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What Happens After Getting a DUI in California: All the Basics You Need to Know in 2023

In the state of California, a DUI (driving under the influence) is a very serious offense. If you are convicted of a DUI, there are many consequences that you will have to face. In this blog post, we will discuss all the basics that you need to know about what happens after getting a DUI in California. We will talk about the penalties that you may face, how to get your license back, and more!

 

What Is DUI?

DUI stands for “driving under the influence.” This means that you were driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In California, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. If you are caught driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, you will be arrested and charged with a DUI.

 

What Can Be Expected After Getting A DUI In California?

After you are arrested for a DUI in California, you will be taken to jail. You will be given a court date, and you will have to appear in court. If you are convicted of a DUI, there are many consequences that you will have to face. These consequences can include:

  • Jail time
  • Probation
  • Fines and fees
  • Driver's license suspension or revocation
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle
  • Completion of a DUI education program

 

What Are The Penalties For DUI In California?

The penalties for DUI in California are very severe. If you are convicted of a first-time DUI, you may face up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1000, and your driver's license may be suspended for up to six months. If you are convicted of a second DUI, the penalties are even more severe. You may face up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $2000, and your driver's license may be suspended for up to two years.

 

Can I Get A Restricted License After A first-Time California DUI?

Yes, you may be eligible to get a restricted driver's license after a first-time DUI in California. A restricted license will allow you to drive to and from work, school, and alcohol treatment programs. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.

 

Will I Have A Permanent Criminal Record?

A DUI conviction will remain on your criminal record forever. However, you may be eligible to get your record expunged after a certain period of time.

 

 

What Happens If I Refuse To Submit To A Chemical Test In California?

If you are pulled over and suspected of DUI, the officer may ask you to submit to a chemical test. This test can be either a breath test or a blood test. If you refuse to submit to this test, your driver's license will be automatically suspended for one year.

 

How Can I Get My License Back After A DUI?

If your driver's license is suspended after a DUI, you will have to go through a process called “license reinstatement.” This process involves completing certain requirements, such as attending DUI school, installing an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, and more. Once you have completed all of the requirements, you will be able to get your license back.

 

What Happens if I Refuse To Take A Breathalyzer Test?

In the state of California, you have the right to refuse to take a breathalyzer test. However, if you do refuse to take the test, your driver's license will be automatically suspended for one year.

 

What Happens If I Get Multiple DUI In California?

If you are convicted of multiple DUIs in California, the penalties will become more severe each time. If you are convicted of three DUIs within a five-year period, you may face up to four years in jail, a fine of up to $5000, and your driver's license may be suspended for up to four years.

 

How Do I Get A First-Time DUI Conviction Expunged In California?

DUI is a very serious offense in the state of California. If you are convicted of a DUI, you will face many consequences. These consequences can include jail time, fines, and the suspension of your driver's license. If you are facing a DUI charge, it is important to contact an experienced DUI attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.

An experienced DUI attorney will know how to challenge the evidence against you and will work to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed. If you are convicted of a DUI, an experienced DUI attorney can help you get your record expunged.

 

What Is The Difference Between A First-Time DUI And A Subsequent DUI?

A first-time DUI is defined as a person's first offense of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A subsequent DUI is defined as a person's second or subsequent offense of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The penalties for a first-time DUI are less severe than the penalties for a subsequent DUI. However, the penalties for a first-time DUI are still significant and can include jail time, fines, and the suspension of your driver's license.

If you are facing a DUI charge, it is important to contact an experienced DUI attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. An experienced DUI attorney will know how to challenge the evidence against you and will work to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed. If you are convicted of a DUI, an experienced DUI attorney can help you get your record expunged.

 

What Is The Difference Between A Felony DUI And A Misdemeanor DUI?

A felony DUI is defined as a person's third or subsequent offense of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A misdemeanor DUI is defined as a person's first or second offense of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The penalties for a felony DUI are more severe than the penalties for a misdemeanor DUI. Felony DUIs can result in jail time, fines, and the suspension of your driver's license.

If you are facing a DUI charge, it is important to contact an experienced DUI attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. An experienced DUI attorney will know how to challenge the evidence against you and will work to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed. If you are convicted of a DUI, an experienced DUI attorney can help you get your record expunged.

 

What Is The Difference Between A Wet Reckless And A DUI?

A wet reckless is defined as a person's first or second offense of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A DUI is defined as a person's third or subsequent offense of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The penalties for a wet reckless are less severe than the penalties for a DUI. Wet recklessness can result in jail time, fines, and the suspension of your driver's license.

If you are facing a wet reckless charge, it is important to contact an experienced DUI attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. An experienced DUI attorney will know how to challenge the evidence against you and will work to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed. If you are convicted of a wet reckless, an experienced DUI attorney can help you get your record expunged.

If you find yourself in a situation where you're arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, it's important to know what happens next. In this article, we've outlined all the basics for what you can expect after being pulled over and charged with a DUI. Of course, these are just general guidelines and every case is unique, so if you have specific questions or need more information, don't hesitate to give us a call. We want to help you get through this tough time as smoothly as possible and make sure your rights are protected every step of the way. Thanks for reading and stay safe out there!

 

 

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.

 

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