California police arrested 1,226 people for driving under the influence on Labor Day weekend this year. This is a sharp increase from the previous year, during which there were 1,168 DUI arrests on the holiday weekend.
If you were one of these drivers, then you probably have a long list of questions about DUI and the potential consequences. Read on to learn more about the penalties for first-time offenders:
What Are the Penalties?
If this is your first offense and you plead guilty to the DUI, then your license will be suspended for at least four months. According to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the courts will also require the mandatory completion of an alcohol assessment or treatment evaluation, which you will need to pass in order for your license to be reinstated.
You will also have to install an Ignition Interlock Device on your car. This pseudo-breathalyzer will prevent you from starting the vehicle if you breathe over the limit.
There will also be criminal penalties, including a jail sentence of up to six months. You will also face administrative fines of up to $1,000.
For the next three to five years, you will be on probation. During this time, you cannot violate any laws related to your arrest. The conviction will remain on your criminal record for the next decade, and any subsequent DUIs during that time will likely come with harsher penalties.
What Are Potential Defense Strategies against DUI Charges?
There are many ways to defend yourself against a DUI charge. For example, the police may have made mistakes while administering the breath test, or you may have been pulled over without probable cause.
If you have been charged with driving under the influence in California, then one of your first calls should be to an experienced San Jose criminal defense attorney. Mr. Cvietkovich of the Law Offices of Thomas Nicholas Cvietkovich has handled more than 3,000 cases. He can use this vast experience to defend your interests. To schedule a free consultation, call (408) 898-9770.
Source:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/dl/driversafety/dsalcohol