DUI Consequences
A San Diego DUI conviction is a serious affair. Everyone knows that DUIs are strongly punished in the state of California, but what does that mean for your offense? What are the DUI consequences you might face if convicted? And how can you fight your charges?
In recent years, states nationwide have adopted stricter DUI laws, including zero-tolerance for underage drinking and driving and a law called “implied consent” in which a driver can have his or her license immediately suspended if blood alcohol testing is refused. These laws are expressions of the nation’s increased awareness of the dangers of drunk driving, which results in millions of dollars of damage and countless injuries and psychological traumas every year.
The severity of the consequences you could face if convicted vary widely depending on the circumstances regarding your arrest, the amount of alcohol in your blood, and whether it is your first DUI violation or not. Briefly put, a first-time DUI conviction in California usually yields a misdemeanor count with probation, community service, DUI classes, license suspension, points on the driving record, and a large fee. This assumes no other circumstances such as a DUI accident or drug use. The penalties become more and more harsh the more DUIs you rack up, including mandatory jail time (10 days to one year) and a fine or mandatory jail time (48 hours to one year) along with a mandatory alcohol/drug program. The third offense is even more severe – longer mandatory jail time, a large fine, an alcohol/drug program, and your license revoked for three years.
Unfortunately, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. DUI consequences don’t just get handed down by the courts or the DMV – in fact, between raised insurance premiums, fines for storage of your car and towing, various fees, and the potential impact of a DUI on your professional standing and personal reputation, a DMV conviction is neither fun nor cheap. Fortunately, you have rights even if you are accused of DUI. Though time to defend yourself is very limited, mounting a solid DUI defense is possible with the right San Diego DUI lawyer. Stephen Brodsky is a criminal defense lawyer who specializes in mounting a savvy legal defense. Have you been accused of DUI? Act now. Contact Stephen Brodsky today for a completely free, confidential case consultation.
In recent years, states nationwide have adopted stricter DUI laws, including zero-tolerance for underage drinking and driving and a law called “implied consent” in which a driver can have his or her license immediately suspended if blood alcohol testing is refused. These laws are expressions of the nation’s increased awareness of the dangers of drunk driving, which results in millions of dollars of damage and countless injuries and psychological traumas every year.
The severity of the consequences you could face if convicted vary widely depending on the circumstances regarding your arrest, the amount of alcohol in your blood, and whether it is your first DUI violation or not. Briefly put, a first-time DUI conviction in California usually yields a misdemeanor count with probation, community service, DUI classes, license suspension, points on the driving record, and a large fee. This assumes no other circumstances such as a DUI accident or drug use. The penalties become more and more harsh the more DUIs you rack up, including mandatory jail time (10 days to one year) and a fine or mandatory jail time (48 hours to one year) along with a mandatory alcohol/drug program. The third offense is even more severe – longer mandatory jail time, a large fine, an alcohol/drug program, and your license revoked for three years.
Unfortunately, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. DUI consequences don’t just get handed down by the courts or the DMV – in fact, between raised insurance premiums, fines for storage of your car and towing, various fees, and the potential impact of a DUI on your professional standing and personal reputation, a DMV conviction is neither fun nor cheap. Fortunately, you have rights even if you are accused of DUI. Though time to defend yourself is very limited, mounting a solid DUI defense is possible with the right San Diego DUI lawyer. Stephen Brodsky is a criminal defense lawyer who specializes in mounting a savvy legal defense. Have you been accused of DUI? Act now. Contact Stephen Brodsky today for a completely free, confidential case consultation.