California DUI Law

California takes driving under the influence (DUI) seriously. If convicted of drunk driving, you may be sentenced to jail time, probation, community service, fines and loss of driving privileges, as well as alcohol education classes. It is therefore important to be aware of California’s DUI laws in order to prevent a DUI charge.

In California, drivers over the age may be charged as “per se” intoxicated with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher. This means that even if your driving was not impaired by alcohol, you are still considered to be driving under the influence. Drivers with a BAC of .16 percent or higher may be sentenced to enhanced penalties such as additional jail time, tougher license restrictions, and more expensive fines.

Due to California’s Zero Tolerance laws, it is illegal for drivers under the age of 21 to have a BAC of .01 percent or higher. Zero tolerance laws are used to deter minors from operating a vehicle with any alcohol in their system.

California’s Implied Consent law requires drivers to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test if they are suspected of drinking and driving. Drivers who refuse to take the chemical test may be sentenced to a mandatory license suspension lasting six months to a year.

Drivers who fail or refuse to take a chemical test may also be subject to an administrative license suspension. This suspension is imposed by the Department of Motor Vehicles and is an administrative punishment, rather than a criminal punishment. In fact, your license may be suspended even if you are acquitted of your DUI charges.

In California, you have ten days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing regarding your license suspension. If you do not request a hearing within this timeframe, all future requests for a hearing will be denied and your license will be automatically suspended.

Have you recently been charged with violating California DUI law? If so, an experienced San Diego DUI lawyer can help. An attorney can provide you with a case evaluation and answer any questions you may have regarding your charges.

Contact a San Diego DUI lawyer today to begin fighting your DUI charge!