By Arthur Perry
Within the state of California, if you are below the age of 21 even a low 0.01% blood alcohol result is more than the legal limit. The limit for people 21+ is 0.08% and 0.04% if you're a licensed commercial driver. There are other things besides drinking alcohol that may get you into trouble with the law.
DUI consequences vary from situation to situation, based upon what type of drivers license you maintain, how old you are, and if you've got any previous convictions on your record. Here are a few of the possible penalties that may well apply for anyone who is found guilty of a DUI in California: a suspended and / or restricted license, significant fines, DUI programs, jail time, community service, SR-22 insurance conditions, and even a breathalyzer ignition lock hooked up in you car or truck.
The age group distinctions are stated below:
Normally it would be illegal for people under the age of 21 years to possess liquor inside their automobile. The exemption is if a parent or legal guardian is with them in the vehicle or if they're traveling for work and the company has got an off site alcohol license. And also, the alcohol must remain unopened
together with the original seal still intact. Also people below the age of 21 are guilty of DUI should they have any concentration of alcohol in their system. This is due to California's Zero Tolerance law. Repercussions stemming from a conviction may include, a driver's license suspension, significant fines as much as $1000 and having the vehicle impounded for as long as 30 days.
Defendants 21 years and older will have their drivers license taken away by the arresting police officer and the DMV will suspend it for not less than 4 months and in some cases up to one year according to the "Admin Pe Se" law. On being found guilty, you can actually be hit with 6 months jail time and that's in addition tofines and fees,required DUI awareness sessions, Stringent insurance requirements, and perhaps even being required to have an automobile ignition interlock required to be wired into your car or truck.
The consequences listed above apply to a first-time charge not having any further complications. Whenever you have previous convictions and / or your mishap involved a major accident with injuries, these consequences usually are much more serious.
Moreover, California's Three Strikes Laws may very well apply in severe instances. For people who have prior criminal history and the incident caused serious injuries or loss of life then this law could very well apply. On a third Strike, the sentence is life with a chance to parole after serving 25 years. If the case might come under the Three Strikes Law, it truly is very important you hire a knowledgeable DUI lawyer.
In the state of California you've given "implied consent" for DUI test just by being a licensed driver. As a result, you're required to have a sobriety test if asked for by a police officer. It's not necessary to do it in the field. It is possible to choose to be arrested and taken in for testing in a hospital or at the police station. Refusing all of the DUI checks can get you accused with a DUI plus a "DUI refusal" which may further complicate your case and add greater penalties.
If you're within the greater Fresno area, drop by http://www.fresnoduiattorney.info to learn how they can help you comprehend California's complex DUI laws and provide you the best possible possibility of beating the charges.
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