In California driving with a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.08% or higher is illegal. If you are stopped by a police officer you can be arrested for DUI (driving under the influence). First, the officer will need to determine whether or not you are under the influence by performing one or more of several field sobriety tests.
The tests can range from a walk and turn test to a more extensive test such as a blood, breath or urine test. Refusal to perform any of these tests when asked by the officer will most likely result in your immediate arrest and being booked in a county jail for DUI.
A DUI charge and conviction can have dramatic affects on your future. An attorney experienced in defending people charged with driving under the influence will be able to help keep you out of jail.
Consequences for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs:
*First offense: The Court may order you to serve between 48 hours to 6 months in jail. It will impose a fine of $390 to $1,000 and order you to complete a 3 or 9 month alcohol/drug treatment program. The DMV will also impose a 6 or 10 month driver's license suspension depending on treatment program length. Recent change in the laws under this area include the requirements of an interlock device being installed on any vehicles registered in your name.
*Second offense: The Court may order you to serve between 96-hours to 1 year, a $390 to $1,000 fine, and completion of an 18 or 30 month alcohol/drug treatment program. The DMV will also impose a 2-year driver's license suspension. Recent change in the laws under this area include the requirements of an interlock device being installed on any vehicles registered in your name.
*Third offense: The Court will order you to serve a minimum of 120 days in jail.
*Fourth offense: Can be charged as a felony and carries a possible sentence of 3 years in state prison.
Department of Motor vehicles Administrative Proceedings
In addition to any of the penalties the Court’s may impose for a driving under the influence conviction, the Department of Motor Vehicles will take administrative action against an individual’s driver’s license. These actions can include restrictions, suspensions, and revocations.
The tests can range from a walk and turn test to a more extensive test such as a blood, breath or urine test. Refusal to perform any of these tests when asked by the officer will most likely result in your immediate arrest and being booked in a county jail for DUI.
A DUI charge and conviction can have dramatic affects on your future. An attorney experienced in defending people charged with driving under the influence will be able to help keep you out of jail.
Consequences for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs:
*First offense: The Court may order you to serve between 48 hours to 6 months in jail. It will impose a fine of $390 to $1,000 and order you to complete a 3 or 9 month alcohol/drug treatment program. The DMV will also impose a 6 or 10 month driver's license suspension depending on treatment program length. Recent change in the laws under this area include the requirements of an interlock device being installed on any vehicles registered in your name.
*Second offense: The Court may order you to serve between 96-hours to 1 year, a $390 to $1,000 fine, and completion of an 18 or 30 month alcohol/drug treatment program. The DMV will also impose a 2-year driver's license suspension. Recent change in the laws under this area include the requirements of an interlock device being installed on any vehicles registered in your name.
*Third offense: The Court will order you to serve a minimum of 120 days in jail.
*Fourth offense: Can be charged as a felony and carries a possible sentence of 3 years in state prison.
Department of Motor vehicles Administrative Proceedings
In addition to any of the penalties the Court’s may impose for a driving under the influence conviction, the Department of Motor Vehicles will take administrative action against an individual’s driver’s license. These actions can include restrictions, suspensions, and revocations.