Driving under the influence is one of the many causes of road accidents. In different states, penalties for DUI may vary. Also, other factors may contribute to the penalties and punishment of the violator. Aggravating factors that can lead to higher penalties include:
• Excessively high blood alcohol level
• A minor is on board while DUI
• Has committed other traffic violations
California DUI penalties
The state of California promises firmer punishments for violators. However, in each county, penalties for these offenses may differ. Below are the penalties and punishment for motorists who are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• First Offense
- The violator will get three to five years of court probation, without a probationary officer, which will prohibit him from committing the same offense while on probation.
- Fine and court fees that could range from $1400 to $1800. It can be paid in full within 45 days or it can be paid overtime with additional charges. In some courts, they allow community service to lessen the fine.
- The DMV will be in charge of deciding whether or not to suspend the driver’s license for 6 months or to just limit or restrict the worker to drive only to and from his work or school.
- Depending on the blood alcohol level, the driver may spend 12-45 hours in a driving school.
- Mandatory jail time is 48 hours but it can be turned into community service.
• Second Offense
- Same probationary period as the first offense but the fine is between $1800 and $2800 with the same method of payment. A part of it can still be turned into community service.
- The period of suspension is two years. But, it is still up to the DMV whether to issue you a restriction or a suspension. If you get a suspension, you can appeal for a restriction after a year. Breath tester will also be installed in your vehicle.
- DUI school will be for 18 months.
- Mandatory jail time is 96 hours but it can also be converted to community service.
• Third offense
- Three to five years of formal probation wherein he will have a probation officer to report to.
- Same fine as the second offense and he will also have the liberty to choose whether to pay the whole amount or work some of it in community service.
- Violators will have suspended or restricted driver’s license for three years. He will also have to go to DUI School for 18 months.
- For the third offense, the violator will have to be imprisoned for 120 days or convert it to rehab, home arrest, or both.
• Fourth offense
- For drivers who have committed DUI for the fourth time, they will be sent to state prison as their offense is now considered as felony DUI and they are likely to lose permanently their license to drive.
The above penalties may not apply in all counties in the state but it should give drivers an idea of the trouble they can get into once they drink and drive.
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