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Los Angeles DUI License Suspension Attorneys

DUI and Driving Without a License

If someone is convicted of driving while under the influence of alcohol (DUI), they face jail time, heavy penalties, and suspension of their driver's license. California law makes it illegal for a person to drive a motor vehicle unless they have a valid driver's license.

California DUI and Driver's License Penalties

If it is a person's first DUI conviction, their driving privileges will be suspended for up to six months, and they will have to finish a DUI program before their license will be reinstated. Program time lengths vary, and if someone was convicted of a DUI and had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.15 percent or greater, or if they had other violations or refused to a chemical test, the court may order them to finish a program that is nine months or longer. If another person was injured as a result of the offender's actions, their license will be suspended for one year. When severe injury or fatalities result in a DUI accident or "Felony DUI," a person may be punished under California's Three Strikes Law.

Typically, if an offender is 21-years-old or older, pays the restriction and reissue fees, enrolls in a DUI program, and obtains SR-22 coverage, the DMV will grant them a restricted driver license, permitting them to drive to and from their work and to and from their DUI program. However, depending on certain factors, the DMV may not issue a restricted license. Second, third, and subsequent convictions for DUI result in more serious penalties, such as a two-year license suspension or license revocation of up to four years. Once the prescribed period of suspension/revocation has been completed, and certain criterions are met, a restricted license can be obtained by the offender.

Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License

If someone is caught driving on a suspended or revoked license stemming from a DUI conviction in California, they face increased fines and penalties. If it is their first conviction, they will be imprisoned in a county jail for a minimum of 10 days and a maximum of six months and be fined a minimum of $300 dollars and a maximum of $1,000 unless they are a habitual offender.

If the offender is caught driving on a suspended or revoked license within five years of previously being convicted of the same offense, they will be imprisoned in a county jail for a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of one year and will be fined a minimum of $500 dollars and a maximum of $2,000 dollars unless they are a habitual offender.

Additional collateral consequences include a court ordered IID (ignition interlock device) or breathalyzer to be installed in a person's vehicle, as well as 2 DMV points added to a person's driving record, which can trigger a DMV negligent operator suspension for accumulating more than 4 points in a 12 month period or 6 points in a 24 month period.

Attorneys You Can Rely On

It can be extremely debilitating to have your driver's license suspended or revoked after a DUI conviction. Not having a license can severely limit your professional, social, and family life. When considering that a DUI also carries with it possible jail time, heavy fines, and penalties, in addition to increased insurance costs, anyone facing DUI charges has it in their best interest to contact a drunk driving attorney in Los Angeles that has experience successfully handling similar cases. At Takakjian & Sitkoff, our lawyers are former DUI prosecutors, which provides us with a unique perspective when it comes to defending drunk driving cases. We have successfully defended many clients who have been accused of driving under the influence in California. Call 888-579-4844 to learn more.

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