What Happens After You Get a DUI in California?
Nobody ever plans on getting a DUI. But just like nobody ever plans on getting into a car accident, it’s always important to know what you have to do next.
What happens after you get a DUI in California? As you may or may not know, you’ll need to get SR-22 insurance in order to get back on the road in most cases. But plenty of things happen before and after that could affect you as a driver for many years.
As always, knowledge is power. Keep reading to discover what happens after you get a DUI in California and what you need to get back on the road!
Introduction to Post-DUI Realities in California
The blunt truth is that after you get a DUI in California, your world changes in some fairly dramatic ways. Some of these are long-term consequences, including the impact on your automobile insurance premiums and other financial concerns. Others, however, will immediately affect your life.
The most immediate aftermath of a DUI is going to jail. The good news is that you will most likely be released after a few hours, and you probably won’t need to post bail. The bad news is that you will soon be in court, and it is highly advisable to hire a lawyer who fully understands the DUI laws in California. Use our handy DUI resource center to get a full understanding of your next moves.
Additionally, the DMV will attempt to suspend or revoke your license (a desire to avoid this is why many request a DMV hearing after hiring a lawyer). State prosecutors may try to file criminal charges based on the damage you caused and any people you might have injured. If this is your first DUI, the consequences will be less severe than if this is your second or more DUI in California.
Legal Aftermath and DUI Charges
Beyond the DMV hearing, you will face separate criminal charges. For a first DUI offense, you will likely only face the penalties described further in this guide. But you could face harsher penalties and jail time for more severe offenses, especially if anyone was hurt or killed by your actions. Assuming it is within your financial means, it is always advisable to hire a DUI lawyer. Is a DUI a felony in the state of California? It can be either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on how you are charged, and you will want a good attorney on your side.
DMV Procedures and Your License
Getting a DUI will automatically trigger a DMV hearing to suspend your license. That suspension automatically happens 30 days after your arrest. Before that, you can request a DMV hearing yourself to challenge the suspension. With the help of a good lawyer, you may argue that you shouldn’t receive a DUI because your alcohol level was below 0.08%, the California standard for impaired driving.
Penalties and Fines Associated With a DUI
Relatively speaking, consequences may be light for your first DUI charge. For the first DUI in California, penalties usually include three years of probation. You may also face an immediate fine of $390 and about $2,000 in additional penalty assessments. You will also have to complete a first-offender alcohol program that involves 30 hours of class time at a cost of approximately $500. Throw in the cost of increased insurance, and getting a DUI is a financial wrecking ball.
For a second DUI in California, the penalties are more significant than for the first DUI. For example, you could face up to a year in jail, with a minimum jail time of 96 hours. Your license is also likely to be suspended for two years. The state takes driving under the influence very seriously, and the penalties for a California DUI are harsh even if you don’t own a car.
Your best bet is to avoid getting any further DUI offenses, and a good rehabilitation program can help you do just that.
Alcohol Education Programs and Probation
You will likely be required to attend an alcohol education program. You will have to find such a program yourself, and this directory can help. The factors that determine the length of such a program include whether this is your first or second DUI offense, whether you caused any damage or injuries, and what your blood-alcohol level was. Keep in mind that, even without a DUI, the impairment alcohol level in California is 0.08% BAC.
You may also be put on probation following your arrest. Probation can help you avoid jail time, but you must also abide by certain restrictions for the duration. If you are convicted of only a misdemeanor (fairly common for a first offense), you may be placed on informal probation. However, if you are convicted of a felony, DUI law in California dictates that you be assigned a formal probation officer.
Getting Back on the Road
Now that you know more about what happens after you get a DUI in California, you’re probably wondering how to get back on the road. There are three primary steps you must take before getting your license back. The first step is to complete the alcohol education program required by the state.
The next step is to file an SR-22 with the state. This is paperwork certifying that you have the state-mandated minimum automobile insurance. Be aware that an SR-22 requirement guarantees you will pay higher car insurance after DUI because it labels you as a high-risk driver. How long does a DUI affect your insurance in California? While it can go longer, rates usually go down after three to five years, if your record remains clean.
After completing the education program and filing the SR-22, your final step is to pay the DMV license reissue fee. Relative to everything else, getting back on the road is the easiest part of the DUI process in California.
Just Got a DUI? Secure Your SR-22 Insurance Now!
Now, you’ve learned what happens after you get a DUI in California, including the legal repercussions. You know the importance of getting a good lawyer and, if needed, finding a good alcohol education program. Perhaps most importantly, you know how to get back on the road and how filing an SR-22 increases the cost of insurance.
Fortunately, you don’t have to settle for expensive coverage. Cost-U-Less offers the automobile insurance you need at competitive prices you must see to believe. Ready to start saving money and have a fresh start when you get back out on the road? Just give us a call at (800) 390-4071 or get a fast SR-22 insurance quote online. You can also find a Cost-U-Less office near you.
FAQs About Post-DUI Situations in California
Now you know much more about what happens after you get a DUI in California. It’s a complex topic, and you probably still have a few questions. Below, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the DUI laws in California.
Can I Challenge My License Suspension After a DUI in California?
It is possible to challenge your license suspension, but that will require you to request a DMV hearing and win. You will also need to avoid a criminal conviction if you wish to keep your license.
How Long Does a DUI Stay on My Driving Record in California?
A DUI will remain on your driving record for 10 years.
Can a California DUI Conviction Be Expunged From My Record?
After you complete the terms of your probation, it is possible to expunge certain DUI convictions (typically misdemeanor convictions that didn’t involve any drug abuse or injuries) from your record. Once expunged, nobody but the police and the DMV will be able to access records of your conviction.
