Basic Information on California DUI Offenses
By Virginia Landry
Jan. 6, 2011 4:55p
In the state of California, a person is presumed "driving under the influence" when they have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more. It is against the law for anybody to drive or operate a motor vehicle when they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A DUI can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. The basic difference between a misdemeanor and a felony conviction is whether or not there was any property damage or bodily injury.
Under the California DUI laws, if you are pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving, you are required to submit to a chemical test, which can be used as evidence in court. Your BAC can be measured by your breath, blood or urine. If the result of the chemical tests determines that your BAC is 0.08 or over, you are considered driving under the influence. If you are convicted of a DUI you are subject to:
1st Drunk Driving Conviction
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Up to $1,600 fine
- 6 month license suspension
- Mandatory completion of a Driving Under the Influence Program
- You may be ordered to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
- California SR22 insurance for restricted drivers license
2nd Drunk Driving Conviction
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Up to $1900 fine
- Up to 2 years license suspension
- Mandatory completion of Driving Under the Influence Program
- California SR22 insurance for restricted drivers license
Orange County DUI Defense Attorney
DUI convictions can have long lasting consequences. There are enormous benefits to being charged with a misdemeanor as opposed to a felony. An experienced DUI attorney may be able to negotiate a plea agreement on your behalf in order to get your charges reduced. If you or someone you love has been charged with a DUI, an Orange County DUI lawyer from the Law Offices of Virginia Landry can help.
Contact an Orange County DUI Attorney from our firm today for a free consultation.
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