Violation of California Vehicle Code Sections 23152(a) or 23152(b) is commonly referred to as a DUI and may include driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a combination of both.      If you have been arrested for DUI, you are not alone.  In 1997, 1.4 million people were arrested in the U.S. for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI)  (NHTSA, 1999) What is the penalty?   When arrested for DUI in California, a person faces penalties in a criminal hearing before a magistrate and administrative penalties before the Department of Motor Vehicles. DUI PENALTIES 1st Offense Court Min  Court Max DMV Min  DMV Max       Jail 48 Hours 6 Months --- ---      Probation 3 Years 5 Years --- ---      Fine $390 $1,000 --- ---      License Restriction 90 Days --- --- ---      License Suspension --- 6 Months 4 Month 1 Year      Education Required Required --- --- 2nd Offense Court Min Court Max  DMV Min  DMV Max      Jail 48 Hours 1 Year --- ---      Probation 3 Years 5 Years --- ---      Fine $390 $1,000 --- ---      License Restriction 18 Month 30 Month --- ---      License Suspension --- 18 Month 1 Year ---      License Revocation --- --- --- 2 Years      Education 18 Months 30 Months --- ---  3rd Offense  Court Min Court Max DMV MIN  DMV Max      Jail 120 Days 1 Year --- ---     Probation 3 Years 5 Years --- ---     Fine $390 $1,000 --- ---     License Restriction --- --- --- ---     License Suspension --- --- --- ---     License Revocation 3 Year 3 Year 3 Year 3 Year     Education 18 Months 30 Months --- --- 4th+ Offense Plan on State Prison Contact an Attorney        In addition to the above, in certain situations your vehicle can be seized.  Administrative costs are added to the court's fine - sometimes as much as double the fine amount.    The court does not have to impose any given penalty.  For example, a sentence might not include any jail time.  Complications, such as an accident, can significantly change the penalties.     All convictions also count as 2 points against your license. What Was My Blood Alcohol Level?   Use this handy calculator to ESTIMATE your blood alcohol level. Due to differences in drink strenght and personal metabolism, this calculator should only be used as a rough guess.       FLUID OUNCES CONSUMED (Beer ~ 12 oz. Wine Glass ~ 4 oz. 1 Shot ~ 1.5 oz) YOUR WEIGHT (Lbs) ALCOHOL PERCENTAGE IN BEVERAGE (Beer ~ 4-4.5% Wine ~ 15-20% 1 Shot ~ 30-50%) HOURS CONSUMING DRINK Fluid Ounces Consumed Percent Alcohol Your Weight (Lbs) Hours Consuming Drink BAC Percentage BAC Analysis What should I expect?   As a first time offender, if there are is no accident or other complications involved, a reasonable penalty is:     $1,200 total in fines and administrative costs.     3 years informal probation.     3-5 days sheriff work alternative program (picking up trash, cleaning buses, etc.) or 90 license restriction     32 hours of education What can I do to fight the DMV penalties?   You can request a DMV hearing.  If you do not make the request within ten days of your arrest, you may not be allowed to contest the penalties.  Very often, the police will take your license during the arrest and give you a paper temporary license. Do I need an attorney?     You should never try to represent yourself or appear and just plead guilty to an alcohol related offense, even if it's your first. You could be sentenced to jail, ordered to pay a large fine, and subjected to other penalties which, under certain circumstances, could include the loss and sale of your motor vehicle and/or a prison sentence. Additionally, some violations are now a "strike" under the 3-strikes law. Tell us about your case    You can now send us your case information via our form and we'll get right back to you.  Where do I get my "Education"? Kern County currently has only two schools available: STEPS and TAASK. S.T.E.P.S. - Special Treatment Education and Prevention Services, Inc.  Bakersfield  3533 Mt. Vernon Avenue   Bakersfield, CA  93306   Phone: 661-871-3353  Fax:   661-871-9549 T.A.A.S.K. - Traffic and Alcohol Awareness School of Kern, Inc. Bakersfield  324 Oak Street, Suite A,  Bakersfield, CA  93304   Phone: 661-832-3283  Fax:   661-322-7906 Arvin  525 Bear Mountain Blvd.  Arvin, CA  93203   Phone: 661-832-3283  Fax:   661-322-7906 Delano  623 Main Street  Delano, CA  93215   Phone: 661-832-3283  Fax:   661-322-7906 Shafter  511 Central Valley Hwy  Shafter, CA  93263   Phone: 661-832-3283  Fax:   661-322-7906 Taft  210 East Center Street  Taft, CA 93268   Phone: 661-832-3283  Fax:   661-322-7906 Ridgecrest  443 W. Church Street  Ridgecrest CA 93555   Phone: 619-371-9412  Fax:   619-371-4803 Mojave  15666 "K" Street  Mojave, CA  93501   Phone: 619-371-4581 What if I am not in California?    Choose your area <<here>>     This Page Sponsored By  Fountain's Tattooing 930 N. Chester Ave. (661) 399-4688 Copyright © 2002, Law Offices of George A. Boyle