A first time DUI conviction in California typically carries a penalty of between $390 to $1000 in fines. In addition to the fines, you will be required to pay anywhere up to $3000 in penalty assessments.
Second and subsequent convictions carry heavier fines, as do instances in which another person was injured.
California law allows for the judge to sentence you to up to six months in jail for a first time offense.
If this is your first time you're being convicted of a DUI, you will most likely retain the right to keep a restricted version of your driver's license.
However, you will have to pay restriction and reissue fees in order to keep the privilege of driving to and from work.
Additionally, you will be required to complete a mandatory DUI educational program. These programs can require a time commitment of up to one year.
Other consequences include paying impoundment and storage fees for your vehicle, two points added to your driving record (if you are given four points in a twelve month period your license will be revoked), and a mark on your record which will last for ten years.
Finally, your auto insurance premiums will likely increase, and you could face ramifications on the job if you had to miss work.
You understand that a conviction can cost you thousands of dollars, your license, and possible jail time.
So, what now? Is there a way out?
Actually, in many cases there is. You see, the majority of evidence introduced into court during a DUI trial is technical in nature. And technical evidence can be challenged on valid scientific grounds. Today, the best way to fight a DUI case is to show how the technology to determine blood alcohol content (or BAC) might be faulty. This technique allows for reasonable doubt as to whether you were actually driving above the legal limit. You may be wondering how technology might be wrong. Actually, there are many ways in which errors can occur. The job of a good attorney is to highlight the possibility of error.
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Andy Taylor runs websites on DUI Lawyer. DUI Lawyer Guides provides free information on DUI related issues please check www.dui-lawyer-guides.com.
