You can face criminal charges if you are accused of driving under the influence (DUI) in California. A conviction for a DUI can lead to fines and jail time. You may also be wondering how a DUI will affect your California driving record.
In truth, DUI convictions can have long-term effects on your driving record. Convictions remain on your record for 10 years. Use this article to find out more about what a DUI conviction means for your future. You can also focus on steps to resolve DUI charges with the Simmrin Law Group.
DUI Convictions Remain on Your Driving Record
As we mentioned, a conviction for a DUI will remain on your driving record for 10 years from the day you are arrested. During this 10-year period, certain individuals will be able to see your conviction, including:
- Law enforcement officers
- Officials at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Note that potential employers and individuals who run a background check on you will not see DUI convictions on your driving record. However, DUI charges may appear on your criminal record, which can be seen by others.
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Impact of Prior DUI Convictions on Subsequent Charges
DUI convictions are not simply ignored by the DMV and court system in California. DUIs are priorable offenses. Each time you are convicted of a DUI, the penalties you face can increase. For example, a first DUI conviction can result in:
- Jail Time: Up to six months
- License Suspension: Up to one year
- Fines: Up to $2,000
If you are convicted of another DUI within 10 years of your first conviction, you could be sentenced to:
- Jail Time: Up to one year
- License Suspension: Up to two years
- Fines: Up to $2,500
These penalties can continue to increase if you are convicted of more DUIs in the state of California.
DUI Convictions Add Points to Your Driver’s License
In addition to remaining on your driving record, a DUI conviction will add points directly to your driver’s license. DUI convictions generally add two points to your driver’s license. The DMV can suspend your license if you accrue:
- Four points in a one year
- Six points in two years
- Eight points in three years
This means that, if you are convicted of a DUI, you could have your license suspended right off the bat for a year. You will also have two points added to your driver’s license. These points remain even after your license suspension is completed.
If you are then ticketed for speeding or committing another traffic violation that adds points to your license, you could face another license suspension.
Maintaining Your Driving Privileges After a DUI Conviction
Losing your driving privileges following a DUI arrest can put you in a difficult position. Many individuals in California rely on their vehicles to get to work, for example. You may be able to continue operating your vehicle with a restricted license after a DUI conviction.
Sometimes, the court will allow you to operate your vehicle if you install an ignition interlock device (IID). These devices are personal breathalyzers. You breathe into these devices before trying to turn on your vehicle. If the IID reports that your blood alcohol content (BAC) is within the legal limits, your vehicle will start.
Note that installing an IID will not remove DUI convictions from your driving record. Nor do IIDs take points off of your driver’s license. However, they may allow you to continue using your vehicle after a DUI conviction in Los Angeles.
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Handling DUI Charges in California
A DUI accusation will not impact your driving record in California if the charges are dismissed or if you are found not guilty in court. A criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles can work to build a defense for you if you are accused of a DUI.
The team at the Simmrin Law Group understands what it takes to protect your driving privileges if you are accused of a DUI. We may be able to demonstrate that:
- Your BAC tests returned false-positive results
- You were stopped without due cause by a law enforcement officer
- You were not operating a vehicle while inebriated
Let us begin working on your defense right now. Our team can defend you in and out of the courtroom, so contact us today.
Speak with a DUI Lawyer in Los Angeles to Get Help
A DUI lawyer in Los Angeles can help you understand how a DUI will affect your California driving record. A legal professional can also focus on constructing a strong defense for the DUI charges you are facing. Learn more by reaching out to the Simmrin Law Group now for a FREE case evaluation.
Take charge of your future by calling (310) 896-2723 or filling out our online contact form.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form