You may be released on bail or on your own recognizance after an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) in California. The court releases you with the expectation that you will return for all your court hearings, so your charges can be resolved.
Drivers who do not attend their DUI hearings can end up facing legal consequences, including fines and jail time. Use this article to find out how long you’ll go to jail if you fail to appear to your DUI hearing. Call (310) 896-2723 to review the best way to handle DUI and failure to appear charges with the Simmrin Law Group.
California Uses Criminal Charges for Failure to Appear
Missing a DUI hearing is not just impolite in California. You can actually face criminal charges in this situation under Vehicle Code Section 40508. Per VC 40508, you may be charged with a misdemeanor if you:
- Do not appear for a court hearing
- Do not pay your bail
- Do not pay fines ordered by the court
- Do not obey all other court regulations
The penalties for a VC 40508 conviction can include fines of up to $1,000. You may also be sent to jail for up to six months if you are convicted of failure to appear to a DUI hearing in the state of California.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
Failure to Appear and Bench Warrants in California
You may be wondering how the court will locate you if you do not come to a DUI hearing in California. The judge in your case can issue a bench warrant in this situation. The warrant will be placed on your public record. It allows police officers to:
- Visit your home to arrest you
- Visit your place of business to arrest you
- Arrest you if you are stopped for a traffic violation
Once you are arrested, you will be brought before a judge to resolve your bench warrant. You may be placed in jail if arrested on a bench warrant.
Face DUI Charges Head-On in California
The experts recommend that you do not try to handle a DUI charge in California by avoiding it. Generally, it’s in your best interest to contact a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles as soon as you are arrested for a DUI.
A legal professional can begin working on your DUI case right away to improve your odds of successfully resolving the charges. The team at the Simmrin Law Group can also help you keep track of important dates, including your DUI hearings, so you do not face charges for failure to appear.
You can rely on us to:
- Thoroughly investigate your case
- Speak with witnesses and gather evidence
- Assess any plea bargains you are offered
- Defend you in the courtroom
Start getting legal assistance today by calling us at (310) 896-2723.
Attending a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Hearing
Drivers accused of a DUI in California also have the right to request a hearing with the DMV within 10 days of their arrest. You are not legally required to request this hearing and you will not face criminal charges if you do not request the hearing.
However, the DMV can automatically suspend your license 30 days after your arrest if you do not request a hearing. It is often in your best interest to request the hearing and to allow a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles to help you handle the proceedings.
Completing your DMV hearing can allow you to keep your driving privileges. The DMV hearing can also give your lawyer a chance to question the police officer who arrested you. This can improve the strength of your DUI defense in the state of California.
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Get Help with Charges for Failure to Appear for a DUI
You don’t have to face charges for failure to appear on your own. Sometimes, drivers intend to attend their DUI hearings and cannot. A lawyer could build your defense to these charges if you were hospitalized at the time of the hearing, already in jail, or involved in military service.
Find out more about your legal options to resolve failure to appear charges without jail time by contacting the Simmrin Law Group now.
Legal Professionals Can Help if You Fail to Appear to Your DUI Hearing
You can face six months of jail time if you fail to appear to your DUI hearing. Avoid charges for failure to appear by handling DUI charges quickly with the Simmrin Law Group. Allow us to focus on your defense now. Contact us by completing our online contact form or calling (310) 896-2723.
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