What To Do After Getting a DUI in California

If you have never gotten a DUI, odds are you have no idea what to do. The fact is, there are very few resources designed specifically to help drivers convicted of a DUI on how they can regain their license and driving privileges. This article will help you understand more about this process by covering the following topics:

• What happens immediately after getting a DUI
• What the penalties for a first-time DUI are
• If any factors increase the penalties for a first-time DUI
• The indirect costs that getting a DUI may cause
• What to do after getting a DUI
• SR22s explained

We hope this article effectively answers all the questions you may have on what to do after a DUI in California. By following the steps and tips outlined below, you can make progress toward regaining your license and getting your life back on track.

What Happens Immediately After Getting a DUI?

Immediately after you receive a DUI, there are a few important things that you can expect to happen. For one, you can expect a criminal trial to occur. This trial will determine whether you have committed a crime. In some cases, there may also be a DMV hearing that will determine whether you will have your license suspended. Note that a DMV decision isn’t a federal or criminal decision in all cases.

It is important to remember that you will have to schedule these DMV hearings yourself. In most cases, a driver will have a maximum of 10 days to request a hearing at the DMV. If they do not request a hearing or lose the hearing, they will have their license automatically suspended for a minimum of six months.

What Are the Chances of Winning a DMV License Hearing?

During the license hearing process, the court will consider a few main points:

1. Whether the driver completed a chemical test
   1. Did the officer have reasonable suspicion and evidence to start an intoxicant-related stop?
   2. Did the driver have a BAC over the legal limit? Was there any chance that the test was faulty?
2. If the driver failed the chemical test provided to them,
   1. Did the officer have probable cause to believe the driver was severely impaired?
   2. Was the driver placed under lawful arrest?
   3. Did the officer advise the driver of the consequences of failing or refusing a chemical test?

What Are the Penalties for a First-Time DUI?

In general, criminal penalties for a first-time DUI will vary by county. However, you can expect some of the following punishments:

• Three to five years of informal probation
• Mandatory DUI school
• Fines and penalties for drunk driving charges
• A six-month license suspension (remember it’s possible to get a restricted license depending on your circumstance)
• The installation of an IID device in your car

In most cases, the driver involved in the drunk driving charges receives probation. Some of the conditions of the probation are as follows:

• The person on probation may never drive with any amount of alcohol in their bloodstream
• The driver may not refuse a DUI test while driving
• They must have an IID device installed in their car
• The driver may not commit any other crimes

Indirect Costs of a First-Time DUI

As with any major crime, there are fees that you will incur if you get charged with a DUI offense. Some of the things that you can expect are:

• Towing and impound fee
• Cost of a DUI treatment program
• Cost of court hearings
• Cost of lawyer fees
• Mandatory contribution to the California victim compensation program
• DMV license reinstatement fee

What To Do After Getting a DUI

It can be hard to know what to do after a DUI in California to help get your situation back on course.

Consider Whether You Have a Drinking Problem

One of the biggest things to consider is whether you have a drinking problem. Every year, thousands of individuals die due to drinking-related deaths. In some cases, the first step towards getting your life back on track is asking yourself whether you have a problem with alcohol. If you suspect your drinking is getting in the way of your life, now is the time to speak to someone. A counseling center, rehab center, or mutual-support group can offer a safe space to reflect on your addiction and work toward recovery.

Undergo the Required Alcohol Treatment Program

Most suspensions come with the punishment of attending an alcohol addiction or DUI treatment program. These programs can give you essential insight into how impaired driving can affect those around you. Furthermore, these programs can provide you with some coping skills necessary to combat your alcohol dependence.

Get Your License Back

After your suspension period has passed, you can get your license back. You will have to reapply to the DMV and, in most cases, will have to file for an SR22 insurance certification. This certification is for those recently convicted of a DUI. The document provides proof that the carrier holds the minimum amount of insurance necessary to cover insurance expenses. If you are looking for SR22 insurance quotes in California, look to the Serenity Group for great prices and service!

Pay Off All Your Fees

One of the most important things that you can do is pay off all your fees. In most circumstances, you cannot get your license back until you pay the fees incurred for driving under the influence. Keep in mind that while these fees do not have interest and will not increase over time, it is in your best interest to pay them off as quickly as possible.

Getting through a DUI conviction can be challenging, but you hopefully know what to do after a DUI in California after reading this article. No matter what happens, always remember that you will receive a second chance. The state and courts know that everybody makes mistakes in their life. They are there to enforce the law and nothing more. If you are looking for quotes on high-risk auto insurance, reach out to the Serenity Group today. We have a staff dedicated to making this experience as easy and stress-free as possible.