Do California DUI Penalties Affect Auto Insurance?

California DUI Penalties have the ability to shatter a person’s life. They are very stiff and leaves a person subject to the penalties of breaking these laws wishing they had committed the offense. So what are the consequences of getting a conviction for drunk driving in California? It all depends on whether or not this is classified as a first time offence or second time conviction. Both are very uncomfortable. 

Below I have highlighted the penalties of a DUI conviction in California to help you better understand the severities of each.

First Time Penalties:

 The penalty for a person charged and convicted for DUI offense can be sentenced to up to 6 months in jail. Of course this may be influenced by your BAC, your behavior during the arrest and the circumstances surrounding the nature of why you were pulled over. As an example, if you were pulled over and sited for drunk driving while driving 100 miles per hour and your blood alcohol content is above .08 percent, there is a good chance that you may get the maximum time with legal counsel.
 Fines ranging from $390 to $1000 can be levied on a defendant if found guilty.
 A person can lose their driver’s license for a full six months and upwards to a one year.
 Similarly, if convicted, you could have to pay a penalty fee of $125 to get your driver’s license reinstated once the penalty time has expired.
 Have an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle at your own expense if you live in Los Angeles, Sacramento or Alameda counties for first time offenses.
 Be required to complete a DUI Program that could last up to nine consecutive months.
 File an SR-22 (reasonable proof of financial responsibility) with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
 Pay a stiff fine called a penalty assessment which can be up to three times the amount of your penalty fine.

Second Offense and Penalties:

If the first level of penalties were not enough, those defendants that are found guilty of second and third DUI offenses can lose their driver’s license for two to four years and be required to complete a 9-month DUI program. However, if during a DUI arrest a person injured or killed as a consequence of a drunk individual’s reckless driving behavior, the DUI penalties could be far greater as you can be tried under California’s “Three Strikes Law” where you can be sentenced to 25 years to life if found guilty.

During the penalty period a person may not operate a motor vehicle for any reason unless specifically granted by the state of California under mitigating circumstances. A person will be permitted to drive to and from the DUI program if the state permits, but will have to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed as a means to prevent a person from starting a vehicle with alcohol in his or her system.

Do side effects from prescription drugs apply to dui penalties and convictions? Absolutely yes it does. In California, a person can arrested and sited for driving under the influence if they are on drugs of any kind. It does not matter if they are medically prescribed, over the counter or illegal, you can still face the same penalties as a person arrested and penalized for drinking and driving. It up to you to know the effects of what you take in a responsible manner.