Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 3:30 pm Post subject: Whats in store for Drunkers in Cali !
Could anyone guide me about the ill-effects of drunken-driving in California ? Tom Reed _________________ Register Now to have your Insurance queries solved.
Could anyone guide me about the ill-effects of drunken-driving in California ? Tom Reed
Golly where to start? Injury, death, jail, law suits, judgements, garnishments, loss of license, large attorney fees, larger financial loss for years to come (insurance rates).
Here are a couple of things I found for you on the net.
Quote:
Under current California DUI law, a first offense is punishable by jail up to a maximum of 6 months. There is also a fine which, along with mandatory assessments and depending upon the jurisdiction, amounts to over $1500. A suspension of 6 months may be imposed, and attendance at a state-approved DUI school (PDF Download) for three months will be required; this may be increased in the event of high blood-alcohol levels. Some judges may also require community service, installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) and/or attendance at "victim's panels" or Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. The usual period of probation (informal in most cases) is three years.
If so-called "enhancements" are proven or admitted, the law requires more severe minimum penalties. These involve, for example, having a child under 14 in the car, speeding in excess of 20 mph on surface streets or 30 mph on highways, refusing to submit to chemical testing, or having one or more prior convictions within the previous ten years. The speed enhancement carries a minimum 60-day jail sentence. If the case involves a refusal to submit to chemical testing for blood-alcohol, the driver's license suspension is for one year and there is no possibility of obtaining a work-restricted license. One or two prior convictions carry increased jail sentences and longer license supensions; three or more "priors" changes the offense to a felony, punishable by commitment to state prison.
A license suspension of 4 months is also imposed by the Department of Motor Vehicles, although this may be reduced to 30 days followed by five months of work-restriction if you submit proof of (1) insurance and (2) enrollment in an approved DUI school; the court may also impose a suspension.
Don't sound like a good time to me buddy .....If you've made this mistake I wish you luck and sincerely hope no one was physcially injured, and that this was simply a lapse in judgement....I'm sure some others will post additional info for you, sorry you have to deal with this. We all make mistakes, some just 'cost' more than others....I mean it...good luck, and let us know if we can be of any further assistance....maybe be a little more specific....
.....If you've made this mistake I wish you luck and sincerely hope no one was physcially injured, and that this was simply a lapse in judgement....I'm sure some others will post additional info for you, sorry you have to deal with this. We all make mistakes, some just 'cost' more than others....I mean it...good luck, and let us know if we can be of any further assistance....maybe be a little more specific.... 
