whats the best and worst things that can happen with a first time DUI in california?
so my dad got a dui last night and i'm just not sure what can happen. its his first one. they released him this morning i guess because i called and he was already released. i'm just wondering what the outcomes can be? like jail time? no license? what kind of fines? what else? and should he get a...
so my dad got a dui last night and i'm just not sure what can happen. its his first one. they released him this morning i guess because i called and he was already released. i'm just wondering what the outcomes can be? like jail time? no license? what kind of fines? what else?
and should he get a lawyer or just got to the court on his own and get whatever they give him? his english is very poor.
Try getting advice from a professional, they should know the ins and out of California law by heart. http://www.findaduilawyeronline.com/California-DUI-Lawyers.html
no telling out in looney land. i would expect lawyer fees, (1000.00 or so), two years probation, a fine, (maybe another 750), and possibly some kind of nuttso restriction on drivers liscense. OR, he could do a very short stay in the local county lock up.
under NO circumstances should he represent himself. he MUST hire a competent attorney!
For a first time DUI offender, the individual can expect to be sentenced to:
Jail: 48 hours to 6 months;
Fine: $390.00 to $1,000.00, with possible penalty assessments;
License Suspension: Up to 6 months;
Treatment Program: Mandatory attendance in an alcohol treatment program
If the individual’s BAC result was less than 0.20%, 3 months attendance in a treatment program is required.
If the individual’s BAC result was greater than 0.20%, 6 months attendance in a treatment program is required. ~
I dont know how every county in California works. I can tell you exactly how Ventura County handles the dui cases for 1st time offenders.
1)Spend night in jail the night of dui.
2)Get out next day and usually wait about 30 days until court appearance.
3) Go to court, and if pleading guilty pay about 2800-3000 in fines and fees.
4) sign up for alcohol education classes that cost about $780.
5) Get a choice to either spend another 48 hours in jail or 40 hours of work release. Financially jail is cheaper because you get $120 off your fines, and work release will cost you about $350 more dollars.
6) After that first 30 days your dads temporary license will expire. He will then have no license for 30 days. After those 30 days, he can apply for a restricted license via dmv to drive only to work. To get this he must be enrolled in the alcohol treatment program.
As far as a lawyer is concerned…….
Ventura County is particularly tough on dui. It have been told that unless you have an exextremely strong case or are facing a multiple dui charge and looking at a longer jail sentence, getting lawyer is a waste of money. In LA county good lawyers often get charges dropped to a wet reckless. Do some more research on how strict the county is and then decide. A good lawyer is going to cost you about 2500-3000 more, if the case goes to trial they will want more money. Personally, I have seen too many people pay for a lawyer and get convicted to justify spending this type of money.