California DUI Penalties
Reader’s Question:
Are California’s DUI penalties different from that of New York?
Jan
San Jose CA
Drunk driving laws in all states are the same, that is, each one follows the 0.08 blood alcohol level measurement as a gauge on whether or not to arrest a driver who is suspected of being drunk. California and New York both follow this rule. Also, both states have the same procedures when convicting a driver. If there is enough evidence for an arrest, the driver gets to spend some hours in jail until such time that his bail is posted. After that, a hearing will be heard wherein the judge will rule out whether he gets a conviction or just a reprimand. If he gets a conviction, different penalties apply in California compared to that of New York. California DUI penalties are somewhat different from New York’s.
In general, California has lesser fines and penalties but higher minimum hours spent in jail. In other words, California DUI penalties put more emphasis on being punished behind bars or doing community services instead of letting the person walk away after paying the fines and penalties. In fact, California DUI penalties will only require up to a thousand dollars in fines even for those who have repeatedly violated the drunk driving laws. The jail time, however, becomes higher. On the first offense, the driver only spends a mandatory 96 hours behind bars. The second offense requires for a mandatory 90 days in jail. The third one can earn the driver at least 120 days to 365 days in jail.
The SR-22 form can reinstate the driver’s license but for habitual traffic offenders, those who have been caught for more than twice, the state may require more than a proof of financial responsibility. The judge may ask the offender to undergo a “driving under the influence” program. Without the SR-22 and the program completed, the driver’s license is suspended for two years.
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