Driving under the influence presents serious risks, and being charged with a DUI has serious consequences. Here, local DUI Attorney Eric Ganci shares some basic information about what a DUI is in California and possible punishments.
In California, a DUI has a few different sections, here are the main ones:
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol, per California Vehicle Section 23152(a);
- Driving with a blood alcohol level at or above a .08, per California Vehicle Section 23152(b);
- Driving while under the influence of a drug, per California Vehicle Section 23152(f);
- Driving while under the influence of the combination of a drug and alcohol, per California Vehicle Section 23152(g)
There are also the same charges that include causing injury to another person, per California Vehicle Code 23153(a), (b), (f), and (g), which can raise a DUI to a felony.
“Punishment” for DUI offenses vary, but even a first offense may include jail time, fines, suspension of driver’s license, mandatory DUI education, the installation of an in-car breathalyzer (called an Ignition Interlock Device), and other probation terms.
DUI law can be complicated. For more key issues in and terms in other areas of law, visit the San Diego County Bar Association website.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal counsel or serve as legal advice. If you have a DUI law matter, it is best to consult the advice of an attorney. You can get referred to an attorney for a free 30 minute consultation through the San Diego County Bar’s Lawyer Referral & Information Service at www.sdcba.org/ineedalawyer or by calling 1 (800) 464-1529.