If you are facing DUI charges in the state of California, it is important that you understand what to expect. While every situation is unique, there are some general things that will happen after you are arrested and charged with a DUI. In this blog post, we will discuss the typical steps involved in a DUI case in California. We will also talk about the potential penalties that you may face if convicted.
What Is DUI?
In California, DUI stands for "driving under the influence." This means that you were driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. It is important to note that you can be charged with a DUI even if your blood alcohol content (BAC) was below the legal limit of .08%. If the police officer believes that you are impaired, you can be arrested and charged with a DUI.
What Happens After I'm Arrested?
If you are arrested for DUI, the first thing that will happen is that your driver's license will be confiscated. You will then be taken to the police station for processing. During this time, you will likely be asked to take a chemical test to determine your BAC. If you refuse to take the test, your driver's license will be automatically suspended for one year.
After you are released from the police station, you will need to contact the California DMV within ten days to schedule a hearing. At this hearing, you will have the opportunity to contest the suspension of your driver's license.
What Are The Potential Penalties For DUI?
The penalties for DUI in California depend on a number of factors, including your BAC and whether you have any prior DUI convictions. However, even if this is your first offense, you could be facing up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1000. If your BAC was over .08%, you could also be facing a mandatory license suspension of up to nine months.
If you are convicted of DUI, you will also be required to attend a mandatory alcohol education program. You may also be ordered to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. This device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath.
As you can see, there are a number of potential penalties that you may be facing if convicted of DUI in California. If you are facing these charges, it is important to contact an experienced DUI attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
How Can I Remove My DUI Record Permanently?
If you have been convicted of DUI, it will remain on your criminal record permanently. However, if you are able to get your conviction expunged, it will no longer appear on your criminal record. In order to be eligible for expungement, you must complete your sentence and probationary period without incident. You must also not have any other criminal convictions on your record.
If you are eligible for expungement, an experienced DUI attorney can help you navigate the process and ensure that your DUI conviction is permanently removed from your criminal record.
What Happens If I'm Charged With A Second DUI?
If you are charged with a second DUI within ten years of your first offense, you will be facing enhanced penalties. These enhanced penalties can include a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 96 hours, a fine of up to $1800, and a two-year license suspension. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for up to three years.
If you are facing enhanced penalties for a second DUI, it is important to contact an experienced DUI attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
What Happens If I'm Charged With A Third DUI?
If you are charged with a third DUI within ten years of your first offense, you will be facing enhanced penalties. These enhanced penalties can include a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 120 days, a fine of up to $1800, and a three-year license suspension. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for up to three years.
If you are facing enhanced penalties for a third DUI, it is important to contact an experienced DUI attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
What Happens If I'm Charged With A Fourth DUI?
If you are charged with a fourth DUI within ten years of your first offense, you will be facing enhanced penalties. These enhanced penalties can include a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 180 days, a fine of up to $1800, and a four-year license suspension. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for up to three years.
If you are facing enhanced penalties for a fourth DUI, it is important to contact an experienced DUI attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
What Happens If I'm Charged With A DUI With A Minor In The Car?
If you are charged with DUI with a minor in the car, you will be facing enhanced penalties. These enhanced penalties can include a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 48 hours, a fine of up to $1000, and a one-year license suspension. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for up to six months.
If you are facing enhanced penalties for DUI with a minor in the car, it is important to contact an experienced DUI attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
What Happens If I'm Charged With A DUI With A BAC Of .08% Or Higher?
If you are charged with DUI with a BAC of .08% or higher, you will be facing enhanced penalties. These enhanced penalties can include a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 96 hours, a fine of up to $1800, and a two-year license suspension. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for up to three years.
If you are facing enhanced penalties for DUI with a BAC of .08% or higher, it is important to contact an experienced DUI attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
What Happens If I'm Charged With A DUI With A BAC of .20% Or Higher?
If you are charged with DUI with a BAC of .20% or higher, you will be facing enhanced penalties. These enhanced penalties can include a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 120 days, a fine of up to $1800, and a three-year license suspension. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for up to three years.
If you are facing enhanced penalties for DUI with a BAC of .20% or higher, it is important to contact an experienced DUI attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
What Happens If I'm Charged With A DUI With Injury?
If you are charged with DUI with injury, you will be facing enhanced penalties. These enhanced penalties can include a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 180 days, a fine of up to $5000, and a five-year license suspension. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for up to three years.
If you are facing enhanced penalties for DUI with injury, it is important to contact an experienced DUI attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
What Happens If I'm Charged With A Felony DUI?
If you are charged with a felony DUI, you will be facing enhanced penalties. These enhanced penalties can include a mandatory minimum jail sentence of one year, a fine of up to $5000, and a five-year license suspension. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for up to three years.
If you are facing enhanced penalties for a felony DUI, it is important to contact an experienced DUI attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
What Happens If I'm Charged With A DUI After My License Has Been Suspended or Revoked?
If you are charged with a DUI after your license has been suspended or revoked, you will be facing enhanced penalties. These enhanced penalties can include a mandatory minimum jail sentence of one year, a fine of up to $5000, and a five-year license suspension. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for up to three years.
If you are facing enhanced penalties for a DUI after your license has been suspended or revoked, it is important to contact an experienced DUI attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
So, what happens now? If you've been arrested for a DUI in California, the first thing you need to do is call an experienced DUI lawyer. Don't try to go it alone - the penalties for a DUI conviction are too severe. The lawyers at [ firm name ] have years of experience defending clients against DUI charges and we know exactly how to build your defense. We'll work hard to get your charges reduced or even dismissed altogether. Call us today and let us help you protect your future.
Do You Need a DUI Lawyer You Can Trust?
With Lynn Gorelick you don't have to face criminal charges alone. You will receive personal attention to your case. Ms. Gorelick will be the one to appear in court with you from beginning to end. Ms. Gorelick, herself, will be doing your DMV hearings. You will not be handed off to another attorney or associate. You deserve this kind of attention to your needs at this stressful time. Ms. Gorelick has represented people charged with DUI for over 38 years. She has NEVER been a prosecutor who pursues convictions. She has only DEFENDED people accused of crimes. Contact us today for your consultation!
Disclaimer
The materials available on this website are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this site without seeking legal or other professional advice. The information presented on this website may not reflect the most current legal developments. No action should be taken in reliance on the information contained on this website and we disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Previous Article - 5 Common Misconceptions About What Happens After Getting A DUI In California
Next Article - Why Getting A DUI In California Isn't The End Of The World
