Cases of driving under the influence (DUI) are widespread in California, and they often lead to serious accidents. Many people get injured, and some are even killed as a result of the accidents caused by drivers that are under the influence of alcohol and drugs. But do you know that there are DUI laws designed to curb this drunk driving practice? Read on to learn more about DUI laws in California.
What Are DUI Laws?
If convicted of DUI in California, you are likely to face various penalties depending on the circumstances. A judge can impose minimum or maximum penalties that include fines or jail time depending on the number of convictions for the same offense. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the DUI laws to help you avoid committing similar offenses. Whether in California or elsewhere, such as seeking the guidance of an Arizona DUI lawyer, taking the necessary steps to review your behavior after a conviction is essential.
Penalties for DUI Convictions
If you are a first-time offender, DUI carries fines of about $390 to $1,000, and the same applies to your second conviction. You may also receive a 48-hour jail time if you are a first-time offender, but judges are usually lenient on first-time offenders, and they just recommend probation. However, if it happened for the third time, you can pay as much as $1,800. The second and third offenses attract jail terms of 96 hours and 120 days, respectively. The period can be extended to one year in both circumstances depending on the severity of your case.
The other thing that you should know is that you can face a six-month license suspension if you are a first time offender. The DMV can also impose a four-month administrative suspension if you had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.8% or more at the time of the arrest. 2nd DUI offenders can get two-year license suspension while third-time offenders will get license suspensions of three years. DUI offenders also receive different terms of informal probation, and these penalties vary depending on the magnitude of the case. The judge or the prosecutor will consider various mitigating and aggravating factors when passing a sentence.
Other Measures to Address the Challenges of Drunk Driving
DUI is a cause for concern for every responsible citizen in California as a result of accidents that are often recorded in different places. Other healthcare providers have taken a lead in offering behavioral education to rehabilitate alcohol and drug addicts. Behavioral health specialists from CoastlineBehavioralHealth.com explain that therapy plays a pivotal role in helping different people develop healthier skills that can help them deal with alcohol and drug addiction challenges. Experiential therapy can go a long way in facilitating addiction recovery and different programs are tailored to suit the needs of individual clients.
How to Determine Blood Alcohol Concentration?
Different options can be used to test the level of alcohol concentration in the system. A blood test can be applied following a request by a police officer, nurse, physician, or licensed technologist. Blood samples should be collected soon after the commission of the offense. A urine test can also be used to check the alcohol level in the body. The breath test is also another method that is used to check the alcohol concentration.
However, the accused person can also request an independent test if they are not satisfied with the tests conducted. Those who refuse to submit blood test samples can face at least one-year of suspension of driver’s license. When dealing with such cases, it is essential to get sound legal help from a DUI attorney to get more details about the law.
DUIs Involving Deaths
DUI with injuries and deaths often attract stiffer penalties, and they can be considered as a felony. The offenders who have caused other people’s death are usually prosecuted under the state’s murder or vehicular manslaughter laws. The penalties vary depending on the case, but second-degree murder convictions can carry up to 15 years or life in prison. The fines also differ as a result of different circumstances.
Cases of drunk driving are common in California, and they contribute to serious, and at times, fatal accidents. To curb such reckless behavior among residents, California established some of the strictest DUI laws in the US since it consists of popular places with several bars and restaurants. If you are convicted of DUI, you can face several penalties depending on your case. These penalties come in the form of fines, jail time, suspension of driver’s license, and probation. And if your case is severe, you can be charged with an aggravated felony. Therefore, you should be careful and understand the consequences you are likely to face if you have a habit of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
