In the state of California (and many others), if you’re caught with a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of .08% or more, you could be convicted of a DUI (driving under the influence). This could also apply to driving under the influence of drugs, or combination of drugs and alcohol. First-offense DUI’s however, with or without conviction, can differ greatly from being accused of other crimes.

Unless you’re convicted of an offense, there usually aren’t many penalties when you’re arrested for most crimes – unless it’s DUI. You could be facing fees, license suspension, and more if you’re lawfully arrested for DUI – even before being convicted. There will be far more penalties should your conviction go through.

What Is Considered a First Offense?

If you haven’t, in the past 10 years, been convicted of DUI, in most cases, this would be considered a first offense. As one might suspect, DUI penalties for scooters, bikes, etc., may differ from penalties for those driving a car, van, or truck. The consequences for first-time offenders and habitual offenders also differ.

Here, we’re going to look at first-offense DUI penalties in California.

Penalties of a Criminal Nature

It is ordinarily considered a misdemeanor for your first California DUI conviction. Whereas you could face penalty assessments that total in the thousands of dollars, generally, motorists face a $390-$1000 fine (in addition to those). If probation (this could last from 3 to 5 years) is granted, no jail is required. However, you could be sentenced by a judge to serve up to six months in jail, even for a first offense.

Though a judge can impose numerous conditions, the following probation conditions apply in many cases:

• Apart from traffic infractions, you must refrain from further law violations.
• If requested to do so by an officer, you must submit to roadside alcohol testing.
• You cannot drive with alcohol of measurable amounts in your system.

Penalties of an Administrative Nature

If chemical testing showed that you had a .08% or more BAC and you were lawfully arrested for a first-offense DUI, you will be issued an “Order of Revocation/Suspension”, and your license will be confiscated. A temporary license will be issued. You now have a decision to make – fight the charge or accept the consequences.

No matter how your case pans out, however, you will automatically have your license suspended for a year if you refuse to submit to a chemical test.

Your license will be suspended for four months by the DMV if you had a .08% BAC upon testing. You might be eligible for a restricted license, however, after completing a 30-day hard suspension. Restricted licenses let you drive back and forth to a DUI educational program and to and from work (or for work).

For both license reinstatement and a restricted license, an educational DUI program must be completed, fines paid, proof of insurance offered, and more.

Jackson Bibby Awareness Group Can Help After a First-Offense DUI

Have you been arrested for a first offense DUI? Even before your first court date, in order to be eligible for your restricted license, give us a call at Jackson Bibby Awareness Group. We can help get you back on track.

Social distancing because of COVID-19? We can still be of assistance. Currently, our treatment counselors are speaking with those in need of mentoring, counseling, classes, etc., via Zoom meetings individually or in groups.

You want your license back, and we can be instrumental in assisting you in your endeavor. Get help from one of our dedicated counselors.

By the way… even if this is not your first conviction, we can still be of assistance. Contact us today for more information.