Free DUI Lawyer In California

Reader’s Question:

Back in 2006, I was convicted for DUI in New Jersey and I moved here in California just recently. How long will my DUI in NJ remain on my driving record and influence my auto insurance premiums here in CA?

Garrett

Berkeley, CA

Your DUI conviction in 2006 would be a part of your permanent Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driving record. Because you are now residing in California, you have to verify with the California DMV to determine if they have put your DUI or other traffic violations that were part of your New Jersey driving record on your new driving record as a resident of California.

In 2007, the reporting period for DUI violations became 10 years for all public requestors, which include auto insurance carriers. Before that, DUI violations stay on CA driving record for seven years. Under this new legislation, you might not be eligible for a good driver discount again until 10 years after you committed your DUI offense. Before 2007, a DUI may have been weighed up by auto insurance carriers for premium add-ons for seven years but currently, it could be taken into account for 10 years.

Because your DUI offense happened out of state, you can get in touch with the insurance regulator for CA which is the CA Department of Insurance to determine how long an auto insurance provider in CA can consider your DUI conviction in NJ from 2006. You can also get in touch with an auto insurance agent if you have any further questions about your auto insurance costs.

Reader’s Question:

Is there anyway to reduce the years for DUI penalty in California? How long will a DUI stay on my record?

Dexter

Bakersfield, CA

Effective January 1, 2007, any CA DUI offense on your record will appear for 10 years from the violation date. The new law extends the reporting period for DUI offenses from 7 to 10 years for all public requestors, including insurance companies. According to the new law, drivers with DUI occurring within the past 10 years are not entitled to receive a good driver discount.

DUI offense that occurred more than 10 years ago will no longer appear on your public driving record. At then end of the 10-year reporting window, it will automatically be taken off.

As to the reduction of the penalty for traffic violations in CA, the law stipulates various offense penalties according to the circumstances of your DUI and non-DUI violations. For more accurate information, contact the court found on your ticket issued

Reader’s Question:

What is a “Wet Reckless” in San Diego California?

George.

San Diego CA

Thank you for asking George.

Reckless driving is a misdemeanor in San Diego California and it carries penalties of informal probation, a fine and the possibility of up to 90 days county jail. Depending on the facts, this violation can be negotiated as an alternative to a California DUI conviction in the settlement process. An offense for “wet reckless” and dismissal of DUI charges can be a hard-fought victory and it depends on the circumstances. Your drivers license may also get suspended.

There is a difference between a “dry” and a “wet” reckless. The term “wet” or “dry” denotes if alcohol was involved in the commission of the violation. Typically an offense for a “wet reckless” will require the completion of a 12 to 32 hour alcohol education program, depending on the circumstances. In addition to that, a “wet reckless” is still considered a “prior conviction” for San Diego California DUI charging purposes, so that if an individual is convicted of another DUI in the next 10 years, the penalties will be increased as if the defendant has had a prior conviction for a California DUI. You may speak with an experienced lawyer regarding this to get more information.

Goodluck!

MariCAR