compact, The California DMV Will Inform The DMV In Your State Of The Arrest, And In The Event Of Conviction, Your Home State Will Impose Its Own DMV Penalties Within That State.

67. California Is One Of 45 States That Shares Information With Other States Regarding Serious Driving Offenses Such As An Arrest And Conviction For A DUI.

68. In Most Misdemeanor DUI Cases, You May Waive Appearance And Have Your Attorney Appear In Court On Your Behalf.

69. Generally, For A Felony The Person Charged Must Be In Attendance At All Hearings But Depending On Your Previous Record, Your Lawyer May Be Able To Negotiate A Waiver With The Court Regarding Your Absence.

70. You Can Be Charged With DUI If You Haven't Had A Drop To Drink.

When most people think of Driving While Intoxicated, they think of alcohol. They picture someone who should have their keys taken from them, maybe someone who is slurring, stumbling, or has had the proverbial “one too many.” The reality is it's also a crime to drive a vehicle when you are not normal, mentally or physically, due to drugs in your system, regardless of whether they are illegal, prescription, over-the-counter, or a combination of prescription and illicit drugs.

71. Officers Can't Force You To Take Field Sobriety Tests – Yet Most People Consent.

You may have heard that it's a mistake to perform field sobriety tests – and that is true. I have done a number of presentations where I've asked audience members, even fellow attorneys, to come up and perform sobriety tests and an overwhelming majority of them fail even though they were not under the influence. Officers cannot force you to take field sobriety tests, so don't take them.

72. You Don't Have To Answer An Officer's Questions – Except To ID Yourself And Provide a License And Proof Of Registration And Insurance.

When motorists are stopped for suspected DWI, the officer will almost certainly ask where you were coming from, if you had anything to drink, and what time was your last drink. You will be in a much better position if you politely decline to answer any of the officer's questions.

73. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Is Calculated By Determining What Percentage Of Alcohol Is In An Individual's Blood At The Time Of The Test.

BAC can be calculated using a breath testing instrument or by gas chromatography following a blood draw.

74. By The Third Offense, The Penalties Increase To 16 Months In Prison, An $18,000 Fine, And A 30-Month Alcohol Education Program.

75. It Is Possible After Multiple DUI Convictions To Have Your Car Confiscated Or Fitted With An Ignition Interlock Device To Prevent the Operation Of The Car When Intoxicated.

76. DUI Charges Are Not Eligible For Diversion Programs Or Deferred Entry Of Judgement Programs, Even For First-Time Offenses.

77. A Person Who Is Convicted Of A Fourth Or Subsequent DUI Within A 10-Year Period Faces Imprisonment In A State Prison Or In A County Jail For 180 Days To One Year And Is Subject To Pay A Fine Of $390 To $1,000. The Driver's License Revocation Period Is Four Years.

78. A Person Who Is Convicted Of A First DUI That Causes Serious Bodily Injury To Another Faces Imprisonment In A State Prison Or County Jail For 90 Days To One Year And Is Subject To Pay A Fine Of $390 To $1,000. The Driver's License Suspension Period Is One Year.

79. A Person Who Commits A DUI That Causes Bodily Injury Or Death To More Than One Victim Will Receive An Enhancement Of One Year In A State Prison For Each Additional Injured Victim.

The maximum number of one-year enhancements that may be imposed is three.

80. A Person Who Is Convicted Of A Second DUI That Causes Great Bodily Injury To Another Person Within 10 Years Of The First Conviction Faces Imprisonment In A State Prison Or County Jail For 120 Days To One Year And Is Subject To Pay A Fine Of $390 To $5,000.

“Great bodily injury” means significant or substantial physical injury. The driver's license revocation period is three years.

81. A Person Who Is Convicted Of A Third DUI That Causes Great Bodily Injury To Another Person Within 10 Years Of The Previous Convictions Faces Imprisonment In A State Prison For Two To Four Years And Is Subject To Pay A Fine Of $1,015 To $5,000.

The driver's license revocation period is five years.

82. Underage Drivers Are Held To A Different BAC Standard.

The legal drinking age in California is 21 and drivers under that age are prohibited from drinking alcohol in any context. If they are suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol, however, they are considered drunk at a much lower BAC level. Underage drivers with BAC levels of .02% or higher are considered intoxicated for the purposes of drunk driving charges.

83. California Is An Implied Consent State.

Individuals may believe that if they are stopped for alleged drunk driving that they can simply choose not to submit to testing to avoid the punishments of the law. However, California is an implied consent state which means that when drivers choose to operate on its roads and highways, they consent to drunk driving testing when asked. Individuals who have run into challenges with refusing BAC and field sobriety testing can talk to their attorneys about their options.

84. DUI Charges Can Have Punishments Other Than License Revocations.

The loss of one's license may be a significant problem for a California driver, but DUI convictions can result in other punishments as well. For example, DUI convictions can require drivers to submit to alcohol education courses and to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles. Some drivers may have their vehicles taken from them depending on the type of charges that they face.

85. Not All DUI Charges Are Created Equal.

Facts and circumstances can greatly impact the types and severity of legal charges that alleged drunk drivers face when they are arrested. For example, a BAC level of above .16% may lead to enhanced penalties against a driver, as may allegedly aggressive or dangerous actions taken by a driver who is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. If a driver has a prior DUI conviction on their record, their subsequent charges and the related penalties may be increased over those of the individual's first DUI.

86. DUI Can Be Charged Even If A Person Does Not Appear Drunk.

Individuals who show signs of intoxication can have problems with their coordination, movement, and memory. However, a person does not have to be in such a state to be arrested for suspected drunk driving. California recognizes per se intoxication, which means that if a person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at or above a certain threshold, they are considered too drunk to drive despite the absence of other evidence. In California that per se level is .08%.

87. California Has "Zero Tolerance" Laws Making It Illegal For Underage Drivers (Those Under 21 Years Old) To Get Behind The Wheel With A BAC Of .01% Or More.

88. In Most States, A Motorist Can Be Charged With A DUI For Being In "Actual Physical Control" Of A Vehicle While Under The Influence.

In other words, actual driving is sufficient but not required to be convicted. In California, however, proof of driving is required for a DUI conviction—being in actual physical control isn't enough.

89. If You Injure Someone In A DUI Accident, You'll Generally Be Facing More Severe Penalties Than You Would For A Standard DUI.

Injury DUIs are "wobblers"—meaning they can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. If charged as a felony, an injury DUI can result in a prison sentence of 16 months to four years. And depending on the defendant's history, fines for an injury DUI can range from $390 to $5,000.

90. Approximately 29 People Die Every Day In Drunk Driving Accidents Across The U.S., Equivalent To One Death Every 50 Minutes.

91. Although The Legal Limit For Alcohol Consumption Among Drivers In The U.S. Is 0.08 G/DL, There Were Still 1,775 People Who Were Killed In Crashes Involving Drivers With A BAC Between 0.01 And 0.07 In One Recent Year.

92. Approximately 17 Percent Of All Traffic Fatalities Among Children Under The Age Of 15 In One Recent Year Involved A Driver Who Was Alcohol-Impaired.

93. Alcohol-Related Traffic Accidents Cost Our Economy More Than $44 Billion Each Year.

94. Among Alcohol-Related Accidents Involving Drivers With A Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Exceeding 0.15, The Fatality Rate Was 69.8 Percent.

In fact, 77.9 percent of drivers with a BAC exceeding 0.15 who were involved in fatal DUI crashes were repeat offenders.

95. Drivers In Orange County Are Most Likely To Be Penalized For DUI-Related Traffic Violations.

Other counties where drivers were most likely to be penalized included Marin, Ventura, Sacramento and Placer counties.

96. Conversely, Drivers In Kings, Alameda, Madera, San Bernardino, And Merced Counties Have The Lowest Penalization Rates For DUI-Related Offenses In The State.

97. Some Counties — Including Lake, Shasta, And Sacramento — Convicted Drivers Of A Felony More Often Than As A Misdemeanor For Dui, And Drivers In Alameda, Colusa, And Madera Counties Were Most Likely To Be Found Guilty On Charges Of Reckless Driving.

98. Counties Vary Drastically In Terms Of How Quickly They Adjudicate.

Madera County residents wait an average of 313 days between a violation and conviction, which is more than double the state average of 119 days.

99. Across The State, California Penalized 71% Of Drivers Arrested For Driving Under The Influence.

But by county, penalization rates varied from as low as 52% to as high as 86%.

100. In Kings County, Only 52% Of Those Arrested For Driving Under The Influence Are Convicted Of A Related Crime.

Of the 944 arrests we analyzed in Kings County, only 469 cases (52%) resulted in a DUI misdemeanor or felony.

101. Orange County Had The Highest Rate Of DUI Penalization In The State. Of 11,467 Arrests, 84% Were Found Guilty Of A DUI Misdemeanor And 2% Were Found Guilty Of A Felony.

Sources:

HOME