Do you lose your California driver’s license after a DUI conviction?
The state of California takes driving under the influence very seriously, and has put mandatory penalties for a DUI arrest and/or conviction into place. Besides potential jail time and fines, you will lose your California driver’s license after a DUI conviction. How long you lose it for depends on your individual case.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI, don’t delay in seeking legal advice from a Los Angeles DUI lawyer. Working with an experienced DUI lawyer can help you get the best possible outcome in your case. The Simmrin Law Group has experienced lawyers who specialize in DUI cases, and we may be able to help get your charges reduced, or even dismissed. If the case against you is strong, we may still be able to get your penalties reduced.
A DUI Arrest Results in an Automatic Suspension
In California, if you are pulled over and ultimately charged with DUI, your California driver’s license is automatically suspended per the Department of Motor Vehicle regulations concerning DUI arrests. The police officer will confiscate your license after your arrest. If you have an out of state driver’s license, the officer will not confiscate your license, but in both cases, the officer will issue you a pink temporary driver’s license.
The DMV suspension or revocation is an immediate administrative action the state takes against your driving privileges only. This is called Administrative Per Se (APS). This administrative action is totally separate from any penalties handed down by the courts, which may include fines, jail time, further suspension of your license, and mandatory treatment programs. Once your DUI case has made it through the legal system, you will have to pay additional reinstatement fees to get your license back. If you are found not guilty of ‘DUI or the charges are dropped, your driver’s license will be returned to you with no required fee.
Possible Penalties for a DUI Conviction in California
Potential penalties for a DUI conviction in California get progressively harsher if it is your second, third, or even fourth DUI arrest. While jail time and fines can be hard to deal with, losing your driver’s license can sometimes be even more of a hardship, especially if you have a long commute or drive for a living. While every case is different, if you’re convicted, you may face the following penalties:
For a First DUI Offense
- Your license may be suspended anywhere from 1 month to 1 year.
- You may be sentenced to jail time anywhere from 2 days to 6 months.
- You may be assessed a Fine of up to $2,000.
- You may face a mandatory completion of a shorter alcohol treatment program.
For a Second DUI Offense
- Your license may be suspended anywhere from 90 days to 2 years.
- You may be sentenced to jail time anywhere from 4 days to 1 year.
- You may be assessed a fine of up to $2,500.
- You may face a mandatory completion of an 18-month alcohol treatment program.
For a Third DUI Offense
- Your license may be suspended up to 3 years
- You may be sentenced to jail time anywhere from 120 days to 1 year.
- You may be assessed a fine of up to $3,000.
- You may face a mandatory completion of an 18-month alcohol treatment program.
In addition, Los Angeles is one of four pilot counties that requires you install an Ignition Interlock Device in your vehicle if you are convicted of a DUI. The Ignition Interlock Device is a breathalyzer in your own vehicle that will require you to blow a BAC below the legal limit in order for your car to start.
Permanent Revocation of Your License After a DUI Conviction
There are certain cases where you may permanently lose your California driver’s license after a DUI conviction. They include:
4th Offense DUI Conviction
Upon a fourth DUI conviction, the state of California will revoke your license forever, regardless of the time that has passed since your prior DUI convictions.. If you are a commercial driver, you might lose your commercial driver’s license (CDL) permanently with your second DUI conviction.
DUI with Serious Injury Conviction
You would face this charge if a DUI caused an auto accident that led to a serious injury. The judge will decide what happens with your license if you are convicted of this DUI charge. You could face a minimum of three years of suspension or the judge could revoke your license permanently.
DUI Manslaughter Conviction
You might face a DUI manslaughter charge if your DUI resulted in someone’s death. If you’re convicted of DUI Manslaughter, the judge will suspend your license for three years or more. In some cases the judge will revoke your license permanently.
DUI Murder Conviction
If someone died as a result of your DUI, you could be charged with DUI Manslaughter or DUI Murder. DUI Murder, also known as the Watson Murder Law is the most serious charge and implies a conscious disregard for human life. If you are convicted of DUI Murder, your license will be revoked for life.
Contact a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer for a FREE Consultation
Whatever the circumstance of your DUI case are, you need a lawyer working with you to help make sure you get the best possible outcome for you and your family. If you or a loved one has already been convicted of DUI, and you want to appeal, you need an experienced Los Angeles DUI appeals lawyer on your side. Call the Simmrin Law Group at 310-997-4688 or use our contact form for a free case evaluation. We’re available to help you 24/7.