If you have been arrested for drunk driving in California you will face both administrative as well as criminal penalties. The outcome of the any DUI case in California depends on many factors that come up during the arrest and ensuing proceedings. For example if you are already on probation for a prior DUI and refuse to submit to a breathalyzer you could face higher administrative action against you. Because of the complexity of a DUI case you should have an attorney on your side to protect your rights.
Administrative penalties you could face:
- 1st time DUI - license suspension for at least 4 months.
- Courts will order mandated completion of alcohol assessment and treatment in order for you to get your license back at your expense.
- New law affecting Sacramento drivers - it is now mandatory to install at your expense an ignition interlock device at your expense.
- When your license is reinstated it will be reinstated with restrictions and you will be required to obtain SR-22 insurance coverage at your expense.
Potential Criminal Penalties:
- 1st Offense - Conviction carries a mandatory incarceration in County jail of 2 days.
- Fines incurred upon conviction range from $2500-$3000, but completion of sentence including adherence to probation requirements and other items (administrative penalties) will incur additional expenses.
- DUI convictions can be counted as priors for a period of 10 years.
California does allow for reduction of DUI charges. This involves negotiations with the district attorney and if there was a blood draw, the possibility of retesting your blood. A Sacramento DUI attorney is best equipped to help accomplish this goal.
