Learn about California DUI Conviction

The proof of a driver being guilty of DUI is called DUI conviction. This can lead to penalties that include imprisonment, probation, monetary fines, counseling, alcohol education programs and/or suspension of driving permit. The term of probation or imprisonment or the amount of fine is different in every state. Also, the conviction has its own impact on the insurance. Often, employers refuse to hire someone with DUI conviction records. In California, DUI conviction has many consequences.

Consequences of a California DUI Conviction

A California DUI conviction impacts the insurance of the driver heavily. Driving under Influence conviction is a permanent scar on your driving record. Primarily, there is a detrimental effect on the eligibility of your insurance as well as the cost of the premiums you will pay thenceforth. A driver with DUI conviction is regarded as ‘high-risk driver’. As a result, for the insurance companies, he or she is a high-risk investment which impacts the insurance policies of vehicle, life and disability purchased by him or her.

If you want to know more you can have a look at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/driversafety/dsalcohol.htm.

The insurance companies make profit on the premiums which are not paid out. A policy holder pays premiums so that in case of any accident, insurance would take care of the expense. So, for the insurers look for the clients with clean driving record so that there are least possibilities to pay out the premiums. With a high-risk driver, this possibility increases, making the individual pay high premium costs. Some insurance company may also refuse to sell policies to him or her. In certain cases, existing policies may be terminated or renewal is denied. There are different terms and conditions in different companies. You can discuss your case with the insurance brokers of few companies. You can be lucky enough to meet one who specializes in DUI conviction insurance policies.

Penalties for a California DUI Conviction

The most probable penalties for California DUI conviction are imprisonment for few days to years in respective county jail, formal or informal probation, compensations in terms of money, fines for penalty, assessment and court fees, revocation or suspension of California Driver License, compulsory attendance at programs meant for treatment, installment of a safety device in car called ignition interlock and seizing of the car.

The civil liability will also be bore by the driver if someone is injured or property is damaged. Penalty may also include community service.  The imposition of these penalties or their severity largely depends upon the prior records of DUI conviction as well as the circumstances of existing case. The California state has stricter DUI conviction penalty policies now if the car has minor in it. The penalty can also aggravate if the driver is already on restricted license.

One of the most important disadvantageous impacts that DUI conviction can have is a career deterrent in a few professions. Politicians, coaches or teachers are asked to resign from their existing job. Politicians lead the nation and teachers and coaches build foundation of any nation. Implication of this policy is that DUI is a negative influence and anybody with its scar should not be given such authority to lead or build a country. Apart from losing the present job, the conviction can result in problems in getting a new job. Though drivers with misdemeanor conviction can get pass over such problems, drivers with felony conviction cannot.

The penalty for first DUI conviction in California is three to four years of court probation which means absolutely no consumption of alcohol before driving, a fine of $1400 to $1800 inclusive of fines and court fees which can also be paid by rendering community service, withheld California Driver License for six months, in certain cases attending DUI schools to rehabilitate from drinking habit, and a mandatory time to be spend in jail. This term is of 48 hours or it can be converted to work service also.

The probation period for second offense of California DUI conviction similar to the first one, but the amount of fine can rise to a range of $1800 to $2800. Driver license is lost for two years. It is mandatory to attend DUI School for minimum eighteen months. Time to spend in jail varies in different counties but the duration ranges between ninety sex hours to thirty days.

For third offense, probation can be formal where the convict must report to a probation officer periodically. Amount of court fees and fines remains same for a second offense. Driving license is suspended for three years, driver must attend DUI schools for 18 months. Required jail time rises to four months, or can be converted with rehabilitation, house arrest or a combination of all three. Some counties have made it mandatory to make the stay for 210 days and some for a whole year.

Fourth offense of DUI conviction is a felony crime thus required incarceration of three years, license suspended permanently and aggravated costs. An offense is said to have repeated if taken place within the span of ten years.