California First Time DUI Calculator
If you have been charged and arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) in California, it’s time to empower yourself with information to move forward. In order to determine your specific legal predicament, you’ll need to assess which category you fall under.
California DUIs fall under three categories:
Drivers Under 21 – Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) LIMIT = 0.01%
Adult Drivers – Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) LIMIT = 0.08%
Commercial Drivers – Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) LIMIT = 0.04%
The penalties for your first time DUI will vary based on which category you fall under and the severity of the circumstances. Below is a list of the most common DUI costs in time and money. Adding them up will give you an idea of the costs for a first time DUI.
Common DUI Costs in Time and Money:
Time
In terms of time, if this is your first DUI offense, you can expect county jail time equaling anywhere from four days to six months.
Initial Cash
In California, the financial legal penalty for a first time DUI will range from $390 to $1,000.
After the initial penalties of time and cash, there are many more time and cash penalties that need to be handled.
Drivers License Suspension – Cost of reinstatement begins at $100.
With a DUI conviction, your license will be suspended for a minimum of 30 days, but it is more typical to receive a four to six month suspension. If you are under 21 year of age, you can expect your driving privileges to be suspended for one year. If you refused to take or complete a blood or breath test, your license will be suspended for one year, regardless of age.
DUI Classes – Class costs begin at $650.
You are required to enroll in a DUI class after a conviction. These courses are designed to promote awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving and act as prevention of a future occurrence. A typical class will require a 30-hour commitment to complete.
Attorney Fees – These services start at $750+ for a plea.
Hiring an informed DUI attorney is typically the strongest path forward. If you are required to go to trial, expect these costs to rise significantly, depending on the severity of the charges. Even if you know you are guilty, legal counsel is always recommended to afford you full access to justice and may even assist you in reducing other fines.
Car Towing and storage – Typical costs can approach $700+.
With a DUI offense, an officer will arrest you, and your vehicle is then confiscated and impounded. The costs for towing the vehicle, storage of your vehicle and getting it released back into your possession are your responsibility.
Auto Insurance Increase
Some costs can reach $40,000 in increased rates over the years. This is undoubtedly the highest financial cost related to DUI. Insurance companies will cover you, but not without a significant rise in your premiums. To accomplish this, insurance companies will issue SR-22 insurance, also referred to as a “certificate of financial responsibility.” SR-22 will be required for a minimum of three years.
Cost to your driving record: 10 years
A DUI can remain on your criminal record and California DMV record for 10 years. That means if you get another DUI within that time period, it will be charged as a second offense with greater applicable penalties. There is movement in California’s legislature to make a DUI offense stay on your record for the rest of your life.
If you are facing your first DUI, the time and financial costs can be daunting, but contacting an experienced attorney can help you manage and even reduce those costs
