License suspension is one of the most inconvenient punishments of a DUI conviction.
Additional Punishments for DUI
You face many different penalties if you receive a guilty verdict of driving under the influence (DUI) in California.
These penalties include:
- suspension of your driver’s license,
- fines,
- jail time, and
- mandatory drug or alcohol rehabilitation classes. While these legal penalties seem overwhelming, they often lead to other problems. These “indirect punishments” are often much worse than the actual legal penalties.
For example, if you get convicted for DUI in California, you will face a 6 month license suspension, if it was your first drunk driving offense. While difficult to deal with on its own, losing your driver’s license for 6 months – especially in such a driving-intense part of the country as California – can lead to other problems, too. If you need to drive to work, like nearly everyone in the state, losing your license can seriously impact your employment. Even if you don’t lose your job, you’ll be facing a difficult 6 months getting to and from work, relying on public transportation, or on friends and family. This can make you stressed, and can create tension in the personal relationships that matter the most.
There are ways to prevent this.
California Restricted Driver’s License
In California, you can get a restricted driver’s license after serving 30 days of your license suspension for your first DUI conviction. This restricted license allows you to drive to, from, and during work, as well as to and from any rehabilitation classes that you’re required to attend as part of your DUI conviction. While this doesn’t mean that you have complete driving privileges, it does take much of the strain off of not being able to drive after a DUI conviction.
Follow These Guidelines following License Suspension:
- enroll in a rehabilitation program,
- serve 30 days of your license suspension, and
- file an SR-22 form, showing that you have insurance.
Once you’ve done this, you can go to a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and pick up a restricted license after paying the $125 DMV reissue fee.
Sometimes, courts require installation of an Ignition Interlock device in your car. This allows the driver to drive on a restricted license. This device is, essentially, an on-board breathalyzer that requires a breath sample in order to start your car.
Unfortunately, a restricted license punishment not optional in some cases. For example, it is not an option if you refuse to take a breathalyzer at time of arrest for DUI. Additionally, failure to complete your rehabilitation classes also results in your license revocation.
While the restricted license does limit where and when you can drive, it does allow you to get to and from work. This transportation can be the difference between keeping and losing your job. Don’t let a DUI conviction ruin your life. Call the DUI lawyers at The Kavinoky Law Firm. We have the top criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles.
1.800.NO.CUFFS for a free consultation.
