Free DUI Lawyer In California

Reader’s Question:

We badly need help in my sister’s DUI case here in Los Angeles, California. What we need to know is that, if she gets convicted for her first DUI offense, what are the possible penalties?

Mac

Los Angeles, CA

You and your family might be going through a tough time right now because of your sister’s DUI charge in Los Angeles, California. We certainly hope that she gets out of this as soon as possible. But if she gets convicted for DUI, I would certainly give you an idea as to what penalties she might get. Since this is her first DUI offense, she can have up to six months of jail time. After adding mandatory fees and assessments, the fines would be about $1500 but it could vary slightly from different jurisdictions. The court could also impose a license suspension of up to six months depending upon the circumstances and this would be separate from the automatic DMV administrative suspension of four months.

Aside from the aforementioned penalties, there would also be a requirement to attend a state-approved DUI school for three months as a condition of probation and to get the license back. The number of months could be increased if the blood alcohol level is high. In general, probation runs for three years in most cases. Community service, alcoholics anonymous meetings, attendance at victim impact panels and/or an ignition interlock device installation may be required by some courts.

Reader’s Question:

Hi. My question is, what is an ignition interlock device and when is it required?

Jamie

Los Angeles CA

Thank you for asking Jamie.

The ignition interlock device is an instrument in which, when installed in a motor vehicle, requires the motorist to blow into the device before the engine will start. This instrument detects the presence of alcohol on the driver’s breath and will disable the automobile engine in that event. This is expensive and must be calibrated all the time. The Court can order the device be installed in any car owned or operated by the defendant for up to three years. This will be considered as a possible condition of probation whenever a defendant has a prior conviction, or where a first offender’s breath or blood alcohol reading is over .20 percent. A violation serious enough to warrant such a sanction necessitates the aid of a California DUI defense lawyer.

Additionally, in the event where the licensee has been suspended or revoked for two or more years by the DMV for a second or subsequent violation, the DMV may require proof of installation of the device before granting a restricted license after a year of the suspension has elapsed.

MariCAR