DUI enforcement remains a high priority for most all police agencies in California. And the injury and death statistics make this an easily-justified priority.
To clarify the definition of "DUI," it stands for "driving under the influence." Any substances that cause driver impairment qualify for the legal definition of being under the influence. These obviously include alcohol and narcotic drugs, but may also include over-the-counter medications for colds or pain, various prescription drugs, marijuana, etc. The words "drunk driving" are commonly understood by most people to mean operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of any substance(s) that affect a motorist's ability to think, or causes them to exercise poor judgment, or slows down normal reactionary responses or that affects coordination, vision, etc.
California DUI statistics are available only through the end of 2006. Despite these figures being some two years old, they are nevertheless a likely forecast of even higher [future] statistics for DUI arrests, DUI-related traffic collisions with injuries and the same for DUI-related traffic collisions with fatalities. This last year, however, may be a temporary exception to the otherwise increasing trends. This last year may actually see an overall decrease as a result of the reduced motor vehicle travel brought on by high fuel prices and the tough economic times.
Of all California traffic fatalities (each year), 30 percent of them involve intoxicated drivers. In 2006 alone, close to 200,000 motorists were arrested for DUI. There were approximately 32,000 injuries caused by DUI motorists, and 1,600 fatalities. The 200,000 arrests probably represent only a small percentage of the actual number of impaired drivers on our roads, especially at night. Obviously, drunk drivers pose a serious risk to themselves and to innocent motorists. Accordingly, California law provides the following punishments for DUI violators. Note that the punishments listed below are for non-injury, non-fatality and non-hit and run events - which are much more severe.
For the first-time DUI offense:
• Jail time - Any jail time that is assigned is at the judge's discretion. A person not allowed probation may spend up to one year in county jail;
• Fines - The fines for a first offense DUI will be between $390 and $1,000;
• Alcohol Treatment Program - A person convicted of a first time DUI offense who had a BAC reading under .20 percent will be required to attend a state-licensed and approved 30-hour alcohol and drug program. If a person's BAC was above .20 percent they must attend a state-licensed and approved 60-hour alcohol and drug program.
• Driver's License Info - The DMV will suspend a person's driving privileges for four months if the person submitted to a breath, blood or urine test. This can be reduced to a one-month suspension followed by five months of restricted driving privileges if the individual provides the DMV with proof of enrollment in DUI School. If the person refused to submit to testing, their license will be suspended for one-year with no chance of gaining a restricted license. A person will be required to show proof of SR22 insurance in order to have their license reinstated.
California DUI penalties for a second offense are as follows:
• Jail time - A person facing a second California DUI offense within the past 10 years may receive a sentence of up to one year in jail. Any jail time imposed will likely be for a longer period than if it were a first time offense;
• Fines - The fines for a second offense DUI are $390 to $1,000;
• Alcohol Treatment Program - A person convicted of a second or subsequent DUI offense within a 10-year period must attend a state-licensed and approved 18-month multiple offender alcohol and drug program.
• Driver's License Info - The DMV will suspend a person's driver's license for one year if the person submitted to a breath, blood or urine test and the second offense occurred within the past 10 years. If the person refused to submit to a breath, blood or urine test, their license will be revoked for two years if the offense occurred within the past 10 years. If the DMV grants a restricted license, an ignition interlock device will be required along with SR22 insurance.
As can be seen by the legal consequences described above, DUI offenses can severely impact a violator's financial situation, as well as imperil their employment and even affect their reputation within the community. It is a crime that is completely avoidable with some preplanning, using a designated driver or arranging for a taxi or friend to provide post-drinking transportation. A night of careless drinking is not worth the consequences, especially if the drunk driver injures or kills someone other than themselves.
To clarify the definition of "DUI," it stands for "driving under the influence." Any substances that cause driver impairment qualify for the legal definition of being under the influence. These obviously include alcohol and narcotic drugs, but may also include over-the-counter medications for colds or pain, various prescription drugs, marijuana, etc. The words "drunk driving" are commonly understood by most people to mean operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of any substance(s) that affect a motorist's ability to think, or causes them to exercise poor judgment, or slows down normal reactionary responses or that affects coordination, vision, etc.
California DUI statistics are available only through the end of 2006. Despite these figures being some two years old, they are nevertheless a likely forecast of even higher [future] statistics for DUI arrests, DUI-related traffic collisions with injuries and the same for DUI-related traffic collisions with fatalities. This last year, however, may be a temporary exception to the otherwise increasing trends. This last year may actually see an overall decrease as a result of the reduced motor vehicle travel brought on by high fuel prices and the tough economic times.
Of all California traffic fatalities (each year), 30 percent of them involve intoxicated drivers. In 2006 alone, close to 200,000 motorists were arrested for DUI. There were approximately 32,000 injuries caused by DUI motorists, and 1,600 fatalities. The 200,000 arrests probably represent only a small percentage of the actual number of impaired drivers on our roads, especially at night. Obviously, drunk drivers pose a serious risk to themselves and to innocent motorists. Accordingly, California law provides the following punishments for DUI violators. Note that the punishments listed below are for non-injury, non-fatality and non-hit and run events - which are much more severe.
For the first-time DUI offense:
• Jail time - Any jail time that is assigned is at the judge's discretion. A person not allowed probation may spend up to one year in county jail;
• Fines - The fines for a first offense DUI will be between $390 and $1,000;
• Alcohol Treatment Program - A person convicted of a first time DUI offense who had a BAC reading under .20 percent will be required to attend a state-licensed and approved 30-hour alcohol and drug program. If a person's BAC was above .20 percent they must attend a state-licensed and approved 60-hour alcohol and drug program.
• Driver's License Info - The DMV will suspend a person's driving privileges for four months if the person submitted to a breath, blood or urine test. This can be reduced to a one-month suspension followed by five months of restricted driving privileges if the individual provides the DMV with proof of enrollment in DUI School. If the person refused to submit to testing, their license will be suspended for one-year with no chance of gaining a restricted license. A person will be required to show proof of SR22 insurance in order to have their license reinstated.
California DUI penalties for a second offense are as follows:
• Jail time - A person facing a second California DUI offense within the past 10 years may receive a sentence of up to one year in jail. Any jail time imposed will likely be for a longer period than if it were a first time offense;
• Fines - The fines for a second offense DUI are $390 to $1,000;
• Alcohol Treatment Program - A person convicted of a second or subsequent DUI offense within a 10-year period must attend a state-licensed and approved 18-month multiple offender alcohol and drug program.
• Driver's License Info - The DMV will suspend a person's driver's license for one year if the person submitted to a breath, blood or urine test and the second offense occurred within the past 10 years. If the person refused to submit to a breath, blood or urine test, their license will be revoked for two years if the offense occurred within the past 10 years. If the DMV grants a restricted license, an ignition interlock device will be required along with SR22 insurance.
As can be seen by the legal consequences described above, DUI offenses can severely impact a violator's financial situation, as well as imperil their employment and even affect their reputation within the community. It is a crime that is completely avoidable with some preplanning, using a designated driver or arranging for a taxi or friend to provide post-drinking transportation. A night of careless drinking is not worth the consequences, especially if the drunk driver injures or kills someone other than themselves.
