The court system in California can place drivers convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) on probation. Drivers may also face other penalties, including fines and time in jail. This article focuses on DUI probation requirements in Los Angeles.
Find out how long drivers stay on probation after a DUI in Los Angeles right here. The Simmrin Law Group can also help you go over probation regulations and the penalties for violating DUI probation. Review your options for ending DUI probation early by calling us at (310) 896-2723.
DUI Probation in Los Angeles Lasts for Years
Drivers convicted of a DUI in California can face three to five years of summary (or “informal”) probation. While on informal probation, drivers are not generally required to work with a probation officer. However, they must still obey all probation regulations handed down by the court.
Note that the court only offers probation for misdemeanor DUI charges. Additionally, the amount of probation stays the same for drivers convicted of subsequent DUIs. All drivers can face three-to-five years of probation following a DUI conviction.
Regulations on DUI Probation in Los Angeles
The court sets out regulations that govern probation in DUI cases. Drivers must obey all of these rules, or they will violate their probation. Probation violations are criminal acts that should be taken seriously in California.
Judges have some discretion for setting the terms of DUI probation. However, drivers given DUI probation are almost always required to:
- Only operate a vehicle if they have no measurable blood alcohol content (BAC)
- Automatically submit to BAC tests if they are stopped by a police officer
- Avoid the commission of other crimes during their probation
It is important that a driver fully understand the terms of their probation, so they can be obeyed. A criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles can review the regulations governing your probation. Call (310) 896-2723 to find out more.
Results of a DUI Probation Violation in California
Drivers who violate their DUI probation can face a number of harsh penalties. Probation violations for DUI charges are treated seriously in California. A judge may decide to:
- Restart a driver’s period of probation
- Add time to the driver’s probation
- Hand down new requirements for a driver to follow
- Revoke the driver’s probation and send them to jail
Taking DUI probation requirements seriously in Los Angeles can reduce the odds that a driver will be accused of violating their probation.
Other Penalties for a DUI Arrest in California
Probation is only one of the penalties used to prosecute DUI charges in Los Angeles. Drivers who are convicted of a DUI may also be required to:
- Pay fines to the court
- Spend time in jail or prison
- Install an ignition interlock device (IID) on their vehicle
- Attend an alcohol treatment program / DUI school
DUIs are priorable in the state of California. This means that most of the penalties associated with DUI charges increase if a driver faces a subsequent conviction. While a driver with a second misdemeanor DUI offense can also be sentenced to three-to-five years of probation, fines, jail time, and license restrictions increase with each conviction.
Los Angeles DUIs and Early Termination of Probation
Some drivers in California may be able to petition the court to end their probation early. There are a number of reasons for drivers to want end probation. Most commonly, drivers seek this option if they worry that the probation will:
- Make it difficult for them to find a job
- Decrease their odds of securing housing
- Lead to the denial of security clearance for a job
California Penal Code Section 1203.3 allows drivers to petition the court to terminate their probation early. Drivers will be more likely to secure the termination of their probation if:
- They committed no additional criminal acts
- They completed alcohol education programs
- They paid all fines ordered by the court
- They adhered to any other probation regulations
A DUI lawyer in Los Angeles can assess your situation to find out if the early termination of DUI probation is possible in your case. The team at the Simmrin Law Group is ready to focus on your legal needs today.
Speak to a Lawyer About DUI Probation in Los Angeles
DUI probation in Los Angeles can last for three-to-five years. You may be able to terminate your probation early by working with a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles. The Simmrin Law Group is ready to help you handle DUI charges before and after a conviction. Call (310) 896-2723 or fill out our online contact form to find out more.
Focus on your future after a DUI conviction by contacting us for a FREE case evaluation.