California DUI Laws

If you’re been arrested in Southern California for drunk driving then it’s essential that you hire a LA DUI attorney, LA DUI lawyer or a San Diego DUI lawyer. In case, you’ve been arrested for drunk driving in Northern California, then you should hire a San Francisco DUI lawyer or an Oakland DUI attorney.

If this is your first offence, as you aren’t as what you’ll have to face in courts then any DUI lawyer in California with tell you that there are quite a few variables to consider. But there are a few things that are common in every case as listed below.

• Fine: $1300.
• Jail time: 3 years probation (informal).
• Community service: 3 – 5 days.
• Alcohol School: 3 months or 6 months, depending on the BAC level found.
• License Suspension:  6 months.

It is possible for the DUI charge to be reduced to a ‘wet reckless’, then the fine is lowered and the Alcohol School is reduced to 12 hours. In case, you’re in need of a restricted license, the DMV will require seeing a completion certificated for the alcohol school. The complication is that the DMV has no form for a 12 hour program, and only accepts completion forms for a 32 hour program.

It is possible for the charge to be reduced to a ‘wet reckless’ which would lower the amount fine as well as make the alcohol school requirement only 12 hours. In case you’re in need for a restricted license, then the DMV will require seeing a completion certificate for alcohol school. The complication in this is that in case the court tells you to do a 12 hours program, the DMV has no forms for it and only accepts the completion forms for 32 hours program. That means, in case you have a wet reckless, then you’ll have to complete a 3 months program to get your license back from the DMV in California. A DUI lawyer can help make the process easier.

Another complication of a California DUI is that the court procedure and the DMV procedure are separate and don’t influence each another in anyway. What has happened to a few is that they get their license returned to them by going to the DMV hearing but then they’re convicted in court. And others have faced the vice-versa, they’ve been proven innocent in court, but yet still have their license suspended by the DMV.

If convicted in court, you’re eligible to get a restricted license after a 30 day suspension which is after the 30 day temporary license period is over, and two months have the authorities charged to with a DUI. The restricted license, allows you to drive to and fro from work, and in the course of your working hours, to go for your DUI classes at the alcohol school.

The drawback of getting a restricted license is that it’s restricted for 5 months straight, but you can manage to do without a license for 4 months, you get your original license back right after. But keep in mind that once the court has told the DUI your need to attend alcohol school then you need to show proof that you’ve completed the program in order to get your license back.